10 Things You Learned From Kindergarden That Will Help You Get Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine 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 is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made to be the same. 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 know the various types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still verify its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.
You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. In addition, you should be able to feel the 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 faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.
2. Look to the back
If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up-close and intimate with it. The smell, feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have a few 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 like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking over time.
Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice however, even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label You should examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as 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 inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a 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 materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and label may give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy and is accessible at a variety of price points.
Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine form and function. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.
You can test the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the touch.
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 will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.