This Week s Top Stories About Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain tufted leather sofa, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!

The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still verify its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.

Another way to check the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft leather sofa and smooth texture, whereas faux leather 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 will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it with a leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact' areas like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine deep leather couch, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain method to determine is to touch the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't go out of style and is available at a range of prices.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those with limited space, since it comes in 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 mid century modern leather sofa - see post --century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been made.

A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or bonding.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.