What Are The Reasons You Should Be Focusing On Improving Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. 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 type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. Furthermore, you should be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit 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 conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Look to the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather corner sofa is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.

Faux american leather sofa is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have 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 is new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that will never go out of style and is available in a variety of price points.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All modern leather sofa Set Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern leather sofa set-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.

A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather 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.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.