How to Spot Sofas & Couches is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are crucial
Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it is real, 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 has a consistent pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and close to it. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use various fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive 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 fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another obvious sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic style that won't be trendy and is still available in a variety of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. The two-seater is quite expensive but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more modern. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of design and function. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. This is usually 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 leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to place it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use a sofa and the more you use it, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.