20 Myths About Genuine Leather Sofa: Dispelled
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is used in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather modular lounge protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact' areas like seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact parts such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another warning sign. This is common in faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will feel rough to the touch. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy and is still available at a range of price points.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. The two-seater might be quite expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those with limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine leather pull out couch sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. This mid-century-modern leather Sofa set-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
You can determine the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the feel.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best leather sofa. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.