How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather sofas for sale from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Check the label
Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that’s hard to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
To avoid being scammed, it’s essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than happy to provide you with this information, so don’t hesitate to inquire!
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn’t have a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While the genuine leather couch sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart It’s a wise investment as it will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. You can limit the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. 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 inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it’s essential to get up-close and intimate with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won’t feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making 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 will still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it’s genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when it’s new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The ‘contact areas’, like the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it’s important to be able to get close and close to it. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it’s not genuine leather.
3 seater leather couch. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn’t totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is common in faux leather but when it’s seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
Labels and pricing can provide a clue, but the only way to determine is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it’s made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It’s elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it’s easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of fashion. It’s also available in a variety of prices.
If you’re looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It’s a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.
If you’re looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you’re looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it’s not real. This is often caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it’s been manufactured.
You can determine the quality of distressed leather sofa by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely Faux Leather Couch or made of bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it’s an indication that the sofa isn’t real leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the couch. The faux leather 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 couch.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use a couch and the more you use it, the more it’ll need to be maintained. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather’s softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.