How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and product descriptions it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather couch. You should get close to the couch and look at it carefully. Smell, touch and flip the cushion to see the back.
For leather sofas , one leather-upholstered couch CHOICE tested had contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery however the non-contact areas were made up of coated polyester and cotton.
1. Smell
A real leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather, on the other hand typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad it could be due to stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you're not satisfied with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against odors.
Baking soda is an excellent natural odor eliminator that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather sofa. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can wring it or replace it with a fresh one. Alternately, you can pour the solution into spray bottles and spray it onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it again.
Another natural way to remove odors from your leather is by airing it out. Place the sofa in a sunny space to let it air out. This will help eliminate unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant odors completely, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from taking in smells and will keep it smelling nice for longer.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing but it can be difficult to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors, such as smoke, cooking and even body smell. These odors are hard to eliminate, particularly if your home has children or pets. Real leather couches do not hold in these odors the way fabrics can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
It is crucial to act immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy poop. You can utilize the suggestions mentioned above or a product like Leather Honey to resolve the issue. The best way to treat the issue is to prevent the problem, so make sure you train your dog to never pee on your couch.
2. Feel
There are some clues to look out for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. This scent may fade with age however there shouldn't be any doubt about it when the sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa should be warm and comfortable to touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a a plasticky feel. To test this, gently press your fingertips on the sofa's surface and look for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely to be faux-leather or bonded.
Another sign of a fake sofa is when you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame of a leather couch can have a major impact on its life span, but it's not always obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa which will last, inquire about the type of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less robust. For extra durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you are on a tight budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible option that's often offered for sale and can be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic style and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are resistant to fade. The sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a distinct appeal that other types of furniture can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and resist wear and tear more than fabric, making them last for a long time to be. They also are resistant to spills and stains and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens and therefore don't require the same amount of regular maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches aren't any different. As with any other purchase, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers before making a final choice.
If you're not sure if your new couch is made of leather or fabric it is best to first look at the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of material it is. However, you must utilize your own senses to help make a decision if you can't find any information about the material composition of the sofa.
The sofa's surface should be examined closely with a keen eye on the texture, shading and patterns. A genuine leather couch will have natural imperfections and won't be completely uniform in structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the surface of a couch appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like back instead of coarse suede, it's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another way to test this is to check the back of the cushion casing. If it has stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, that's a sign that it's not genuine leather. This is because animal hides are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or cushion and inspect the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and coarse when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless design for a reason. The natural, warm appearance and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Modern tanning techniques give it additional durability, meaning it is resistant to cracking or sliding. Since each hide comes with distinctive patterns and grain, as well as blemishes each leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
The best way to determine whether the leather you are purchasing is genuine is to look at it in person. Examine the texture, structure, and pattern for an even more precise look at its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it is likely to be fake or bonded.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create the furniture.
Also, look at the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been made with attention to last. If there aren't any seams and the back appears like a seamless cloth, then it is likely to be a faux or bonded leather couch.
If you've concluded that a couch is genuine leather the next step is to match it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. For a crisp, coordinated style, match your couch with other wooden furniture and accent it with pillows that reflect the color scheme of your room. Or, you can opt for a relaxed, dynamic arrangement by placing your sofa in a row with other furniture pieces, and the addition of a coffee table.
Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to prevent it from fading or forming scuffs. And if you want to safeguard your investment by prolonging its lifespan, think about applying a leather protector once or twice a year.