How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and descriptions of the product, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying an authentic leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal with the couch - take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to check the fabric.
For example, one leather-upholstered couch CHOICE tested had 'contact' areas (such as arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather however the non-contact areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather is, however, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch smells bad, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you're not satisfied with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against odors.
You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to absorb dirt, wring it out or swap for an alternative. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it again.
Airing your leather out is another natural way to get rid of the smell. If you can, place the couch outside in a sunny area to let it air dry. This will help eliminate unwanted odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from soaking up unpleasant odors and keep it looking nice for longer.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing, it can be difficult to keep clean. Over time, it can absorb smells from smoking, cooking, and even body smell. These odors are difficult to get rid of especially when you have children or pets. Fortunately, real leather couches don't trap these odors like fabrics can and are a good choice for households with active families.
It's important to take action immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy urine. You can utilize the suggestions given above or a product such as Leather Honey to fix the issue. The best option is to stop the problem from occurring, so make sure you train your dog to never pee on your couch.
2. Feel
When you're looking for a brand new leather sofa, there are a few things you should be aware of. However, the best way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is unmistakable. The smell can fade with age, but it should be clear when the couch is fresh.
A genuine leather couch should be warm and comfortable to touch. Bonded and faux leathers on the other hand are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test this, gently press your fingertips on the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely bonded or faux-leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of a frame of a sofa can have a significant effect on its lifespan, but it's not always obvious. To make sure you're buying a sofa which will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used in the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. To ensure durability, wood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you are on a budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you love. For instance, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is 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, which is a classic style and comes in a variety of fade-resistant fabrics. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a distinct aesthetic that other forms of furniture cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They can last for a long time. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens, so they don't need the same amount of regular maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. Like every other purchase, it is essential to be aware of pitfalls before making a final decision.
If you're not sure whether your new couch is made of fabric or leather it is best to first look at the tag of materials that is that is attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to help you make a 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 greater detail. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading will not be uniform. If the surface is smooth and uniform, or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a dead indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to 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 is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and can only be cut so big. To ensure the highest quality of their products, the top manufacturers will sew and stitch throughout the back of a couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to, lift up one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of padding is covered by polyurethane or a weave, it is an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a rough and coarse coating that feels solid when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a classic and for good reason. The warm, natural feel and look of the material can elevate any living space. In addition, a modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Because each hide has distinct patterns and blemishes, grain, and marks, every leather couch is unique.
While labels and prices are excellent indicators however, the best way to know whether you're buying authentic leather is to get close and personal with it. Inspect the texture, structure and pattern to get an in-depth look at its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any obvious blemishes on the surface, then it's likely to be fake or bound.
Another dead giveaway is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a common feature of leather that is bonded. vegan leather sofa will have a more natural look and will be backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to create the furniture.
Take a look at the back of your couch to see whether there are vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been constructed with care to last. If there aren't any seams, and the rear appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded leather couch.
If you've decided that a sofa is genuine leather, the next step is to pair it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. For a crisp, coordinated look, match your sofa with other furniture made of wood, and accent it with pillows that match the color scheme of your space. Or go for a more relaxed, dynamic arrangement by placing your sofa in a row with other furniture pieces, and an occasional table.
Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to stop it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to protect your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protection product once or twice a year.