20 Fun Informational Facts About Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on prices and descriptions of products, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather couch. You should get close to the couch and examine it with care. Feel, smell, and flip the cushion to check out the backing.
For instance, a 'leather and fabric Sofa couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather while 'non contact' areas were made up of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather however, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant, it could be due to urine from pets. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels and make it more supple and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against odors.
You can also use an organic odor remover such as baking soda to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather couch. If the cloth begins to accumulate dirt, you can either wring it or replace it with a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it over again.
Airing out your leather is another natural way to remove the smell. Place the sofa in a sun-lit area to air out. This will help eliminate any unwanted smells and give the sofa an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant smells altogether, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in unpleasant odors and keep it looking nice for longer.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing, it can be difficult to keep clean. In time, it may absorb odors from smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors can be difficult to get rid of, especially if you have children or pets. Fortunately, leather couches don't trap these odors in the same way that fabrics can make them a great choice for families with active families.
It's important to take action immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy urine. You can try some of the suggestions above or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. The best way to treat the issue is to avoid the issue, so make sure you train your dog to never pee on your couch.
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There are some clues to look for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable way to determine whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Real leather has a distinct natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. This aroma can dull with age but it is impossible to miss it when the couch is brand new.
A genuine comfy leather couch sofa should be warm and comfortable to touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a the impression of plastic. To test this test, gently press your fingers on the sofa's surface and feel for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely bonded or faux-leather.
If you see vertical seams that are stitched on the back of sofas, this is another dead giveaway. This means that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame on leather couches can have a major impact on its lifespan, but it's not always clear. To make sure you're getting a sofa that will last, ask what type of wood is used to construct the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive option, while engineered or particle board frames aren't as robust. To ensure durability, wood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're on a tight budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you love. For example, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often on sale and can be easily customized to fit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that is a classic style and comes in a variety of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3 seater leather sofa. Backing
Real leather couches are an exception to other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely robust and withstand wear and tear much better than fabric, making them last for years to come. They also are resistant to staining and spills, and are less likely to attract allergens and dust and therefore don't require as much regular care and cleaning. However, just like anything else in life, there are a few pitfalls when it comes to buying a leather sofa - and it pays to be aware of what to look for before making your final choice.
If you are not sure if your new couch is made of leather or fabric it is best to first look at the materials tag on the frame. This will inform you the exact type of material it is. If you can't find any information regarding the couch's material composition, you can use your senses to make an informed decision.
A key indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading, and patterns in greater detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or if it has a mesh-like backing in place of coarse suede, it's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching pattern on the back, it is not real leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. To ensure the best quality of their products, the top manufacturers will always stitch and sew through the entire back of a sofa to ensure that it's genuine leather and not fake or bonded leather.
If you can, lift up an area and examine the padding on the back. If the back of padding is covered with a woven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the sofa 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 with good reason. The soft, natural look and feel can elevate any living room. Modern tanning methods give it extra durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sliding. And because each hide has distinctive markings, grain, and blemishes, every leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
While labels and prices are great pointers however, the best way to know if you're buying genuine leather is to get up close and personal with it. For a better understanding of the authenticity of the leather, take a 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 visible blemishes on it, then it is likely to be fake or bonding.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to create the furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of small leather sofa that's been carefully constructed to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the couch's back appears like a continuous piece of cloth, it's likely to be a low-quality faux or leather couch that has been bonded.
If you've decided that a sofa is genuine leather The next step is to match it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. For a crisp, coordinated style, match your sofa with other furniture made of wood and accent it with pillows that echo the colors in your space. Or, you can opt for a comfortable, lively layout by placing your couch across from other pieces with an occasional table.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to prevent it from fading or forming scuffs. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent every other year.