What NOT To Do With The Genuine Leather Sofa Industry

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine reupholster leather couch.

To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. You can reduce the damage caused by the 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 in good shape and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still be bumpy.

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

Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. A genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather couches leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to actually touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy and is still available at a range of price points.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. The two-seater is on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.

One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonding.

You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the backing. The faux and leather sofas bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It also feels warm to the feel.

The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of distressed leather couch, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a couch, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.