How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and product descriptions it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying an authentic leather couch. It is important to get close to the couch and inspect it with care. Touch, smell and flip the cushion to examine the back.
For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE test had 'contact' areas (such as seats and arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather however typically smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant it could be due to urine from your pet. In the majority of cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture and make it more supple, less fragile, and more resistant against smells.
You can also use an organic odor eliminator such as baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather couch. If the cloth begins to collect dirt, wring it out or swap for a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it over again.
Another natural way to remove the smells of your leather is by airing it out. Place the sofa in a sunny space to let it air out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors, and provide it with an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresher for longer, keeping it from absorbing odors.
The scent of leather can be appealing, but it can be difficult to maintain. As time passes, leather will absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors are difficult to get rid of, especially in homes with pets or children. Fortunately, leather couches aren't able to trap the odors as fabrics can, making them an ideal choice for households with active families.
If your sofa smells like the scent of a puppy's pee It's crucial to address the issue immediately. Try some of the tips above, or you can try a specific product such as Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best way to go but be sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
When shopping for a new leather sofa There are a few things you should be aware of. The best way to tell whether it's genuine is to smell it and feel it. Leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. This scent may fade as you age but it is impossible to miss it when a sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather couch is supposed to be warm and soft to touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have the impression of plastic. To test this, gently press your fingertips onto the surface of the couch and feel for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it is likely bonded or faux-leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of the frame of the leather sofa can have a major effect on its lifespan however it's not always clear. Find out what kind of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you choose an item that has longevity for a long time. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames are less durable. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're shopping for a price that isn't too expensive, there are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas you can still enjoy. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile option that is often on sale and can easily be customized to suit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that has a classic design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabrics. However, this modular sofa requires at-home assembly and its back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a certain aesthetic that other forms of upholstery just can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear more effectively than fabric. They last for many years. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. Leather couches aren't any different. As with any other purchase, it is important to be aware of the risks before making a final choice.
If you're unsure whether the sofa you bought is genuine leather the first thing you should do is examine the materials tag on the frame to determine exactly what type of fabric or leather it is made of. However, you must utilize your own senses to help make an informed decision if you are unable to discover any information regarding the material composition of the sofa.
The surface of the sofa must be carefully examined, paying attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading will not be uniform. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like back in place of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching pattern on the back, it isn't genuine 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, the top manufacturers will sew and stitch across the entire back of the couch to ensure it's genuinely leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and examine the back of the padding. If the back of the padding is covered with an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indication that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a rough and coarse surface that feels solid when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless classic with the reason. The warm, natural look and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Modern tanning methods give it extra durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Each hide is distinctive with its own unique markings, grain and blemishes.
The best way to tell whether the leather you are purchasing is genuine is to inspect it closely. Inspect the texture, structure and pattern for an in-depth glimpse of its genuine. If the structure appears to be uniform and there aren't any obvious flaws, it's probably fake or the leather is bonded.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used in making the furniture.
Check the back of your couch to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been constructed with attention to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a piece of fabric, it's likely a lower-quality faux or leather couch that has been bonded.
Once you've established that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to pair it with your other furniture for your living space. For a crisp, coordinated look, match your sofa with other furniture made of wood and line it with pillows that match the colors of your room. You can also choose an energizing, relaxing layout by putting the sofa between two pieces of furniture with a table in between.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to stop it from fading or forming scuffs. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its lifespan, think about applying a leather protection product once or twice a year.