How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. In addition, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa restoration sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scars. Genuine Leather modular lounge (Telegra.ph) is soft and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not dry out or crack if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas like seats, armrests, and backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common 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 of, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to inspect it up close. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various fabrics for the upholstery, genuine vintage leather sofa has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. 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.
Pricing and labels may give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the feel. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is genuine.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy and is available at a range of prices.
For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern leather sofa, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid century modern leather sofa-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been made and even once you have it at home.
You can test the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
Alternatively, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will 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 over on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded rustic leather sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.