How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to check the authenticity of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. Additionally you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
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 them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice, and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Smell leather couch set , touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to know for sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it isn't genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.