20 Misconceptions About Real Leather Couch: Busted

How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

It can be difficult to determine if are buying genuine leather sofas due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to check the back.

For instance, one sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE was tested with contact areas (such as arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery but the non-contact areas were made up of coated polyester and cotton.

1. Smell

A genuine leather corner couch sofa should smell rich and natural. Faux leather however typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch smells bad it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will remove any smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather and make it soft, less brittle, and more resistant to odors.

Baking soda is an excellent natural odor eliminator that can be used to remove unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it or replace it with a new one. Alternately, you can pour the solution in a spray bottle and spritz it on your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping again.

Another way to get rid of the smells of your leather is by airing it out. If possible, set the sofa outside in a sun-lit area to let it air out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors, and provide it with a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors completely then you should consider buying a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from taking in unpleasant odors and keep it looking good for a longer time.

While the scent of natural leather is appealing but it can be difficult to maintain. As time passes, leather will absorb odors, such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors can be hard to eliminate particularly if you have pets or children. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't hold the odors as fabric upholstery can, making them an ideal choice for households with active families.

If your couch smells akin to a pee-soaked puppy, it's important to get the problem addressed immediately. Use the tips mentioned above or a product such as Leather Honey to fix the problem. The best solution is to stop the problem from occurring therefore, make sure to train your dog to not pee on your couch.

2. Feel

There are some clues to look for when shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. The scent can fade as you age but it should remain evident when the sofa is brand new.

A genuine leather sofa should feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers on the other hand are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test this try pressing your fingertips onto the sofa's surface and check for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely to be faux-leather or bonded.

Another indicator is if you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.

The quality of a frame for a sofa can have a significant effect on its longevity but this isn't always evident. Find out what kind of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose the right sofa that has an extended lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and costly option, while engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. For added durability, a hardwood frame should also be kiln dried to prevent warping and mildew.

If you're on a tight budget There are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas that you could still be captivated by. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile option that's often on sale and can easily be customized to fit your home.

The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic look and is available in a wide variety of fabrics that are stain-resistant. The sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions tend to slide down.

3. Backing

Real pure leather sofa couches are an exception to other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and stand up to wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They last for a long time. They also tend to resist staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust, so they don't need more frequent maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. As with any other purchase, it's essential to be aware of the dangers before making a final decision.

If you're unsure whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric, you should first check the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will inform you the exact type of material it is. However, you should also utilize your own senses to assist you in making the right choice if you don't find any information on the composition of the material used in the sofa.

The sofa's surface is worth a close examination and pay attention to the patterns, shading and texture. A genuine leather sofa (visit this backlink) has natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in its structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or if it has a mesh-like backing instead of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.

Another good test is to check the back of the cushion casing. If you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it isn't genuine leather. The reason is that animal hides are limited in their size, and are only cut to a certain big. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.

If you are able to, lift up an area and examine the padding on the back. If the back of padding is covered in polyurethane or a weave, then this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and coarse when the touch is made.

4. Patterns

A genuine leather sofa is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. In addition, a modern tanning process provides it with the added strength to withstand cracks and sagging. And because each hide has its own unique patterns, grain, and blemishes, every leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.

The best way to know whether the leather you're purchasing is genuine is to examine it in person. For a better understanding of the authenticity, look at the surface texture patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it's likely to be faux or bound.

A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a common characteristic of bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making furniture.

Finally, check the back of the couch to see one or two stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather has been constructed with care to last. If there are no seams, and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather couch.

Once you've confirmed that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to match it with other living room furniture. For a sleek, unified style, match your sofa with other wooden furniture and line it with pillows that match the colors in your room. Or, you can opt for a fluid, acoustic layout by placing your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and an occasional table.

Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or forming scratches. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment, apply a leather protector agent once or twice per year.