How to Spot modern leather sofa
With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are crucial
Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.
To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!
The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. In addition you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Look at the back
If the label does not identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.
If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked in time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The contact areas like seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label You should examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and intimate with it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. leather couch with chaise is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.
If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another obvious sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather, it's 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 determine is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. leather couch with chaise makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in various price ranges.
For a classic leather couch that can endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with smaller rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something more modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that blend form and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.
You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.
Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.
The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will 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, continuous 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 should last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize a sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.