How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and product descriptions it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather sofa. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and turn over a cushion to check the fabric.
For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather, whereas 'non contact' areas were made of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be fragrant and natural. Faux leather is, however, often smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a unpleasant smell, it could be due to urine or stains from pets. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it soft, less brittle, and more resistant to smells.
You can also make use of an organic odor remover such as baking soda to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth begins to accumulate dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it or replace it with a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it again.
Another natural way to remove odors from your leather is by airing it out. Place the sofa in a bright area to air out. This will remove any unwanted odors, and also give the couch an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from soaking up odors and keep it smelling good for longer.
l shape leather sofa of leather may be appealing, but it can be difficult to keep. Over time, it can absorb smells from smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors can be difficult to eliminate particularly if you have pets or children. Real leather couches do not trap these odors as fabrics can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
It's important to take action immediately when your couch smells as if it was soaked in puppy poop. You can utilize the suggestions mentioned above or a product like Leather Honey to solve the issue. The best solution is to stop the problem from occurring, so make sure you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Feel
When you're looking for a brand new leather sofa There are a few things you should be looking for. But the best way to determine if it's real is to smell it and feel it. Leather has a distinct unique, natural scent. This aroma can dull as time passes but there shouldn't be any doubt about it when the couch is new.
A genuine leather sofa should be warm and soft to the touch. Faux and bonded leathers are often colder and have the impression of plastic. To test this, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely bonded or faux-leather.
If you see vertical seams stitched across the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This indicates that the leather isn't a continuous piece, which is a characteristic of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame of leather couches can have a major effect on its longevity however, it's not always obvious. Find out what kind of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose a sofa with an extended lifespan. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive option, while engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. For extra durability, a wooden frame should also be kiln dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you're for a price that isn't too expensive, there are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas that you could still enjoy. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile option that's often on sale and can easily be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic style and is available in a wide selection of fabrics that are resistant to fade. This modular sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches are different from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear better than fabrics. They can last for many years. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches aren't any different. As with any other purchase, it's important to be aware of dangers before making a final decision.
If you're unsure if your new sofa is genuine leather, the first thing to do is look at the materials tag on the frame to determine what kind of fabric or leather it's made of. However, you should also make use of your senses to help make an informed decision if you are unable to discover any information regarding the materials used to make the sofa.
A good way to tell is to take a closer look at the couch's surface and examine the texture, shading and patterns in depth. Genuine leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading will not be uniform. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of coarse leather, it's a sure indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on its back, it isn't genuine leather. This is due to the fact that hides from animals are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or a cushion and inspect the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is covered in a woven fabric or covered with polyurethane, it is another indication that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and coarse when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic and for good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it extra durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sliding. And because each hide has distinct markings, grain, and blemishes each leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
The best way to know whether the leather you are buying is genuine is to examine it closely. Check the texture, structure and pattern for an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure is uniform and there are no visible flaws, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is a different indicator. This is a common characteristic of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used in making furniture.
Look at the back of your couch to see whether there are any vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been made with attention to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a piece of cloth, it's likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather sofa.
If you've concluded that a couch is genuine leather the next step is to pair it up with the rest of your living room furniture. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that match the colors of your space. Or, you can opt for a fluid, acoustic arrangement by placing your sofa in a row with other furniture pieces, and the addition of a coffee table.
Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't fade or develop scratches due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage, apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.