How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to tell if you are buying genuine leather sofas due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close and personal - take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to examine the fabric.
For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE was tested with 'contact' areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were made up of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather is, however typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your sofa smells unpleasant it could be due to stains or pet urine. In the majority of instances, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will bring back moisture to the leather which makes it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant to smells.
Baking soda is a great natural odor-removing agent that can be used to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth starts to absorb dirt, you can wring it out or switch to another. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it again.
Another way to get rid of the smells from your leather is by airing it out. If possible, set the sofa outside in a sunny area to let it air dry. l shape leather sofa will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and give the sofa an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors You can buy a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresher longer by stopping it from absorbing the smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it isn't always easy to keep clean. Over time, leather can absorb odors like those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors can be hard to eliminate, especially when you have children or pets. Fortunately, leather couches aren't able to trap the odors as fabric upholstery and are a good choice for families with active families.
It's important to take action immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy urine. Try some of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best way to go, though, so be sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Contact us with any questions.
There are some clues to look for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct, natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. This aroma can dull as time passes but it is impossible to miss it when the sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa must feel soft to the touch and warm to the. Leathers made of faux and bonded are often colder and have a plasticky feel. To test, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and look for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely faux-leather or bonded.
Another sign of a fake sofa is when you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means the leather isn't a continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a frame of a sofa can have a significant effect on its longevity however, this isn't always evident. Ask what type of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose an item that has a long lifespan. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but also the most expensive. leather chaise lounge or particle board frames are less durable. For extra durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you're on a tight budget but still want a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. For example 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.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. leather chaise lounge has a classic style and is available in a wide variety of fabrics that are resistant to fade. The sofa requires at-home assembly and its back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches have a distinct appeal that other kinds of upholstery can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely robust and withstand wear and tear far more than fabric, making them last for a long time to come. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are a few dangers when purchasing a leather couch - and it's important to know what to look out for before making your final decision.
If you're not sure whether the sofa you bought is genuine leather the first thing you should look over the material tag on the frame to discover the exact type of fabric or leather it's made of. However, you should also use your own senses to assist you in making an informed decision if you are unable to find any information on the material composition of the sofa.
The surface of the sofa must be carefully examined, paying attention to the patterns, shading and texture. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading will not be uniform. If the surface of a couch appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like backing instead of coarse suede, this is an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching on its back, it is not genuine leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. To ensure the highest quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will always stitch and sew throughout the back of a sofa to ensure that it's genuinely leather and not fake or bonded leather.
If you are able to raise a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered with an unwoven material or polyurethane it is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and rough when touched.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless classic with the reason. The soft, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living room. Modern tanning methods give it extra durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sliding. Each hide is unique and has its own distinctive markings, grain and blemishes.
The best way to tell whether the leather you are buying is authentic is to look at it in person. Inspect the texture, structure and pattern for an even more precise view of its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it is likely to be fake or bonded.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a polyurethane backing on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and is backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather was constructed with care to last. If there aren't any seams, and the rear looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded-leather sofa.
Once you've determined that a sofa is genuine leather the next step is to pair it up with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Combine your sofa with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that match the colors of your space. You can also opt for an energizing, relaxing layout by putting the sofa between two pieces of furniture, with a coffee table in between.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't fade or develop scratches due to direct sunlight. And if you want to safeguard your investment by prolonging its life, you should consider applying a leather protection agent every two or three times a year.