How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, while bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While the 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. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over 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 material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather for their products. couches leather like seats, armrests, and backs, are made from real leather, while the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a typical practice, and even if the sofa has an authentic leather label You should examine it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another warning sign. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may give you an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will feel rough to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't date quickly. This is a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something contemporary. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.
Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the sofa. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be 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 is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use a couch, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.