How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on prices and descriptions of products, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying an authentic leather couch. You should be able to walk up to the couch and look at it carefully. Feel, smell, and flip the cushion to see the back.
For example, one 'leather' couch CHOICE tested had 'contact' areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather however the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather however is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant it could be due to urine from your pet. In most instances, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather and make it more soft and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator such as baking soda to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather sofa. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can wring it or replace it with a fresh one. You can also put the solution in spray bottles and spray it over your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it over again.
The process of airing out your leather is another way to get rid of the smell. If possible, set the sofa outside in a sunny spot to let it air out. This will help eliminate unwanted odors, and provide it with a fresh, natural scent.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresh for longer by stopping it from absorption of smells.
The smell of leather can be attractive, but it's difficult to keep. Over time, leather may absorb odors like those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors can be hard to eliminate especially when you have children or pets. Fortunately, real leather couches don't trap these odors like fabric upholstery can make them a great choice for households with active families.
It's crucial to act immediately when your couch smells as if it was soaked in puppy pee. Use the tips mentioned above or a product such as Leather Honey to resolve the issue. Prevention is the best way to go however, so make 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. However, the most effective way to determine if it's real is to smell and feel it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is unmistakable. This scent may fade as you age, but there shouldn't be any doubt about it when a sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the touch and warm to the. Faux and bonded leathers are often colder and have the impression of plastic. To test, gently press your fingers against the surface of a couch and feel for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the material is probably bonded or faux leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means the leather isn't a continuous piece, which is a characteristic of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a leather frame of a sofa can have a significant impact on its longevity but it's not always obvious. To make sure you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used in the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames will be less sturdy. To ensure durability, a wooden frame should also be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If american leather sofa on a budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually offered for sale and can be customized to suit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic look and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are stain-resistant. The sofa is modular and a bit difficult to assemble at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a certain aesthetic that other forms of upholstery cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear more effectively than fabric. They last for a long time. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust, so they don't need more frequent maintenance and cleaning. But, like everything else in life, there are some pitfalls when it comes to buying a leather sofa - and it's important to know what to look out for prior to making your final choice.
If you're unsure whether your new couch is made of fabric or leather, you should first check the tag that identifies the material that is attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to help you make the decision.
The most important indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading, and patterns in detail. A genuine leather sofa is likely to have imperfections that are natural and may not be uniform in its structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of the coarse leather, it's a sure giveaway of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If there is stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, that's a sign that it's not true leather. The reason for this is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and can only be cut as large. To ensure the best quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will always stitch and sew throughout the back of a sofa to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the cushion. If the back of padding is covered in an unwoven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and coarse when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless design for a reason. The warm, natural look and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Additionally modern tanning techniques provides it with the added strength to resist cracking or sagging. Because each hide has distinctive patterns, grain, and blemishes Every leather sofa is unique.
While prices and labels are great pointers but the best way to tell whether you're buying authentic leather is to get close and intimate with it. Inspect the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern to get an in-depth glimpse of its genuine. If the structure appears to be uniform and there aren't visible flaws, it's most likely faux or bond leather.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is a different indicator. 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 in making furniture.
Check the back of your sofa to see whether there are any vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been made with care to last. If there are no seams and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded-leather sofa.
After you've determined that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to match it with other furniture for your living space. For a crisp, coordinated look, match your sofa with other furniture made of wood and line it up with pillows that match the colors of your living space. Or go for a more fluid, acoustic arrangement by placing your sofa across from other pieces with the addition of a coffee table.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or forming scratches. And if you want to safeguard your investment by prolonging its lifespan, think about applying a leather protection agent every once or twice per year.