This Week s Most Popular Stories About Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple style and premium genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real curved leather sofa from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information, 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 state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.

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

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. Additionally, you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Look at the back

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

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain Reupholster leather couch, it will still have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.

Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact parts such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to inspect it up close. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather couches leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's genuine.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that will never go out of style, and it's still accessible at a variety of price points.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those who have small leather sofa spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.

You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the contact.

Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather l couch conditioner. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.