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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are important

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It’s also durable and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. leather couches for sale should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you’re dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn’t have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you’re dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, 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 end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn’t tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it’s important to get up close and personal with it. The smell, feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather won’t feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates 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 leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it’s genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This means it’s capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn’t become dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it’s brand new. However, it won’t dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The ‘contact’ areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact portions like the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice however, even if the couch has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it’s not genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs 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 an additional indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn’t completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it’s a warning sign. This is common in faux leather but if it’s on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels may give you an idea, but the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it’s made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it’s stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It’s also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it’s that it’s a classic style that won’t be trendy and is available in a variety of prices.

For a timeless leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive, it’s crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won’t age quickly. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in almost any room.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It’s an improvement over Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It’s a natural, organic scent that can’t be replicated. If the sofa you’re trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it isn’t genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it’s most likely fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather’s suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.