How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading prices and descriptions of products, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a genuine leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal to take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to examine the back.
For example, one sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE tested had 'contact' areas (such as seats and arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery but the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather is, however is often chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it could be due to urine or stains from pets. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it softer, less brittle, and more resistant to smells.
Baking soda is an excellent natural odor remover that can be used to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to gather dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it or replace it with a fresh one. Alternately, you can pour the solution in spray bottles and spray it onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it over again.
Airing out your leather is another natural way to get rid of odors. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sun-lit area to let it air dry. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors, and also give the couch a natural, fresh scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant smells altogether You can buy a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher longer by stopping it from absorbing smells.
The scent of leather may be attractive, but it's difficult to maintain. Over time, it can absorb smells from smoking, cooking, and even body smell. These odors are difficult to get rid of especially if you have children or pets. Fortunately, real leather couches aren't able to trap these odors like fabric upholstery, making them an ideal option for families with active families.
If your sofa smells like a pee-soaked puppy It is important to take action immediately. You can use the tips given above or a product such as Leather Honey to fix the problem. The best option is to avoid the issue, so make sure you teach your dog not to pee on your couch.
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
There are some clues to look for when you are shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable way to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Real leather has a distinct natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. The smell can fade as time passes, but it should be clear when the couch is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should be warm and soft to the touch. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a a plasticky feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips to the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the material is probably bonded or faux leather.
If you see vertical seams stitched across the back of a sofa, this is another dead giveaway. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of a frame of a sofa can have a significant impact on its durability, but this isn't always evident. To ensure you're buying a sofa which will last, inquire about the type of wood is used in the frame. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and costly alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. To ensure durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln dried to avoid mildew and warping.
If you're on a budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile choice that's frequently available for sale and can be easily personalized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It is a classic design and is available in a wide selection of fabrics that are fade-resistant. This sofa is somewhat difficult to put together at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a distinct aesthetic that other forms of upholstery can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They last for a long time. They also resist spills and stains and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens and therefore don't require as much regular maintenance and cleaning. But, like everything else in life, there are some issues to be aware of when buying a leather couch and it is important to know what to look out for before making your final decision.
If you're unsure if your new sofa is genuine leather the first thing you should do is examine the materials tag on the frame to find out what kind of fabric or leather it is made of. If you are unable to find any information regarding the couch's material composition then you can use your senses to help you make the decision.
The surface of the sofa should be examined closely with a keen eye on the texture, shading and patterns. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be consistent. If the surface is uniform and smooth or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a sure giveaway of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to look at the back of the cushion casing. If it has a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's an indication that it isn't authentic leather. The reason for this is because animal hides are limited in their size, and they can only be cut as large. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able raise a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is coated with a woven fabric or is covered in polyurethane this is another indicator that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a rough and coarse surface that feels solid when you feel it.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic and for good reason. The natural, warm look and feel of the material can enhance any living space. Plus the modern tanning process adds a bit of durability to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is distinct, with its own marks, grain and blemishes.
While prices and labels are excellent indicators, the best way to know if you're buying authentic leather is to get up close and personal with it. To get a better idea of the authenticity of the leather, take a look at the texture of the surface patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure appears to be uniform and there are no noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux or bonded leather.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a common characteristic of bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used to make the furniture.
Check the back of your couch to determine whether there are vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been carefully constructed to last. On the other hand, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a piece of cloth, it's likely a lower-quality faux or bonded leather sofa.
Once distressed leather couch 've determined that a couch 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 match the color of your space. You can also choose more relaxed, energetic layout by placing the couch between two pieces furniture, with a coffee table between.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't fade or leave scratches from direct sunlight. If you're looking to safeguard your investment by prolonging its life, you should consider applying a leather protection product once or twice a year.