Ask Me Anything: 10 Answers To Your Questions About Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges. 1. Labels are crucial Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather. To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information. To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase. If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather. You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather. A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft. 2. Take a look at the back If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get close and intimate with it. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity. Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather. Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to be bumpy. You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. cheap leather couches allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes. Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream. To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact portions such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if a couch is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to inspect it up close. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather. 3. Take a look at the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use different fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch. mid century leather sofa isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather. If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another obvious sign. This is common in faux leather but if it's on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa. The price and label may provide an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made using genuine materials. A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that will never go out of style, and it's still available at a range of prices. For a timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't fade away. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms. If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015. 4. Look at the smell Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it isn't genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made. You can determine the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. cheap leather sofa will have lumps and bumps similar to the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or bonding. Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and look at the back. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It also feels warm to the contact. The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch. When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.