How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to determine if are buying genuine leather couches due to misleading product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and turn over a cushion to examine the backing.
For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE tested had "contact" areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were made up of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be fragrant and natural. Faux leather is, however is often chemically processed and artificial. If your sofa smells unpleasant, it could be due to urine from your pet. In most instances, 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 bring back the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant against smells.
Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor remover that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth starts to absorb dirt, squeeze it out or swap for another. You can spray the solution onto your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it over again.
The process of airing out your leather is another natural way to get rid of the smell. Place the sofa in a sunny space to let it air out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors, and provide it with an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresh for longer by stopping it from absorbing odors.
The scent of leather may be appealing, but it can be difficult to keep. In time, it may absorb the odors of cooking, smoking, and even body odor. These odors are hard to get rid of, especially in homes with children or pets. Genuine leather couches do not hold in these odors the way fabrics can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.
If your couch smells like the scent of a puppy's pee It is important to address the issue immediately. You can utilize the suggestions listed above or a product such as Leather Honey to fix the problem. Prevention is the best solution however, so make sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Contact us with any questions.
There are a few indicators to look out for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable unique, natural scent. This aroma can dull as you age but it is impossible to miss it when a sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must feel soft to the touch and warm to the. Faux and bonded leathers are often colder and have the impression of plastic. To test, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the leather is probably bonded or faux leather.
Another indicator is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather isn't one continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame on leather couches can have a significant impact on its longevity, but it's often not obvious. Find out what leather living room sets of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you choose the right sofa that has longevity for a long time. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and costly choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames are less robust. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're shopping for a price that isn't too expensive there are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas that you can still fall in love with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile choice that's usually available for sale and can be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a wide range of fabrics that are stain-resistant. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions have a tendency to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches offer a unique appeal that other types of furniture can't match. Leather sofas are extremely durable and endure wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They will last for many years. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens and therefore don't require as much regular care and cleaning. However, as with anything else in life, there are a few issues to be aware of when buying a leather couch and it pays to know what to look out for before making your final decision.
If you are not sure whether your new sofa 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 tell you the exact type of material it is. But, you should utilize your own senses to assist you in making an informed decision if you are unable to find any information about the material composition of the sofa.
A key indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading and patterns in depth. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading won't be uniform. If the surface of a couch appears smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like back in place of rough suede, that's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to check the back of the cushion casing. If you see an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's an indication that it isn't genuine leather. The reason is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and they can only be cut so big. Top-rated manufacturers always 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, try to lift up a corner of the sofa or cushion and inspect the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is coated with an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indicator that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a rough and coarse surface that feels solid when you touch it.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic, and with good reason. The warm, natural feel and look of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Modern tanning techniques give it extra durability, so that it resists cracking or sagging. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive marks, grain and blemishes.
The best way to tell if the leather you are purchasing is genuine is to look at it closely. To better understand the authenticity, look at the texture of the surface, pattern, and structure. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it is likely to be faux or bound.
Another dead giveaway is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a standard feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Also, look at the back of the couch to see one or two stitched vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been made with attention 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.
After you've determined that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with other living room furniture. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and add pillows that match the colors of your space. You can also choose more relaxed, energetic arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces of furniture with a coffeetable in between.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit space to ensure that it doesn't fade or develop scratches due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to protect your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protection product every two or three times a year.