How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and product descriptions it's sometimes difficult to know whether you're buying a real leather couch. You should get close to the couch and look at it carefully. Touch, smell and turn the cushion to see the back.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather while 'non contact' areas were a mix of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather however, often smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad it could be due to pet urine. In the majority of 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 help restore moisture to the leather and make it more supple, less fragile, and more resistant to odors.
You can also use a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to remove unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to pick up dirt, wring it out or swap for another. You can also spray the solution on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it over again.
Airing your leather out is another natural way to remove the smell. If you are able, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will help remove unwanted odors, and provide it with an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can purchase an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in odors and keep it smelling nice for longer.
The scent of leather may be appealing, but it can be difficult to maintain. Over time, leather can absorb odors such as smoke, cooking and even body smell. These odors can be hard to get rid of, especially if you have pets or children. Leather couches don't absorb odors like fabric upholstery can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.
If your couch smells akin to the scent of a puppy's pee It is important to address the issue immediately. Use the tips given above or a product such as Leather Honey to fix the problem. Prevention is the best solution, though, so 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 looking for. However, the best way to tell if it's real is to smell it and feel it. Real leather has a distinct natural scent that is recognizable. This aroma can dull as time passes but there should be no mistaking it when a sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should also feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers are often colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips onto the sofa's surface and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a major impact on its longevity however it's often not obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used to construct the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. For extra durability, a hardwood frame should also be kiln-dried to avoid mildew and warping.
If you are on a tight budget but still want a genuine leather sofa that you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often available for sale and can be customized to suit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic look and is available in a wide selection of fabrics that are stain-resistant. This modular sofa is somewhat difficult to put together at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches offer a unique appeal that other types of upholstery cannot compete with. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and resist wear and tear far better than fabric, making them last for many years to come. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches aren't any different. Like every other purchase, it's important to be aware of pitfalls before making a final choice.
If you're not sure whether your new sofa is genuine leather the first thing you should do is examine the materials tag on the frame to discover the exact type of leather or fabric it's made from. If you cannot find any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to make an informed decision.
distressed leather sofa is worth a close examination and pay attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the couch's surface appears to be smooth and uniform, or shows a mesh-like backing instead of rough suede, that's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Examine the back of the cushion casing. If there is stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it's not true leather. The reason is because animal hides are limited in their size, and can only be cut as large. To ensure the highest quality of their products, the top manufacturers will always stitch and sew through the entire back of the couch to ensure it's genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you can, try to lift up a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven fabric or is covered in polyurethane, this is another sign that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to be rough and coarse in coating that feels sturdy when you touch it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless classic with reasons. The warm, natural look and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Modern tanning techniques give it additional durability, meaning it is resistant to cracking or sliding. Since each hide comes with its own unique markings, grain, and blemishes Every leather sofa is truly one-of-a-kind.
The best way to determine whether the leather you're purchasing is genuine is to inspect it in person. To better understand authenticity, examine the surface texture patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on the surface, then it's likely to be fake or bonding.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used in making furniture.
Check the back of your couch to see if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign the leather was constructed with care to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a single piece of cloth, it's likely a fake or leather couch that has been bonded.
After you've determined that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to match it with your other furniture in your living room. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. Or go for a more comfortable, lively layout by putting your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and an occasional table.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't deteriorate or show scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent every other year.