This Week's Top Stories About Genuine Leather Sofa Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather sofa and loveseat set is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still be bumpy.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas like seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the leather sofa company, head to the Demilked site, non-contact parts such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has authentic leather labels, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made of, as it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Look at the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine l shape leather sofa.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be expensive however it's made of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been made.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The scratches on the contemporary leather sofa will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the contact.

Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.