10 Quick Tips About Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers are even 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 difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still verify 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 determine whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is used in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather 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 it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that won't go out of style and is available in a variety of prices.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. The two-seater is quite expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All modern leather sofa set Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the luxury leather sofa set is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions and look at the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded tufted leather sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.