How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa<br /><br />With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.<br /><br />However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.<br /><br />1. Labels are essential<br /><br />Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine leather.<br /><br />To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.<br /><br />The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.<br /><br /><br /><br />If the sofa doesn't come with a label but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.<br /><br />You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.<br /><br />A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.<br /><br />2. Take a look at the back<br /><br />If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.<br /><br />When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.<br /><br />Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.<br /><br />You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.<br /><br />Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and marks. A good genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.<br /><br />Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice, and even if the couch has authentic leather labels, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.<br /><br />Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.<br /><br />3. Check out the seat<br /><br />A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.<br /><br />If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another dead giveaway. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.<br /><br />The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to feel the furniture. <a href="https://www.sofasandcouches.com/categories/leather-sofas">leather sofas for sale</a> is not perfect, and it will feel rough to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.<br /><br />Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices.<br /><br />For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't date quickly. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.<br /><br />If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.<br /><br />4. Take a look at the smell<br /><br />Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.<br /><br />A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.<br /><br />You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.<br /><br />Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm to the contact.<br /><br />Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.<br /><br />When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.<br /><br />