There Is No Doubt That You Require Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery reupholster leather Couch upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. In addition you will be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine cheap leather sofa will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that add 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 regularly condition it with a leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a common practice, and even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label be sure to examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is common with faux leather, but if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Labels and pricing can give you a hint, but the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Real leather is not perfect and should be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is genuine.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.

For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be on the pricey side, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. This is a great option for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.

If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.

You can determine the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded small leather sofa will have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real cheap leather sofa.

Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.

The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa and the more you use it, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.