How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing distressed leather couch from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are crucial
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
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. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.
To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with the purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
Another way to check the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get close and personal with it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.
Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to have some bumps.
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 a little similar to human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. A quality leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a warning sign. This is typical with faux leather but if it's on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.
The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy, and it's still available in a variety of prices.
For a timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. This is a great choice for those who have limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.
If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.
You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or it's bonded.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the contact.
Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the sofa. The faux leather and bonded leather 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 sofa.
When deciding on the grade 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 your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.