Why Nobody Cares About Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It can be difficult to determine if you are buying genuine leather couches due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and inspect it closely. Smell, touch and flip the cushion to see the back.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the seats and armrests) in genuine leather while non-contact areas were made of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather on the other hand typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad it could be due to pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will bring back the leather's moisture, making it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant to odors.
You can also use a natural odor eliminator like baking soda to get rid of unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your leather couch. If the cloth begins to accumulate dirt, you can wring it out or replace it with a fresh one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping again.
Another natural way to remove the smells from your leather is to air it out. If you can, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and also give the couch an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresh for longer by stopping it from taking in odors.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing but it can be difficult to maintain. In time, it may absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, and even body smell. These odors are hard to remove, especially when your home is occupied by children or pets. Genuine leather couches do not hold in these odors the way fabric upholstery can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
If your couch smells akin to an odor of a dog that has peed on it It's crucial to get the problem addressed immediately. Try some of the tips above, or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best solution however, so make sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Contact us with any questions.
There are a few clues to look out for when buying a leather sofa, however the most reliable method to determine whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Real leather has a distinct, natural scent that is unmistakable. The smell can fade as you age however, it should be clear when the couch is new.
A genuine leather couch should be warm and soft to touch. Bonded and faux leathers on the other hand tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test this try pressing your fingertips to the surface of the couch and check for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely to be faux-leather or bonded.
If you see vertical seams stitched across the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This indicates that the leather isn't one continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a leather frame of a sofa can have a major impact on its durability but it's not always obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used for the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames are less durable. To improve durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're shopping for a price that isn't too expensive, there are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas that you can nevertheless fall in love with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and versatile option that's often available for sale and can be adapted to your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which is classic in design and is available in a wide range of fade-resistant fabric. This modular sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a distinct appeal that other kinds of upholstery can't match. Leather sofas are extremely robust and withstand wear and tear far better than fabric, making them last for many years to come. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. However, just like anything else in life, there are some issues to be aware of when buying a leather couch and it pays to be aware of what to look for before you make your final choice.
If you're not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather sofa with chaise then you must first verify the tag that identifies the material on the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of material it is. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's material composition then you can utilize your senses to make the decision.
The most important indicator is to take a close look at the couch's surface and look at the texture, shading and patterns in detail. A genuine leather couch will have natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in terms of structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh backing appears instead of coarse leather, it's a dead giveaway of fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If it has stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, that's an indication that it isn't true leather. The reason is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and they can only be cut so large. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
Finally, if you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and examine the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered by a woven material or polyurethane it is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless design for reasons. The material's warm, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living space. Plus the mid century modern leather sofa tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive imperfections, markings, and grain.
The best way to tell whether the leather you are buying is genuine is to look at it up close. To get a better idea of the authenticity, look at the surface texture and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on it, then it is likely to be fake or bonding.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is a different indicator. This is a standard feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to create furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather was constructed with care to last. If there aren't any seams, and the rear looks like a continuous cloth, then it is likely to be a fake or bonded leather couch.
If you've concluded that a sofa is genuine leather The next step is to pair it up with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the colors of your space. You can also choose an energizing, relaxing arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces furniture with a coffeetable in between.
Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area to ensure it doesn't fade or leave scuff marks from direct sunlight. And if you want to safeguard your investment by prolonging its lifespan, think about applying a rustic leather sofa protector every two or three times a year.