Genuine Leather Sofa: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple style and premium genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Rough edges.

1. Check the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some stores have been known to disguise PVC as genuine vegan leather couch.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!

The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has 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 wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still be bumpy.

You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather sofas near me 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 by applying a leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The contact areas like seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a typical practice and even if the sofa has an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but if it's on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.

The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of style. It's also available in different prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater model is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something more contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine comfy leather couch (xintangtc.com) 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 smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it isn't genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed.

You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.

Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best method is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a couch and the more you use it, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.