How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on prices and descriptions of products, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a genuine leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the backing.
For example, one 'leather' couch CHOICE test had 'contact' areas (such as arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery but the 'non-contact' areas were made of coated polyester and cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather is, however is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch smells bad 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, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather and make it softer and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator like baking soda to remove unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to gather dirt, you can wring it or replace it with a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it off again.
Another natural way to remove odors from your leather is to air it out. Place the sofa in a bright space to let it air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant smells and give the sofa a natural, fresh scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresher longer by preventing it from absorption of smells.
The scent of leather can be appealing, but it can be difficult to keep. Over time, it can absorb odors from smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors can be hard to get rid of especially when you have pets or children. Genuine leather couches do not trap these odors as fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
It's important to take action immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy urine. Try some of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. The best option is to stop the problem from occurring therefore, make sure to teach your dog not to pee on your couch.
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
There are some clues to look out for when you are shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable method to determine whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. The scent can fade as time passes however there should be no mistaking it when the couch 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 a a plasticky feel. To test, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and look for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely faux-leather or bonded.
Another indicator is if you see 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 a frame for a sofa can have a significant effect on its lifespan but this isn't always immediately apparent. 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 costly alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames aren't as robust. To improve durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're on a budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you love. For instance, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often offered for sale and is easily personalized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a broad selection of fabrics that are fade-resistant. However, this modular sofa requires at-home assembly and its back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas are different from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear better than fabric. vegan leather sofa last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. However, as with anything else in life, there are issues to be aware of when buying a leather sofa - and it pays to be aware of what to look for prior to making your final choice.
If you are not sure if your new couch is made of fabric or leather, you should first check the materials tag on the frame. This will reveal exactly what kind of material it is. If you are unable to find any information about the couch's materials, you can use your senses to make the decision.
The sofa's surface should be examined closely and pay attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern, or shading will not be uniform. If the surface of a couch appears smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like back instead of rough suede, that's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another way to test this is to look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching pattern on the back, it isn't real leather. The reason for this is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and can only be cut as large. To ensure the highest quality of their products, the top manufacturers will sew and stitch through the entire back of a couch to ensure that it's genuine leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you are able raise one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered in polyurethane or a weave, it is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to be rough and coarse in coating that feels solid when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless classic for a reason. The material's warm, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living space. Additionally modern tanning techniques provides it with the added strength to withstand sagging or cracking. Since each hide comes with distinct marks and grain, as well as blemishes Every leather sofa is unique.
The best way to know whether the leather you're buying is genuine is to inspect it closely. For a better understanding of the authenticity, look at the texture of the surface patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on it, then it is likely to be fake or bonded.
A polyurethane back on a sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create the furniture.
Take a look at the back of your couch to see whether there are any vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been made with care to last. If there aren't any seams, and the back appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded-leather couch.
Once you've established that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with other living room furniture. For a crisp, coordinated style, match your couch with other furniture made of wood and line it with pillows that match the colors of your living space. You can also choose more relaxed, energetic arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces of furniture with a table in between.
Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to prevent it from fading or forming scuffs. If you're looking to protect your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protector every once or twice per year.