How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and product descriptions it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a real leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and turn over a cushion to examine the backing.
For instance, one leather-upholstered couch CHOICE was tested with contact areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were made up of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your sofa smells unpleasant, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will remove any smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather, making it softer and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
You can also use an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to get rid of unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, squeeze it out or replace with an alternative. You can also spray the solution on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it again.
The process of airing out your leather is another natural way to remove smells. If possible, set the sofa outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will help eliminate any unwanted smells and give the sofa a natural, fresh scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in unpleasant odors and keep it looking nice for longer.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, it can absorb smells from smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors are difficult to eliminate particularly if you have children or pets. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't hold these odors like fabrics can, making them an ideal choice for households with active families.
If your sofa smells like the scent of a puppy's pee, it's important to take action immediately. You can try some of the suggestions above or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best way to go however, so make sure to teach your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Feel
There are a few indicators to look for when buying leather furniture, but the most reliable way to determine whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. The scent can fade as you age but it should remain clear when the couch is new.
A genuine leather sofa should also be soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded are often colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips to the couch's surface and look for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely faux-leather or bonded.
If you see vertical seams stitched on the back of sofas, this is another sign of a fake. This means that the leather isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of the frame of leather couches can have a major effect on its lifespan however it's often not obvious. Ask what type of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose an item that has an extended lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive option, while engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. To increase durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually offered for sale and can be customized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It is a classic design and is available in a wide range of fabrics that are stain-resistant. The sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches offer a unique appeal that other types of upholstery just can't match. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear better than fabrics. They last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. Leather couches are no different. Like any other purchase, it is important to be aware of pitfalls before making a final choice.
If you're unsure whether the sofa you bought is genuine leather, the first thing you should do is examine the materials tag on the frame to determine exactly what type of leather or fabric it is made of. If you are unable to find any information about the sofa's material composition or the type of leather it is, you can utilize your senses to make the decision.
The sofa's surface should be examined closely, paying attention to the patterns, shading and texture. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading won't be uniform. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of coarse leather, it's a clear indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on its back, it's not real leather. The reason is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and they can only be cut as big. To ensure the highest quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will always stitch and sew through the entire back of a couch to ensure that it's genuinely leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you are able to try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and examine the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is coated with a woven fabric or covered with polyurethane, it is another indicator that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and coarse when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless design for the reason. The natural, warm appearance and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Additionally, a modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand sagging or cracking. And because each hide has distinct patterns and grain, as well as blemishes Every leather sofa is unique.
The best way to tell if the leather you are purchasing is genuine is to inspect it in person. For a better understanding of authenticity, examine the texture of the surface and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it is likely to be faux or bonded.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a backing made of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will look more natural and be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used in making furniture.
Also, look at the back of the couch to see one or two stitched vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been made with attention to last. On https://www.sofasandcouches.com/categories/leather-sofas , if you notice no seams and the couch's back appears like a piece of fabric, it's likely to be a low-quality faux or leather couch that has been bonded.
If you've concluded that a couch is genuine leather, the next step is to pair it up with the rest of your living room furniture. For a sleek, unified style, pair your couch with other furniture made of wood, and line it with pillows that match the colors of your living space. You can also opt for a more relaxed, dynamic layout by putting your couch against other furniture pieces and placing an occasional table.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area to ensure it doesn't fade or develop scratches due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its life, you should consider applying a leather protection agent every once or twice per year.