How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and descriptions of the product, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather sofa. It is important to get close and personal to take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to check the back.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the seats and armrests) in genuine leather, whereas non-contact areas were a mix of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be a natural, rich and luxurious. False leather, however, typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a bad smell, it may be caused by urine or stains from pets. In the majority of instances, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If leather modular sofa 're not pleased with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will bring back the leather's moisture which makes it softer, less fragile, and more resistant against odors.
Baking soda is a great natural odor eliminator that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather couch. If the cloth starts to gather dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it over again.
Airing your leather out is another way to eliminate smells. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sunny area to let it air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher longer by stopping it from taking in odors.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to maintain. As time passes, leather will absorb odors like those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors can be difficult to eliminate, especially if you have children or pets. Leather couches don't absorb odors like fabrics can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.
It's important to take action immediately when your couch smells as if it was soaked with puppy poop. You can try some of the suggestions above, or use a specific product like Leather Honey to address the issue. Prevention is the best option however, so make sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
When you're looking for a brand 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 and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct, natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. This scent may fade as you age, but it is impossible to miss it when a sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa should also be soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips onto the surface of the couch and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, then the material is probably bonded or faux leather.
Another sign of a fake sofa is when you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means the leather isn't a single piece that is the hallmark of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame on the leather sofa can have a significant impact on its life span however it's not always clear. To ensure you're buying a sofa that will last, ask what type of wood is used in the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames are less durable. To ensure durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you are on a tight budget it is possible to find a genuine leather sofa that you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often offered for sale and can be adapted to your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It is classic in design and is available in a wide range of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. tufted leather sofa is quite difficult to set up at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a distinct aesthetic that other forms of upholstery can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and resist wear and tear better than fabrics, which makes them last for a long time to come. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. However, just like anything else in life, there are a few pitfalls when it comes to purchasing a leather couch - and it pays to be aware of what to look for prior to making your final decision.
If you are not sure if your new couch is made of leather or fabric, you should first check the materials tag on the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you cannot discover any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to help you make a decision.
A key indicator is to take a close look at the couch's surface and examine the texture, shading, and patterns in detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the surface is uniform and smooth or if a mesh backing appears instead of coarse leather, it's a dead indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another way to test this is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If you see a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it's not genuine leather. The reason for this is because animal hides are limited in their size, and they are only cut to a certain big. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able, lift up a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven material or polyurethane it is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a coarse and rough surface that feels solid when you feel it.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless classic for reasons. The material's warm, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living room. A modern tanning procedure gives it extra durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Each hide is distinctive and has its own distinctive markings, grain and blemishes.
The best way to tell if the leather you are purchasing is genuine is to examine it closely. Examine the surface texture, structure, and pattern for a more detailed glimpse of its genuine. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on the surface, then it's likely to be faux or bonding.
Another dead giveaway is a backing made of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to make furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that's been carefully constructed to last. If there aren't any seams, and the rear appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded-leather sofa.
If you've concluded that a sofa is genuine leather The next step is to match it with the rest of your living room furniture. For a sleek, unified style, match your sofa to other furniture made of wood, and accent it with pillows that match the colors of your space. You can also opt for a more fluid, acoustic arrangement by placing your sofa against other furniture pieces and placing a coffee table in between.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to stop it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment, apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.