Guide To Real Leather Couch: The Intermediate Guide For Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to determine if you are purchasing genuine leather sofas due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and examine it closely. Smell, touch and turn the cushion over to examine the back.
For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the armrests and seats) with genuine leather. The the non-contact areas were a mix of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should smell rich, natural and luxurious. False leather, however, is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch is smelling unpleasant smell, it could be caused by stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you're not pleased with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will help restore moisture to the leather and make it more supple, less fragile, and more resistant against odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to remove unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth begins to absorb dirt, squeeze it out or swap for another. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it again.
The process of airing out your leather is another way to remove smells. If you can, place the couch outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will eliminate any unpleasant smells and give the sofa a natural, fresh scent.
If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, you can buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from soaking up odors and keep it smelling nice for longer.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to maintain. In time, it may absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, and even body smell. These odors can be hard to eliminate, especially when you have pets or children. Real leather couches do not trap these odors as fabric upholstery can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
It is crucial to act immediately when your couch smells as if it was soaked in puppy urine. You can use the tips given above or a product such as Leather Honey to fix the problem. Prevention is the best option however, so make sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
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There are some clues to look for when buying leather furniture, but the most reliable way to determine whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has a distinct natural scent that is unmistakable. The scent can fade as time passes however, it should be evident when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a plasticky feel. To test, gently press your fingers against the surface of a couch and feel for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the material is probably bonded or faux leather.
If you notice vertical seams that are stitched on the back of sofas, this is another sign of a fake. This means that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine modern leather sofa couches are characterized by this.
The quality of a sofa's frame can have a major impact on its durability but this isn't always evident. Ask what type of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose an item that has longevity for a long time. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames will be less sturdy. To ensure durability, wood frames should be dried kiln to avoid mildew or warping.
If you are on a budget it is possible to find a genuine leather sofa that you love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile choice that's usually on sale and can easily be adapted to your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which has a classic design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabric. However, this sofa requires assembly at home and its back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a certain aesthetic that other forms of upholstery just can't match. Leather sofas are extremely robust and withstand wear and tear far more than fabric, making them last for a long time to come. They also resist staining and spills, and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens, so they don't need the same amount of regular care and cleaning. Leather couches aren't any different. As with any other purchase, it's crucial to be aware of the risks before making a final decision.
If you're unsure whether your new couch is genuine leather, the first thing you need to do is look at the materials tag on the frame to find out what kind of fabric or leather modular sofa it's made from. But, you should use your own senses to make an informed decision if you are unable to discover any information regarding the material composition of the sofa.
The surface of the sofa should be examined closely and pay attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. A real leather couch is likely to have imperfections that are natural and will not be perfectly uniform in terms of structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of the coarse distressed leather couch, it's a clear indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching pattern on the back, it's not real leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. To ensure the highest quality of their products top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch throughout the back of a couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or cushion and inspect the back of the cushion. If the back of padding is covered by an unwoven material or polyurethane then this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and rough when touched.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The material's warm, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living room. A modern leather sofa tanning procedure gives it extra durability, so that it resists cracking or sagging. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive marks, grain and blemishes.
While prices and labels are great pointers but the best way to determine if you're buying genuine leather is to get close and personal with it. Check the texture, structure and pattern to get an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure is uniform and there are no noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux or bonded leather.
A polyurethane back on a sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a common characteristic of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and is backed by materials that closely resemble the fabric used in making furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch for two seater leather sofa or three stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that has been constructed with care to last. If there are no seams and the back appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded leather couch.
Once you've determined that the couch is authentic leather the next step is to pair it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. To create a clean, coordinated look, match your sofa to other wooden furniture and line it up with pillows that echo the colors of your living space. Or go for a more relaxed, dynamic layout by placing your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and the addition of a coffee table.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or developing scuffs. If you're looking to safeguard your investment by extending its lifespan, consider applying a leather protection agent once or twice a year.