How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and close to it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another obvious sign. This is common in faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The label and price may provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style, and it's still accessible at a variety of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. Although this two-seater is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. This is a great option for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
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 sofa features an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you have it at home.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
Alternatively, real leather sofa can take one of the cushions and examine the back. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm to the touch.
Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize a sofa in a given time, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.