How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. leather sofa set should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up-close and close to it. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact portions like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see what the backing is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at 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 materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels may provide a clue however the only way to determine is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that won't go out of style, and it's still available in a variety of price points.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.