How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and descriptions of the product, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a real leather couch. You need to get up close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine 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 up of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather sofa should smell rich and natural. Faux leather is, however typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a unpleasant smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a good cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you're not happy with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant against odors.
Baking soda is an excellent natural odor remover that can be used to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to accumulate dirt, you can wring it out or replace it with a new one. Alternatively, you can put the solution into the spray bottle and spray it over your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it off again.
Another method to eliminate the smells from your leather is by airing it out. If you are able, place the sofa outside in a sunny area to let it air out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors, and provide it with an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresher for longer, stopping it from taking in odors.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing however, it isn't always easy to keep clean. As time passes, it will absorb the odors of cooking, smoking, and even body smell. These odors are hard to eliminate, particularly in homes with pets or children. Genuine leather couches do not absorb odors like fabric upholstery can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
It is crucial to act immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy pee. You can utilize the suggestions given above or a product like Leather Honey to resolve the problem. The best solution is to stop the problem from occurring and ensure that you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Feel
If you are looking for a new leather sofa there are a few things you should be looking for. The most effective way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell it and feel it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is recognizable. The smell can fade with age, but it should be clear when the couch is fresh.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a plasticky feel. To test this, gently press your fingers to the surface of a couch and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it is likely faux-leather or bonded.
Another indicator is if you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather isn't a continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame of the leather sofa can have a significant impact on its longevity however it's not always obvious. To make sure you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used for the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. For extra durability, a wooden frame must also be dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're shopping on a budget There are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas you can still enjoy. For instance, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable 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. It is a classic design and is available in a broad range of fabrics that are resistant to fade. However, this sofa requires assembly at home and its back cushions have a tendency to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches are a class apart from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear better than fabric. They will last for a long time. They also are resistant to spills and stains and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens and therefore don't require as much regular maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches aren't any different. As with any other purchase, it is crucial to be aware of risks before making a final decision.
If you're not sure whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric, you should first check the tag of materials that is on the frame. Sofas And Couches will tell you exactly what kind of material it is. But, you should use your own senses to help make 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 couch's surface and look at the texture, shading and patterns in depth. A genuine leather couch will have natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in terms of structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of coarse leather, it's a dead giveaway of fake or synthetic leather.
Check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on the back, it's not real leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are restricted in size and can only be cut to a certain degree. To ensure the best quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch throughout the back of a couch to ensure that it's genuine leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you are able to lift one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered in polyurethane or a weave, then this is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless classic for a reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the material can elevate any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it added durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sagging. Each hide is distinct with its own unique imperfections, markings, and grain.
The best way to tell if the leather you are buying is authentic is to look at it in person. Check the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern for an in-depth glimpse of its genuine. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it's likely to be faux or bonded.
Another obvious sign is a polyurethane backing on the sofa's back. This is a common feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and will be backed with materials that closely like the fabric used to create furniture.
Take a look at the back of your sofa to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been constructed 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.
Once you've determined that a sofa is genuine leather the next step is to match it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that match the colors of your living space. You can also opt for a more fluid, acoustic arrangement by placing your sofa in a row with other furniture pieces, and a coffee table in between.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage use a leather protection agent at least once or twice a year.