7 Little Changes That'll Make A Huge Difference In Your Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. 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, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate inquire!
The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
Another way to check 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 rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. 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 does not identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. sofasandcouches.com , texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine, 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 cracking as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas, such as seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and intimate with it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is genuine.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something a bit more modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also take one of the cushions and inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the feel.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
Consider 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, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.