How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that’s difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather couches Under $500 sofas are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn’t have a label you can still verify its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart It’s a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn’t inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and close to it. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won’t feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. 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 genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it’s able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it’s brand new. However, it shouldn’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 to save money. The ‘contact’ areas such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has an authentic leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn’t true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine vegan leather sofa sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it’s not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa’s seat is a good indicator of quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch, but isn’t completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another warning sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice 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.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They’re elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It’s also 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 go out of style. It’s also available in different prices.
Consider the Pottery Barn’s Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it’s constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won’t age quickly. It’s a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
If you’re looking for something bit more contemporary leather sofa, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea’s faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE’s “Shonky” award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It’s a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you’re looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it’s not real. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it’s been constructed.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It also feels warm to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the couch. 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 utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to maintain the leather’s suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.