Undisputed Proof You Need Genuine Leather Sofa
Author : Flindt Thiesen | Published On : 07 Jun 2024
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great option for any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have 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 examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. Furthermore you will be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling 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 supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas' such as the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to meet up close and close to it. Examine 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
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you see this on 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 the label might provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in various prices.
For a classic leather couch that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical 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's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not real. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home.
You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or it's bonded.
You can also open up one of the cushions and examine the backing. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and check the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.
