The 10 Most Scariest Things About Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
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 perfect for allergy sufferers. However not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.
To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to know the various 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!
To identify a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with any label but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.
Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up close and close to it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.
Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Pricing and labels 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 personal with it. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine vegan leather couch.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. This is common with faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels may provide a clue, but the only way to know for sure is to get up close with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different 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 for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather corner sofa is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. Although this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather couch with chaise. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.
Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and examine the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather couches clearance (writes in the official Google blog) conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.