How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and descriptions of the product, it's sometimes difficult to know whether you're buying a real leather sofa. You should get close to the couch and look at it closely. Touch, smell and turn the cushion to check out the backing.
For instance, one leather-upholstered couch CHOICE tested had 'contact' areas (such as arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery however the non-contact areas were a mixture of coated polyester and cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather, on the other hand typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your sofa has a unpleasant smell, it could be caused by pet urine or stains. In most cases, a good cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you're not pleased with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will bring back the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against smells.
Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor eliminator that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather couch. If the cloth begins to collect 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. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it over again.
The process of airing out your leather is another way to eliminate smells. Set the couch in a bright area to air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors, and give the sofa an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant odors completely, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher for longer, preventing it from absorbing odors.
The smell of leather can be attractive, but it's difficult to maintain. As time passes, leather will absorb odors like those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors are difficult to eliminate particularly when you have pets or children. Genuine leather couches do not absorb odors like fabrics can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
If your couch smells like a pee-soaked puppy, it's important to get the problem addressed immediately. You can utilize the suggestions given above or a product like Leather Honey to solve the issue. The best option is to avoid the issue and ensure that you teach your dog not to pee on your couch.
2. Contact us with any questions.
When shopping for a new leather sofa, there are some things to be aware of. However, the best way to tell whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. The smell fades as you age but it should remain evident when the sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa should feel soft to the touch and warm to the. Leathers made of faux and bonded are often colder and have a plasticky feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips onto the sofa's surface and feel for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of a leather sofa's frame can have a major impact on its longevity however, this isn't always immediately apparent. Find out what kind of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you choose the right sofa that has a long lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and costly option, while engineered or particle board frames aren't as sturdy. To ensure durability, a hardwood frame must also be dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're for a price that isn't too expensive there are a lot of cheap genuine leather sofas you can still enjoy. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile choice that's usually on sale and can easily be customized to fit your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which is classic in design and comes in a variety of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a distinct appeal that other types of upholstery cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear more effectively than fabric. They will last for a long time. They also resist spills and stains and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens and therefore don't require the same amount of regular maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches aren't different. As with any other purchase, it is essential to be aware of the pitfalls before making a final choice.
If you're unsure if your new sofa is genuine leather the first thing to do is examine the materials tag on the frame to discover exactly what type of leather or fabric it's made from. However, you must make use of your senses to help make the right choice if you don't find any information about the materials used to make the sofa.
tufted leather sofa of the sofa must be carefully examined and pay attention to the patterns, shading and texture. A real leather couch has natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface of a couch appears to be smooth and uniform, or has a mesh-like backing instead of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching on the back, it's not genuine leather. This is because animal hides are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you can, try to lift up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and inspect the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and coarse when touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic, and for good reason. The soft, natural look and feel can elevate any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it added durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sliding. Each hide is unique, with its own markings, grain and blemishes.
While labels and prices are great pointers however, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to get close and personal with it. Inspect the texture, structure and pattern to get a more detailed view of its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there aren't any visible flaws, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.
A polyurethane back on a sofa is a different indicator. This is a common feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used in making furniture.
Check the back of your couch to determine if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign the leather was constructed with attention to last. If there aren't any seams and the back appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.
Once you've established that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to pair it with your other furniture for your living space. For a sleek, unified style, match your couch with other wooden furniture and line it with pillows that echo the color scheme of your living space. You can also choose more relaxed, energetic layout by placing the couch between two pieces furniture, with a coffee table between.
Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to avoid it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to safeguard your investment by prolonging its lifespan, consider applying a leather protector every once or twice per year.