How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and premium genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. Furthermore you will be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. l shape leather sofa , feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact areas, such as base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another warning sign. This is typical with faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices.
For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't date quickly. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you take it home.
You can test the quality of leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It also feels warm to the contact.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.