How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It can be difficult to determine if you are buying genuine leather sofas because of misleading product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and examine it carefully. Touch, smell and turn the cushion to check out the backing.
For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE test had 'contact' areas (such as seats and arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery but the 'non-contact' areas were made up of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be a natural, rich and luxurious. The faux leather, on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your sofa has a bad smell, it may be caused by urine or stains from pets. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will bring back the leather's moisture which makes it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant against smells.
You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your leather couch. If the cloth starts to absorb dirt, squeeze it out or switch to a new one. Alternately, you can pour the solution into spray bottles and spray it over your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it over again.
Another natural way to remove the smells from your leather is by airing it out. If you can, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to let it air out. This will help remove unwanted odors, and provide it with an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresh for longer by keeping it from absorbing the smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing, it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors can be difficult to eliminate, especially when you have pets or children. Fortunately, best leather couch don't trap these odors like fabrics can, making them an ideal option for families with active families.
If your couch smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it, it's important to take action immediately. You can use the tips listed above or a product like Leather Honey to resolve the problem. Prevention is the best option however, so make sure to teach your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Feel
There are some clues to look for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to determine whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Leather has a distinct unique, natural scent. This scent may fade as you age but there should be no mistaking it when a sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the touch and warm to the. Leathers that are faux or bonded on the other hand tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test it, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and look for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.
If you see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa, it's another indicator. This indicates that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of the frame on the leather sofa can have a major effect on its longevity however it's not always obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa that will last, ask what kind of wood is used for 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 increase durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're on a budget There are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas you can nevertheless enjoy. For instance, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile choice that's often available for sale and can be easily customized to fit 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 range of fabrics that are fade-resistant. This modular sofa is quite difficult to set up at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas offer a unique appeal that other types of upholstery can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and resist wear and tear much better than fabric, making them last for years to come. They also resist staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust which means they don't require as much regular maintenance and cleaning. However, just like anything 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 not sure whether your new couch is made of fabric or leather it is best to first look at the materials tag attached to the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of material it is. If you are unable to discover any information about the sofa's material composition or the type of leather it is, you can use your senses to make the decision.
The couch's surface should be examined closely and pay attention to the texture, shading and patterns. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading will not be uniform. If the surface is uniform and smooth or if a mesh backing is visible instead of the coarse leather, it's a clear giveaway of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If there is an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it isn't authentic leather. The reason is because animal hides are limited in their size, and they can only be cut so large. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
Finally, if you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or cushion and examine the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven fabric or is covered with polyurethane, it is another indicator that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a coarse and rough surface that feels solid when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic, and with good reason. The natural, warm feel and look of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Additionally the modern tanning process adds a bit of durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive imperfections, markings, and grain.
The best way to know whether the leather you're buying is authentic is to examine it closely. Inspect the 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 obvious blemishes on the surface, then it's likely to be faux or bonded.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a polyurethane backing on the sofa's back. This is a common characteristic of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create furniture.
Look at the back of your couch to determine if there are any vertical seams. This indicates that the leather was constructed with attention to last. If there aren't any seams and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it is likely to be a faux or bonded leather couch.
Once you've confirmed that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with other furniture in your living room. For a crisp, coordinated style, pair your sofa with other wooden furniture and line it with pillows that match the color scheme of your space. You can also choose an energizing, relaxing layout by placing the couch between two pieces furniture with a table between.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to avoid it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to protect your investment by extending its lifespan, think about applying a leather protector once or twice a year.