How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to determine if are purchasing genuine leather couches because of misleading product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a couch to look at the backing.
For example, one leather-upholstered couch CHOICE tested had contact areas (such as arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were made up of coated polyester and cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather however typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a bad smell, it may be caused by pet urine or stains. In most cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you're not satisfied with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will bring back moisture to the leather and make it more supple and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
Baking soda is a great natural odor eliminator that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors 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 absorb dirt, wring it out or switch to another. You can also put the solution into spray bottles and spray it on your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it again.
The process of airing out your leather is another method to remove smells. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sunny area to air it out. This will help eliminate any unwanted smells and give the couch a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors You can buy a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresher for longer, keeping it from absorption of smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to keep clean. Over time, leather may absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors are difficult to get rid of, especially if your home has children or pets. Leather couches don't hold in these odors the way fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
It's crucial to act immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy urine. You can try some of the suggestions above or use a specific product such as Leather Honey to treat the issue. The best solution is to stop the problem from occurring therefore, make sure to train your dog to never pee on your couch.
2. Feel
If you are looking for a new leather sofa There are a few things to be aware of. But the most effective way to determine if it's real is to smell and feel it. Real leather has an unmistakable unique, natural scent. The scent can fade as you age but there should be no mistaking it when a sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa should be warm and soft to the touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a plasticky feel. To test leather sofa with chaise , gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely bonded or faux-leather.
If you see vertical seams that are stitched on the back of sofas, this is another sign of a fake. This means that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame of the leather sofa can have a significant impact on its longevity, but it's not always obvious. Find out what kind of wood was used to make the frame. This will help you choose a sofa with an extended lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as robust. For added durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln-dried to avoid mildew and warping.
If you're for a price that isn't too expensive, there are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas that you can still enjoy. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and versatile option that's often available for sale and can be customized to suit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It is a classic design and is available in a wide selection of fabrics that are fade-resistant. The sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a distinct appeal that other kinds of furniture cannot compete with. Leather sofas are incredibly robust and withstand wear and tear far better than fabrics, which makes them last for a long time to come. They also tend to resist staining and spills, and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens which means they don't require the same amount of regular maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches aren't any different. Like any other purchase, it's important to be aware of dangers before making a final choice.
If you're unsure if your new couch is genuine leather the first thing you should look over the material tag on the frame to find out exactly what type of fabric or leather it's made from. If you can't discover any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to help you make an informed decision.
A good way to tell is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading and patterns in depth. A real leather couch has natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in its structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the surface of a couch appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it has a mesh-like backing in place of rough suede, that's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Check the back of the cushion casing. If it has stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it's not authentic leather. The reason for this is because animal hides are limited in their size, and can only be cut as large. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
Finally, if you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or cushion and inspect the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered in a woven fabric or is covered with polyurethane, it is another indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The material's warm, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living room. Plus the modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is distinctive, with its own marks, grain and blemishes.
The best way to tell whether the leather you're buying is genuine is to look at it closely. To better understand authenticity, examine the surface texture, pattern, and structure. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it's likely to be fake or bonded.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will look more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to make furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch for one or two stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that has been constructed with care to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a single piece of cloth, it's most likely a fake or bonded leather sofa.
If you've decided that the couch is authentic leather, the next step is to match it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that match the color of your space. You can also choose an energizing, relaxing layout by putting the sofa in between two pieces of furniture, with a coffee table in 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 life, you should consider applying a leather protection product every once or twice per year.