How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To identify a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.
If leather chaise lounge doesn't have a label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.
Another way to check the authenticity of a sofa is touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. You can limit 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 conditioners. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.
2. Check out the back
If the label does not tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have some bumps.
You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and personal with it. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is genuine.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't date quickly. This is a great option for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
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-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that blend functionality and form. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it isn't genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.
A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.
You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the contact.
Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
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 utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.