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 an authentic leather sofa. You must get up close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the fabric.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the armrests and seats) with genuine leather. The the non-contact areas were made up of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be fragrant and natural. False leather on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch smells bad it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant against smells.
You can also use a natural odor eliminator like baking soda to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to pick up dirt, wring it out or swap for another. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it again.
Another method to eliminate the smells of your leather is to air it out. If you are able, place the sofa outside in a sun-lit area to let it air dry. This will help eliminate any unwanted smells and give the couch 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 longer by stopping it from absorption of odors.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, it can absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors can be hard to eliminate particularly when you have children or pets. Fortunately, genuine leather couches aren't able to trap the odors as fabrics can make them a great option for families with active families.
If your couch smells akin to a pee-soaked puppy, it's important to address the issue immediately. You can use the tips given above or a product like Leather Honey to resolve the problem. 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
There are a few clues to look for when buying leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is unmistakable. This scent may fade as you age, but it is impossible to miss it when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should be warm and soft to touch. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a a plasticky feel. To test this, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, then the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.
If you see vertical seams that are stitched on the back of a sofa, this is another sign of a fake. This indicates that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of the frame on leather couches can have a significant impact on its longevity however, it's often not obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less robust. To ensure durability, wood frames must be kiln dried to prevent warping or mildew.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still find an authentic leather sofa you love. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile choice that's often available for sale and can be easily customized to match your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that is classic in design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabrics. This sofa is quite difficult to set up at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a distinct aesthetic that other forms of upholstery just cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear better than fabric. They will last for many years. They also resist staining and spills, and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens, so they don't need as much regular maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. Like any other purchase, it is important to be aware of pitfalls before making a final choice.
If you're not sure if your new couch is made of fabric or leather, you should first check the materials tag on the frame. This will reveal the exact type of material it is. If you can't discover any information about the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can utilize your senses to make the decision.
A good way to tell is to take a closer look at the couch's surface and examine the texture, shading and patterns in detail. Genuine leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be consistent. If the surface of a couch appears smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like back in place of coarse suede, this is a dead giveaway that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it isn't authentic leather. The reason is that animal hides are limited in their size, and they can only be cut so large. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you are able to attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or a cushion and look at the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is covered in an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indicator that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to be rough and coarse in surface that feels solid when you feel it.
4. curved leather sofa is a timeless classic with reasons. The natural, warm appearance and feel of the material can enhance any living space. In addition the modern tanning process adds a bit of durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is unique and has its own distinctive marks, grain and blemishes.
While labels and prices are excellent indicators however, the best way to tell whether you're buying genuine leather is to get up close and intimate with it. Check the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern to get an in-depth glimpse of its genuine. If the structure is completely uniform and there aren't any obvious flaws, it's probably faux or the leather is bonded.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is a different indicator. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to make furniture.
Check the back of your couch to determine whether there are any vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been constructed with attention to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a single piece of cloth, it's likely a fake 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 other furniture in your living room. To create a clean, coordinated style, match your couch with other furniture made of wood, and accent it with pillows that echo the color scheme of your living space. You can also go for a more dynamic, relaxed layout by putting the sofa 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 fade or develop scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment, apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.