How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like 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 faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The smell, feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it is seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be on the pricey side but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those who have limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it isn't genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just like 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 look at the back. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support 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 real leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine the best method is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.