10 Quick Tips About Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real luxury leather sofa set from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference between real and Faux Leather Couch: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are important

Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off 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 the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!

The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position 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 It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up-close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather pull out couch, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas like seats and armrests as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an excellent indicator of the quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't entirely 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 couches leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another warning sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, 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 children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that will never be trendy and is still available in a variety of prices.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. Although this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine functionality and form. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.

You can test the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.

You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the sofa. 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 is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa and the more you use it, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.