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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Our Home Page love its simple design and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. In fact, some stores have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with your 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 by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to be bumpy.
You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact areas like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that will never ever go out of fashion and is accessible at a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be expensive but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small 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 mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it isn't genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It also feels warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining 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 will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.