How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Check the label
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
To avoid being ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will 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 examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The smell, texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from real leather, while the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to get up close and intimate with it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and label may provide an idea but the only certain way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that won't go out of style, and it's still accessible at a variety of price points.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
If vegan leather couch looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain 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 running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or it's bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best method is to place it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm to the contact.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use a sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.