How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic 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 helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Furthermore you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get close and personal with it. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
Labels and pricing can give you an idea however the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. l shape leather sofa has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion and is still accessible at a variety of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood 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. Take a look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.
You can check the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.