25 Surprising Facts About Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. 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 tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.
Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get close and close to it. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. 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 real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A quality leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas like the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a common practice, and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels be sure to examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and close to it. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.
For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has 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 along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If real leather couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.