15 Of The Most Popular Genuine Leather Sofa Bloggers You Should Follow
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple style and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.
However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.
1. Take a look at the label
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made to be the same. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.
The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Additionally you should be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can limit the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth could be fake leather.
Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.
To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and close to it. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.
Pricing and labels may provide a clue however the only way to know for sure is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.
Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater might be quite expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.
If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Check out the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you bring it home.
curved leather sofa can determine the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.
Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm to the touch.
Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.
When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.