How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and product descriptions it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a real leather couch. You should be able to walk up to the couch and inspect it with care. Smell, touch and flip the cushion to check out the backing.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather, whereas the non-contact areas were a mix of coated polyester and Cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell rich, natural and luxurious. The faux leather, on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant, it could be due to urine from pets. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it more soft and less brittle. It also makes it more resistant to odors.
You can also use an organic odor remover like baking soda to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to gather dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a fresh one. Alternately, you can pour the solution into the spray bottle and spray it on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping again.
Airing your leather out is another way to eliminate odors. Set the couch in a sun-lit area to air out. This will help eliminate unpleasant odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher for longer, keeping it from taking in the smells.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing however, it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors such as smoke, cooking and even body smell. These odors are difficult to eliminate, particularly if your home has pets or children. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't hold these odors like fabric upholstery can make them a great option for families with active families.
If your couch smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it It is important to get the problem addressed immediately. You can try a few of the tips above, or use a specific product such as Leather Honey to address the issue. The best option is to prevent the problem, so make sure you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Feel
There are a few indicators to look out for when buying leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Real leather has a distinct, natural scent that is recognizable. The smell fades as time passes however, it should be clear when the couch is fresh.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Bonded and faux leathers on the other hand are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test this try pressing your fingertips onto the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather is likely to be fake or bonded leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This means the leather isn't a continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches .
The quality of the frame of a leather couch can have a major impact on its lifespan, but it's not always obvious. To make sure you're getting a sofa that will last, ask what kind of wood is used in the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you are on a budget it is possible to find a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. 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.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which has a classic design and comes in a variety of fade-resistant fabrics. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas offer a unique appeal that other kinds of furniture cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear more effectively than fabric. They will last for many years. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. Leather couches aren't different. Like any other purchase, it is important to be aware of the dangers before making a final decision.
If you're unsure if 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 leather or fabric it's made of. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's materials, you can utilize your senses to make a decision.
The couch's surface is worth a close examination, paying attention to the patterns, shading and texture. A genuine leather sofa has natural imperfections and won't be completely uniform in its structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or if it has a mesh-like backing in place of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Examine the back of the cushion casing. If you see a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's a sign that it's 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 sew and stitch through 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 cushion and examine the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is coated with an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indication that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a coarse and rough coating that feels sturdy when you feel it.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic and with good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the material can elevate any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it added durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sliding. Each hide is distinctive, with its own marks, grain and blemishes.
While prices and labels are excellent indicators, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to get close and close to it. Examine the texture, structure, and pattern for an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there aren't obvious flaws, it's probably faux or bonded leather.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will look more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been made with care to last. If there aren't any seams, and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded leather couch.
If you've concluded that a sofa is genuine leather The next step is to match it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. You can also go for an energizing, relaxing layout by putting the sofa in between two pieces of furniture with a table in between.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't deteriorate or show scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage, apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.