How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great option for any room. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers adore its simple styling and premium genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake 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 crucial
Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have any label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like suede. Additionally, you will be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity and the ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it will still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over 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 can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a typical practice, and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up 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
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to determine is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct 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 elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that will never ever go out of fashion and is still available in a variety of price points.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. This is a great option for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a 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 a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that 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 duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or bonding.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. Sofas & Couches and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the sofa. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is 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 is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch and the more you use it, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter recommends 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.