How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It can be difficult to determine if you are purchasing genuine leather sofas due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. You must get up close and personal to take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to check the back.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather while the non-contact areas were a mix of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be a natural and rich scent. False leather, on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your couch has a unpleasant smell, it could be due to 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 restore the moisture to the leather, making it softer and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor remover like baking soda to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather couch. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it off again.
The process of airing out your leather is another method to remove the smell. Set the couch in a sun-lit area to air out. This will help eliminate unwanted odors, and provide it with an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant smells altogether You can buy a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher longer by keeping it from absorbing the smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to maintain. Over modern leather couch , leather may absorb odors such as smoke, cooking and even body smell. These odors are difficult to eliminate particularly when you have children or pets. Fortunately, genuine leather couches aren't able to trap these odors like fabrics can, making them an ideal option for families with active families.
It's crucial to act immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy poop. Use the tips listed above or a product such as Leather Honey to resolve the problem. Prevention is the best option but be sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Feel
If you are looking for a new leather sofa There are a few things you should be looking for. But the best way to tell if it's real is to smell and feel it. Real leather has an unmistakable, distinct natural scent. The smell fades with age but it should remain clear when the couch is new.
A genuine leather sofa should also feel soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have the impression of plastic. To test this try pressing your fingertips to the couch's surface and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.
If you notice vertical seams stitched across the back of the sofa, it's another dead giveaway. 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 major impact on its life span however, it's often not obvious. To ensure you're buying a sofa that will last, ask what kind of wood is used to construct the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're shopping on a budget, there are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas that you can still enjoy. For instance, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often offered for sale and is easily personalized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic style and is available in a broad range of fabrics that are stain-resistant. This modular sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches are a class apart from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear more than fabric, making them last for a long time to be. They also are resistant to spills and stains and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens which means they don't require more frequent care and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. As with any other purchase, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers before making a final choice.
If you're unsure if your new couch is genuine leather the first thing you need to look over the material tag on the frame to discover exactly what type of fabric or leather it's made from. If you are unable to find any information regarding the couch's material composition or the type of leather it is, you can use your senses to help you make an informed decision.
The most important indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading, and patterns in depth. Genuine leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading will not be uniform. If the surface is smooth and uniform, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of the coarse leather, it's a sure indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to look at the back of the cushion casing. If you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's a sign that it's not authentic leather. The reason for this is because animal hides have a limit on their size, and they can only be cut as large. To ensure the best quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch through the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or a cushion and inspect the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered in a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indicator that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to be rough and coarse in surface that feels solid when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless classic with a reason. The natural, warm appearance and feel can enhance any living room. In addition the modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is distinct, with its own marks, grain and blemishes.
The best way to know if the leather you are buying is genuine is to inspect it in person. For a better understanding of the authenticity, look at the surface texture and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure is uniform and there are no visible flaws, it's most likely faux or bond leather.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and will be backed with materials that closely resemble the fabric used to create furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that's been constructed with care to last. On the other hand, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a piece of cloth, it's likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather sofa.
If you've concluded that the couch is authentic leather the next step is to pair it with the rest of your living room furniture. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that complement the colors of your space. You can also go for a more dynamic, relaxed arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces furniture with a coffeetable between.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to avoid it from fading or forming scuffs. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage, apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.