How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. However not all leather sofas are created to be the same. In fact, some stores have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position 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 can become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. faux leather sofa can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A quality leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if the sofa has an authentic leather label be sure to examine it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and close to it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional 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 on the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.
The price and label may give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that will never ever go out of fashion, and it's still available at a range of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those with small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something more modern. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made.
You can test the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.