How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on prices and descriptions of products, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather couch. You must get up close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the back.
For example, one 'leather' couch CHOICE test had "contact" areas (such as arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery however the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be fragrant and natural. The faux leather, however, often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather, making it more soft and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to smells.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth begins to collect dirt, squeeze it out or swap for a new one. You can also put the solution into spray bottles and spray it onto your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it off again.
Airing out your leather is another method to get rid of smells. Place the sofa in a sunny space 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 stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresher longer by keeping it from absorbing odors.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to keep clean. In time, it may absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, or even body smell. These odors are difficult to eliminate especially if you have pets or children. Fortunately, leather couches don't hold the odors as fabric upholstery can and are a good choice for households with active families.
It is crucial to act immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy pee. You can try a few of the tips above, or use a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. The best way to treat the issue is to stop the problem from occurring, so make sure you teach your dog not to pee on your couch.
2. Feel
There are a few indicators to look for when shopping for a leather sofa, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's genuine is to touch it and smell it. Leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. The smell fades as time passes, but it should be evident when the sofa is fresh.
A genuine leather sofa should be soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a the impression of plastic. To test this test, gently press your fingers to the sofa's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it is likely faux-leather or bonded.
Another indicator is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of a frame for a sofa can have a significant impact on its durability but this isn't always evident. To make sure you're getting a sofa that will last, ask what kind of wood is used for the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames will be less sturdy. To increase durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to prevent warping or mildew.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. For example, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often on sale and can be easily customized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a broad range of fabrics that are resistant to fade. This modular sofa is quite difficult to set up at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a certain appeal that other kinds of upholstery cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They will last for a long time. They also resist spills and stains and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens, so they don't need the same amount of regular care and cleaning. However, as with anything else in life, there are 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 then you must first verify the tag of materials that is attached to the frame. This will reveal exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you can't find any information regarding the sofa's material composition, you can use your senses to help you make a decision.
The sofa's surface is worth a close examination, paying attention to the patterns, shading and texture. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be consistent. If the couch's surface appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it has a mesh-like backing instead of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's 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, it's an indication that it isn't true leather. The reason for this is because animal hides are limited in their size, and are only cut to a certain large. To ensure the best quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will always stitch and sew across the entire back of the couch to ensure it's genuine leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you are able to try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and inspect the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is covered by polyurethane or a weave, it is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should be rough and coarse in coating that feels solid when you touch it.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic, and with good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it added durability, so that it resists cracking or sagging. And because each hide has distinctive patterns, grain, and blemishes Every leather sofa is unique.
The best way to know whether the leather you're purchasing is genuine is to examine it closely. To better understand the authenticity, look at the surface texture patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on it, then it's likely to be fake or bound.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is a further indicator. This is a typical feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed with materials that closely like the fabric used to create furniture.
Take a look at the back of your couch to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign of a high-quality piece of leather that has been carefully constructed to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a continuous piece of fabric, it's likely a fake or bonded leather sofa.
After you've determined that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to pair it with your other furniture in your living room. To create a clean, coordinated style, pair your couch with other wooden furniture and accent it with pillows that reflect the colors in your room. Or go for a more comfortable, lively layout by putting your couch across from other pieces with the addition of a coffee table.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit space to ensure that it doesn't deteriorate or show scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage use a leather protection agent at least once or twice a year.