How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to determine if you are buying a genuine leather couch due to misleading product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the backing.
For instance, one sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE was tested with "contact" areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were made of coated polyester and cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch is smelling bad it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In most cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will bring back the leather's moisture which makes it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant to smells.
Baking soda is a great natural odor-removing agent that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather couch. If the cloth starts to gather dirt, you can either wring it or replace it with a fresh one. Alternatively, you can put the solution in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it off again.
Airing out your leather is another natural way to remove smells. Set the couch in a sunny area to let it air. This will help eliminate unwanted odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, you can buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresh for longer by preventing it from absorbing the smells.
The smell of leather can be attractive, but it's difficult to keep. As time passes, leather will absorb odors like those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors are difficult to eliminate particularly when you have children or pets. Fortunately, real leather couches aren't able to trap these odors in the same way that fabrics can make them a great option for families with active families.
It is crucial to act immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy poop. Try some of the suggestions above, or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to treat the issue. The best option is to prevent the problem therefore, make sure to teach your dog not to pee on your couch.
2. Feel
When shopping for a new leather sofa , there are a few things you should look out for. The best way to tell if it's real is to smell it and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. The smell fades as you age however, it should be evident when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and check for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This means the leather isn't one continuous piece that is the hallmark of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame of the leather sofa can have a major impact on its longevity however it's not always obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used in the frame. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames aren't as robust. To ensure durability, wood frames should be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're on a budget There are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas you can nevertheless enjoy. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile choice that's frequently available for sale and can be easily customized to match your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It has a classic design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa is modular and somewhat difficult to put together at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches are different from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are incredibly robust and withstand wear and tear much better than fabric, making them last for years to come. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches aren't any different. Like every other purchase, it's crucial to be aware of the pitfalls before making a final decision.
If you're unsure if your new sofa is genuine leather, the first thing you need to do is examine the materials tag on the frame to find out what kind of leather or fabric it's made of. If you are unable to find any information about the sofa's material composition, you can use your senses to make the decision.
A key indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading and patterns in greater detail. A genuine leather sofa has natural imperfections and may not be uniform in its structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the couch's surface appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like backing instead of rough suede, that's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to check the back of the cushion casing. If you see an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's a sign that it's not authentic leather. This is due to the fact that hides from animals are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain degree. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you are able to, lift up one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of padding is covered by polyurethane or a weave, then this is an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a coarse and rough coating that feels sturdy when you feel it.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a timeless piece, and with good reason. The material's warm, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it additional durability, meaning that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sliding. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive imperfections, markings, and grain.
While labels and prices are great pointers however, the best way to tell if you're buying genuine leather is to get up close and close to it. Inspect the texture, structure and pattern to get an even more precise glimpse of its genuine. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it is likely to be faux or bound.
Another obvious sign is a polyurethane backing on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used to create furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch for one or two stitched vertical seams. This is a sign of a high-quality piece of leather that's been carefully constructed to last. On the other hand, if there are no seams and the couch's back appears like a piece of cloth, it's likely a lower-quality faux or bonded leather sofa.
Once you've confirmed that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to pair it with your other furniture in your living room. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the colors of your living space. You can also opt for an energizing, relaxing arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces furniture with a coffeetable between.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to stop it from fading or forming scuffs. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent once or twice per year.