20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials such as cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather lounge suite and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of contemporary leather sofa sofa is, it's important to get up-close and intimate with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have some bumps.
You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The areas that are 'contact, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and intimate with it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use different fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another dead giveaway. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
Pricing and labels can provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that won't go out of style and is available in a variety of prices.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't fade away. This is a great option for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something a bit more modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather chaise lounge is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also take one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated Faux Leather Couch or the bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a sofa, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.