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 a genuine leather sofa. It is important to get close to the couch and inspect it closely. Smell, touch and turn the cushion over to see the back.
For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE tested had 'contact' areas (such as arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were a mixture of coated polyester and cotton.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather however, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch smells bad, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a good cleaning can eliminate the smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the
leather lounge and make it soft and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to smells.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator such as baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather couch. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can either wring it out or replace it with a new one. Alternatively, you can put the solution in spray bottles and spray it onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it off again.
Airing out your leather is another method to get rid of smells. Place the sofa in a sun-lit area to let it air. This will remove any unwanted odors, and give the couch an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This keeps your
vintage leather sofa looking fresh for longer by preventing it from taking in smells.
The scent of leather can be appealing, but it is difficult to maintain. As time passes, it will absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors are difficult to eliminate, particularly in homes with children or pets. Real leather couches do not trap these odors as fabrics can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
If your couch smells like a pee-soaked puppy It is important to get the problem addressed immediately. You can try some of the suggestions above, or use a specific product like Leather Honey to address the issue. The best way to treat the issue is to avoid the issue and ensure that you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
When shopping for a new leather sofa, there are a few things you should look out for. However, the best way to tell whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. This aroma can dull with age, but there shouldn't be any doubt about it when the couch is new.
A genuine leather couch should be warm and comfortable to touch. Leathers made of faux and bonded are often colder and have the impression of plastic. To test, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather is probably bonded or faux leather.
Another indicator is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means the leather isn't one continuous piece, which is a characteristic of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame of
rustic leather sofa couches can have a major impact on its longevity however it's often not obvious. To ensure 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, but they're also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. To improve durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to prevent warping or mildew.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. For instance, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often offered for sale and is easily customized to match your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It is a classic design and is available in a wide range of fabrics that are resistant to fade. The sofa is modular and a bit difficult to assemble at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches are an exception to other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They will last for many years. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust which means they don't require as much regular care and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. Like every other purchase, it's essential to be aware of the pitfalls before making a final decision.
If you're not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather it is best to first look at the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will reveal exactly what kind of material it is. If you can't find any information regarding the couch's materials, you can utilize your senses to make a decision.
A key indicator is to take a close look at the couch's surface and observe the texture, shading and patterns in detail. A real leather couch is likely to have imperfections that are natural and will not be perfectly uniform in structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform, or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a clear indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching on the back, it's not real leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and examine the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is covered with an unwoven material or polyurethane it is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and rough when touched.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless classic with a reason. The natural, warm look and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Plus the
modern leather sofa tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand sagging or cracking. And because each hide has its own unique patterns and blemishes, grain, and marks each leather couch is unique.
The best way to determine whether the leather you're purchasing is genuine is to examine it in person. For a better understanding of authenticity, examine the texture of the surface, pattern, and structure. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it's likely to be fake or bound.
Another obvious sign is a polyurethane backing on the back of the sofa. This is a common feature of
leather sofa restoration that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and will be backed with materials that closely resemble 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 an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that has been carefully constructed to last. If there aren't any seams, and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it is likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.
After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to pair it with your other living room furniture. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the colors of your room.