How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are made to be the same. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still check its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Furthermore you will feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material 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 real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice and even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label, you should check it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and close to it. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a obvious sign. This is typical with faux leather, but if it's on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The label and price may give you an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style and is accessible at a variety of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those with smaller rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the sofa. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.