How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with any label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves 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 leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A quality leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a common practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label be sure to examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to look it over. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can give you a hint, but the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. Real leather is not perfect and should feel uneven to the feel. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in different prices.
For a classic leather couch that will last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend design and function. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a step up from Ikea's faux- leather couch , which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonding.
You can also open up one of the cushions and examine the back. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic, the best way is to place it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a sofa, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.
