How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and descriptions of the product, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying an authentic leather couch. It is important to get close to the couch and look at it carefully. Smell, touch and turn the cushion to examine the back.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the seats and armrests) in genuine leather while non-contact areas were made up of coated polyester and Cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather, however, is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In the majority of cases, 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 restore the moisture to the leather, making it soft, less brittle, and more resistant to smells.
You can also use a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda 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 starts to absorb dirt, you can wring it out or switch to a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping again.
Another method to eliminate odors from your leather is to air it out. Place the sofa in a bright space to let it air out. This will remove any unwanted odors, and give the sofa an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to avoid unpleasant smells altogether You can buy a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in odors and keep it smelling nice for longer.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to maintain. As time passes, leather will absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors are hard to eliminate, particularly if your home has pets or children. Real leather couches do not absorb odors like fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
It's important to take action immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy poop. You can try a few of the suggestions above, or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to address the issue. The best solution is to prevent the problem, so make sure you train your dog to never pee on your couch.
2. Feel
When you're looking for a brand new leather sofa, there are a few things you should look out for. But the most effective way to determine if it's real is to smell and feel it. Leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. This aroma can dull as time passes however there should be no mistaking it when the sofa is 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 the impression of plastic. To test, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and feel for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the leather is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
Another sign of a fake sofa is when 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 distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a major effect on its life span however, it's not always obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used in the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as sturdy. For added durability, a wooden frame should also be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you are on a budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually on sale and can easily be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic style and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are stain-resistant. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a certain appeal that other types of upholstery just can't match. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear better than fabrics. They last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. However, as with anything else in life, there are some dangers when purchasing a leather couch - and it is important to be aware of what to look for before you make your final decision.
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 reveal the exact type of material it is. If you are unable to find any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to make a decision.
A key indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and look at the texture, shading, and patterns in detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be uniform. If the surface of a couch 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.
Another test to take is to check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on the back, it isn't genuine leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are restricted in size and can only be cut to a certain degree. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you are able to try lifting up a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane, this is another sign that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a classic, and for good reason. The natural, warm look and feel can elevate any living room. Plus the modern tanning process gives it the added durability to resist cracking or sagging. Each hide is unique with its own unique markings, grain and blemishes.
While prices and labels are excellent indicators but the best way to determine whether you're buying genuine leather is to get close and personal with it. Check the texture, structure and pattern for an even more precise glimpse of its genuine. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on the surface, then it's likely to be fake or bound.
Another dead giveaway is a polyurethane backing on the back of the sofa. This is a common feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed by materials that closely like the fabric used in making the furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch for one or two stitched vertical seams. This is a sign of a high-quality piece of leather that's been designed to last. If there are no seams, and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded leather couch.
Once you've determined that a couch is genuine leather the next step is to match it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the color of your room. Or, you can opt for a comfortable, lively arrangement by placing your sofa against other furniture pieces and placing the addition of a coffee table.
Keep cheap leather couches from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or developing scuffs. 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.