How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Check the label
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with a label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. In addition, you should be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.
When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label, you should check it closely to see what the backing is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. While many faux leather couches use different fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh 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. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. The two-seater is expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows 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 an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.
A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic, the best way is to place it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.