Genuine Leather Sofa: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Check the label

Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equally. 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 full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate inquire!

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with any label however, you can still 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 to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.

Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up close and personal with it. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

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. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather sofa set clearance, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact, such as seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact parts, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if a couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use various fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather, but when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Pricing and labels may give you an idea, but the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that will never be trendy and is available in a variety of prices.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner tufted leather sofa sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.

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

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. faux leather couch [you can try www.xuetu123.com] and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather couch set.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize a sofa and the more you use it, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a vegan leather sofa conditioner. This will help keep the light leather couch's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.