How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to 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. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Additionally, you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. 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 heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. mid century modern leather couch can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up-close and intimate with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
mid century leather sofa will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
The label and price may provide an idea but the only certain method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy and is accessible at a variety of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. This two-seater may be expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that combine design and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not genuine. Most often, this is 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.
You can test the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
You can also take one of the cushions and examine 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 is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best method is to place it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.