The Biggest “Myths” About Genuine Leather Sofa Could Actually Be Accurate

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa is a great option for any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery. Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges. 1. Labels are crucial Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather. To avoid being ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information. The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with the purchase. If the sofa doesn't come with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded. You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. Furthermore you will be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather. A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, 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 soft. 2. Take a look at the back If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators. If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather. leather sofas for sale to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps. You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack with time. Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream. To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact' areas, such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane 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's genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather. 3. Take a look at the seat The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich, natural smell. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather. If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided. Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. small leather couch is not perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made with authentic materials. A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different prices. Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. The two-seater might be on the pricey side however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great option for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms. If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome 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. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it isn't genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home. A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded. You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather. Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should 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 check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather. When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.