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 know whether you're buying a genuine leather couch. It is important to get close to the couch and look at it closely. Touch, smell and turn the cushion over to check out the backing.
For instance, one 'leather' couch CHOICE tested had 'contact' areas (such as seats and arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather however the non-contact areas were made 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 artificial. If vegan leather couch smells unpleasant, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a good cleaning will remove the smell. If you're not pleased with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather, making it softer and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor remover such as baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. 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 pick up dirt, squeeze it out or swap for an alternative. Alternately, you can pour the solution in the spray bottle and spray it on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it over again.
Another way to get rid of the smells of your leather is by airing it out. If possible, set the sofa outside in a sun-lit area to let it air dry. This will help remove unpleasant odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors completely then you should consider buying an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresh for longer by preventing it from absorbing the smells.
The scent of leather can be appealing, but it is difficult to maintain. Over time, it can absorb the odors of cooking, smoking, and even body smell. These odors are hard to remove, especially if your home has pets or children. Fortunately, leather couches don't hold the odors as fabric upholstery, making them an ideal choice for households with active families.
If your couch smells akin to an odor of a dog that has peed on it It's crucial to get the problem addressed immediately. Use the tips given above or a product such as Leather Honey to solve the problem. Prevention is the best option but be sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
When you're looking for a brand new leather sofa there are some things to be aware of. The most effective way to determine if it's real is to smell it and feel it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct, natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. The scent can fade as you age, but there shouldn't be any doubt about it when a sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should be soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this, gentle press your fingers on the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather is probably bonded or faux leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a major impact on its life span however it's not always obvious. To ensure you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive option, while engineered or particle board frames are less robust. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to prevent warping or mildew.
If you're on a budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often available for sale and can be adapted to your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It is a classic style and is available in a wide range of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas are a class apart from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and resist wear and tear far better than fabric, making them last for a long time to come. They also are resistant to staining and spills, and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens, so they don't need as much regular maintenance and cleaning. But, like everything else in life, there are a few pitfalls when it comes to purchasing a leather couch - and it pays to be aware of what to look for before making your final decision.
If you're not sure if your new couch is made of fabric or leather then you must first verify the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of material it is. If you are unable to find any information regarding the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can use your senses to help you make an informed decision.
The couch's surface must be carefully examined and pay attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. A genuine leather couch has natural imperfections and won't be completely uniform in structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the surface is uniform and smooth or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of coarse leather, it's a dead indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If it has a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, it's a sign that it's not true leather. The reason is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and are only cut to a certain large. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded 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 padding is covered in a woven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and coarse when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless design for a reason. The soft, natural design and feel can add a touch of class to any living room. A modern tanning procedure gives it extra durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sagging. Each hide is distinctive, with its own imperfections, markings, and grain.
While labels and prices are great pointers however, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to go close and personal with it. To get a better idea of the authenticity, look at the texture of the surface patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure is uniform and there aren't obvious flaws, it's probably faux or bond leather.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to create furniture.
Check the back of your couch to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign 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 fake or bonded leather couch.
If you've decided that the couch is authentic 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 to other furniture made of wood, and line it up with pillows that echo the colors in your space. You can also go for a more dynamic, relaxed layout by putting the sofa between two pieces of furniture with a table between.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright area so that it doesn't fade or leave scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage use a leather protection agent every other year.