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 know whether you're buying a real leather couch. You must get up close and personal to smell, feel and then turn over a couch to look at the back.
For instance, one leather-upholstered couch CHOICE tested had contact areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be fragrant and natural. Faux leather, on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your sofa has a bad smell, it could be caused by stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it soft, less brittle, and more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather couch. If the cloth starts to gather dirt, you can either wring it out or replace it with a new one. You can also put the solution in spray bottles and spray it on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping again.
Another way to get rid of odors from your leather is by airing it out. Set the couch in a sun-lit area to air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant smells and give the sofa a natural, fresh scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors then you should consider buying a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from soaking up odors and keep it smelling good for a longer time.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to maintain. Over time, leather can absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors are difficult to eliminate, especially when you have pets or children. Genuine leather couches do not trap these odors as fabrics can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
It's important to take action immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy pee. Use the tips mentioned above or a product such as Leather Honey to fix the problem. Prevention is the best solution but be sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Contact us with any questions.
There are some clues to look out for when buying a leather sofa, but the most reliable way to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable distinctive natural scent. The scent can fade with age however there shouldn't be any doubt about it when the couch is new.
A genuine leather sofa should also be soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers that are faux or bonded however are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test this test, gently press your fingers on the couch's surface and check for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.
If you notice vertical seams stitched on the back of sofas, this is another dead giveaway. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of a leather frame for a sofa can have a major impact on its durability however, this isn't always immediately apparent. To make sure you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used in the frame. american leather sofa is the most durable and costly option, while engineered or particle board frames are less robust. For added durability, a hardwood frame should also be kiln-dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you're on a tight budget but still want a genuine leather sofa that you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible option that is often available for sale and can be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic style and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are stain-resistant. The sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions have a tendency to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas have a certain aesthetic that other forms of upholstery cannot compete with. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and resist wear and tear more than fabric, making them last for years to be. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are some pitfalls when it comes to purchasing a leather couch - and it is important to be aware of what to look for before you make your final decision.
If you are not sure whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric it is best to first look at the materials tag on the frame. This will inform you the exact type of material it is. If you cannot find any information about the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can utilize your senses to make an informed decision.
The surface of the sofa must be carefully examined with a keen eye on the pattern, texture, and shading. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be uniform. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of coarse leather, it's a clear indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching pattern on the back, it's not genuine leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able lift one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered in a woven material or polyurethane it is an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and coarse when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless classic for a reason. The natural, warm look and feel can elevate any living space. Modern tanning methods give it added durability, so that it resists cracking or sliding. Since each hide comes with distinct markings and grain, as well as blemishes, every leather couch is unique.
While prices and labels are great pointers but the best way to know if you're buying genuine leather is to get up close and intimate with it. To get a better idea of the authenticity, look at the surface texture, pattern, and structure. If the structure is uniform and there are no visible flaws, it's most likely faux or bond leather.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is a further indicator. This is a typical feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to make the furniture.
Look at the back of your sofa to see if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign of a high-quality piece of leather that's been carefully constructed to last. On the other hand, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a single piece of fabric, it's likely a lower-quality faux or leather couch that has been bonded.
After you've determined that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with your other furniture for your living space. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the color of your space. You can also choose an energizing, relaxing layout by putting the sofa between two pieces of furniture, with a coffee table in between.
Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to stop it fading or developing scuffs. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent at least once or twice a year.