How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to determine if are buying genuine leather couches because of misleading product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and examine it with care. Smell, touch and turn the cushion over to see the back.
For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE was tested with contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were made up of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell natural, fresh and luxurious. The faux leather, however, typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a bad smell, it could be due to urine or stains from pets. In most cases, a good cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you're not pleased with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
Baking soda is an excellent natural odor eliminator that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather couch. If the cloth begins to pick up dirt, wring it out or replace with an alternative. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it over again.
Airing your leather out is another method to get rid of odors. Set the couch in a bright space to let it air out. This will help eliminate 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 buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from soaking up unpleasant odors and keep it looking good for longer.
The scent of leather may be attractive, but it's difficult to keep. In time, it may absorb smells from smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors can be difficult to get rid of, especially when your home is occupied by pets or children. Fortunately, real leather couches aren't able to trap the odors as fabrics can, making them an ideal choice for households with active families.
If your couch smells akin to the scent of a puppy's pee, it's important to get the problem addressed immediately. You can try a few of the suggestions above or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best solution but be sure to teach your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Feel
There are a few clues to look out for when you are shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable way to determine whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is unmistakable. This scent may fade with age, but there should be no mistaking it when the couch is brand new.
A genuine leather couch should be warm and comfortable to the touch. Faux and bonded leathers are often colder and have a plasticky feel. To test this, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched across the back of a sofa, this is another dead giveaway. This indicates that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame on the leather sofa can have a major impact on its lifespan, but it's often not obvious. To ensure that you're getting a sofa that will last, ask what kind of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and costly alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. For extra durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you are on a budget it is possible to find a genuine leather sofa that you love. For example, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile choice that's often offered for sale and is easily customized to match your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It is classic in design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabric. The sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches offer a unique appeal that other kinds of furniture can't match. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear better than fabrics. They can last for many years. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. Leather couches aren't different. As with any other purchase, it's essential to be aware of the risks before making a final decision.
If you're not sure whether your new couch is genuine leather, the first thing to do is look at the materials tag on the frame to determine the exact type of leather or fabric it's made of. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to make the decision.
The most important indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading, and patterns in depth. Genuine leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading will not be uniform. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of the coarse leather, it's a dead indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching pattern on the back, it is not genuine leather. The reason for this is that animal hides are limited in their size, and they are only cut to a certain big. To ensure the best quality of their products top-rated manufacturers will always stitch and sew throughout the back of a couch to ensure that it's genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you can lift a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is coated with an woven fabric or covered with polyurethane, it is another indication that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a rough and coarse surface that feels solid when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic, and with good reason. The natural, warm look and feel can elevate any living space. Plus modern tanning techniques provides it with the added strength to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is distinctive with its own unique marks, grain and blemishes.
While labels and prices are excellent indicators, the best way to know if you're buying authentic leather is to go up close and close to it. Examine the surface texture, structure, and pattern for a more detailed look at its authenticity. If the structure appears to be uniform and there aren't noticeable blemishes, it's likely fake or bond leather.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common characteristic of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed with materials that closely like the fabric used to make the furniture.
Take a look at the back of your sofa to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather was constructed with care 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 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 living room furniture. For l shape leather sofa , coordinated style, pair your couch with other wooden furniture and accent it with pillows that match the colors in your room. You can also opt for a more relaxed, dynamic layout by placing your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and the addition of a coffee table.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area to ensure it doesn't fade or develop scratches from direct sunlight. And if you want to safeguard your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protection product once or twice a year.