How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Check the label
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. modern leather sofa should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with any label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more 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 its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. 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 present in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and marks. A quality leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if the couch has an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to look it over. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich, natural smell. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel uneven to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that will never be trendy, and it's still available at a range of price points.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across 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 fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather 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.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.