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 an authentic leather sofa. It is important to get close and personal to take a whiff, feel and flip over a couch to look at the fabric.
For example, one 'leather' couch CHOICE tested had "contact" areas (such as arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should smell rich, natural and luxurious. False leather, however, often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your sofa has a bad smell, it may be due to urine or stains from pets. In most cases, a good cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will help restore the leather's moisture and make it more supple and less brittle, as well as more resistant to smells.
You can also use an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. sofas leather and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather couch. If the cloth starts to gather dirt, you can either wring it or replace it with a new one. You can also put the solution in the spray bottle and spray it onto your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping it over again.
Airing your leather out is another way to get rid of odors. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sunny area to air it out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors, and provide it with a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors completely You can buy an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from taking in unpleasant odors and keep it looking good for longer.
The smell of leather can be appealing, but it can be difficult to maintain. In time, it may absorb smells from smoking, cooking, or even body smell. These odors are difficult to remove, especially if your home has children or pets. Fortunately, leather couches don't trap these odors in the same way that fabric upholstery can make them a great choice for families with active families.
If your sofa smells like the scent of a puppy's pee It is important to get the problem addressed immediately. You can utilize the suggestions given above or a product such as Leather Honey to solve the issue. Prevention is the best way to go however, so make 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 look out for. The most effective way to determine if it's real is to smell it and feel it. Real leather has a distinct natural scent that is recognizable. 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 feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Bonded and faux leathers however, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test this try pressing your fingertips on the surface of the couch and feel for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the leather is probably bonded or faux leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means the leather isn't a continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a leather frame of a sofa can have a significant effect on its lifespan, but this isn't always immediately apparent. To make sure you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used to construct the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames are less durable. For extra durability, a hardwood frame should also be kiln-dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you are on a tight budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and versatile option that's often on sale and can easily be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It is a classic design and is available in a wide selection 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
Leather sofas have a distinct aesthetic that other forms of furniture can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear far better than fabric, making them last for years to be. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust, so they don't need more frequent maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches aren't any different. Like any other purchase, it is essential to be aware of risks before making a final choice.
If you're not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather then you must first verify the materials tag attached to the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of material it is. But, you should use your own senses to make an informed decision if you are unable to find any information on the material composition of the sofa.
The couch's surface is worth a close examination with a keen eye on the pattern, texture, and shading. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading will not be uniform. If the surface is uniform and smooth or if a mesh backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a sure indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching pattern on the back, it is not genuine leather. This is because animal hides are restricted in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew 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 cushion. If the back of the cushion is covered in polyurethane or a weave, it is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a coarse and rough coating that feels sturdy when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless piece, and with good reason. The material's warm, natural design and feel can add a touch of class to any living room. Plus modern tanning techniques provides it with the added strength to withstand sagging or cracking. Because each hide has its own unique marks, grain, and blemishes, every leather couch is unique.
The best way to tell if the leather you are buying is genuine is to examine it in person. Examine the texture, structure, and pattern for a more detailed view of its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it's likely to be faux or bonding.
Another obvious sign is a backing made of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used to make furniture.
Also, look at the back of the couch for one or two stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that's been constructed with care to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a single piece of cloth, it's most likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather couch.
After you've determined that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to pair it with your other living room furniture. Match your couch with wooden furniture, and add pillows that match the color of your living space. Or, you can opt for a relaxed, dynamic arrangement by placing your sofa across from other pieces with the addition of a coffee table.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent at least once or twice a year.