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 high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Look at the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with any label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't 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 in order to save money. The contact areas like seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact parts like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a standard practice, and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine 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 leather sofa , but it is important to look it over. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may give you an idea, but the only way to be sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the feel. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is quite expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home.
You can check the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best method is to place it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.