How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and descriptions of the product, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying an authentic leather sofa. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a couch to look at the back.
For instance, one sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE tested had "contact" areas (such as seats and arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were made of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A real leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather, however, typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch smells bad, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you're not pleased with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will help restore the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against smells.
You can also use an organic odor remover such as baking soda to remove unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to pick up dirt, wring it out or swap for an alternative. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it over again.
Another natural way to remove the smells of your leather is to air it out. If possible, set the couch outside in a sunny area to let it air out. This will help remove unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to avoid unpleasant smells altogether, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in odors and keep it smelling nice for longer.
The scent of leather may be attractive, but it's difficult to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors, such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors can be difficult to get rid of especially if you have pets or children. Real leather couches do not hold in these odors the way fabrics can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.
It's crucial to act immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy pee. Try some of the tips above, or use a specific product like Leather Honey to address the issue. Prevention is the best solution however, so make sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Feel
When shopping for a new leather sofa There are a few things to be aware of. However, the most effective way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell it and feel it. Leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. The scent can fade with age however, it should be evident when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must feel soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers are often colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips on the sofa's surface and check for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the leather is likely to be fake or bonded leather.
Another sign of a fake sofa is when you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of the frame of a leather couch can have a major effect on its longevity however it's not always clear. To make sure you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used for the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames will be less sturdy. To improve durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're shopping on a tight budget There are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas you can nevertheless be captivated by. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible option that is often on sale and can easily be customized to suit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. leather sofa set has a classic look and is available in a broad selection of fabrics that are resistant to fade. This modular sofa is somewhat difficult to put together at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches are an exception to other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely robust and withstand wear and tear far better than fabric, making them last for a long time to come. They also are resistant to spills and stains and are less likely to attract allergens and dust, so they don't need as much regular maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches aren't any different. Like any other purchase, it's important to be aware of the risks before making a final choice.
If you're unsure if your new sofa is genuine leather the first thing to look over the material tag on the frame to discover the exact type of leather or fabric it's made from. If you cannot find any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to make the decision.
The most important indicator is to take a closer look at the couch's surface and observe the texture, shading, and patterns in greater detail. Real leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be uniform. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of the coarse leather, it's a sure indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If you see a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's an indication that it isn't true leather. This is because animal hides are restricted in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. To ensure the best quality of their products top-rated manufacturers will always stitch and sew throughout the back of a couch to ensure that it's genuinely leather and not bonded or fake leather.
Finally, if you can attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or a cushion and inspect the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is covered in polyurethane or a weave, then it's an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and coarse when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless classic with the reason. The material's warm, natural look and feel can elevate any living room. In addition the modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive imperfections, markings, and grain.
The best way to determine whether the leather you are buying is genuine is to inspect it closely. For a better understanding of the authenticity, look at the texture of the surface patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on it, then it is likely to be faux or bound.
Another dead giveaway is a polyurethane backing on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create the furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been made with attention to last. If there are no seams, and the rear looks like a continuous cloth, then it is likely to be a faux or bonded leather couch.
After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with your other furniture for your living space. To create a clean, coordinated look, match your sofa with other furniture made of wood, and accent it with pillows that echo the colors of your space. You can also opt for a more dynamic, relaxed layout by putting the sofa between two pieces furniture with a coffeetable between.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to stop it from fading or forming scuffs. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its lifespan, consider applying a leather protector every once or twice per year.