How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are essential
Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also robust, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas , however, are created equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position 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 its imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up close and close to it. The smell, texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.
The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will feel rough to the feel. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that will never be trendy, and it's still available at a range of price points.
For a timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.
You can check the quality of leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.