7 Simple Changes That Will Make A Huge Difference In Your Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Look at the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate ask!
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. Additionally, you should be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. You can limit the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and personal with it. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.
When leather sofa with chaise touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still be bumpy.
You can also test the quality of 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 capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather for their products. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from 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, take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with real top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.
A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that won't ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine design and function. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you take it home.
You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonded.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the sofa. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering 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.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.