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 couch. You should be able to walk up to the couch and inspect it carefully. Feel, smell, and flip the cushion to check out the backing.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather while the non-contact areas were made up of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. The faux leather, however, typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your sofa smells unpleasant, it could be due to urine from your pet. In most cases, a thorough clean will remove any smell. If you're not pleased with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather, making it softer, less brittle, and more resistant to smells.
Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor-removing agent that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather couch. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it or replace it with a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping it over again.
Airing your leather out is another natural way to eliminate odors. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sun-lit area to air it out. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors, and give the sofa a natural, fresh scent.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresher for longer, keeping it from taking in the smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to keep clean. Over time, leather may absorb odors like smoke, cooking and even body smell. These odors can be difficult to get rid of especially when you have children or pets. Genuine leather couches do not hold in these odors the way fabric upholstery can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
If your couch smells akin to a pee-soaked puppy It is important to address the issue immediately. Try some of the tips above, or you can try a specific product such as Leather Honey to treat the problem. The best option is to avoid the issue, so make sure you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Feel
If you are looking for a new leather sofa There are some things to look out for. But the most effective way to determine if it's real is to smell and feel it. Real leather has an unmistakable, distinct natural scent. The smell fades with age however, it should be evident when the sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa should be warm and comfortable to the touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this, gently press your fingers to the surface of a couch and check for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely bonded or faux-leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means the leather isn't a continuous piece that is the hallmark of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a significant impact on its longevity, but it's not always obvious. Ask what type of wood was used to make the frame. This will help you choose a sofa with a long lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as robust. To ensure durability, wood frames should be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're on a tight budget There are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas you can still be captivated by. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and versatile option that is often available for sale and can be customized to fit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that is a classic style and is available in a wide range of fade-resistant fabrics. This modular sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches are an exception to other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear better than fabrics. They can last for a long time. They also resist staining and spills, and are less likely to attract allergens and dust, so they don't need as much regular care and cleaning. However, just like anything else in life, there are some dangers when purchasing a leather couch - and it's important to know what to look out for before you make your final decision.
If you are not sure if your new couch is made of fabric or leather it is best to first look at the tag of materials that is on the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of material it is. But, you should use your own senses to make the right choice if you don't find any information about the material composition of the sofa.
A key indicator is to take a closer look at the couch's surface and examine the texture, shading and patterns in detail. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be uniform. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of the coarse leather, it's a dead giveaway of fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If it has a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's a sign that it's not genuine leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are restricted in size and can be cut only to a certain degree. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able lift one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered with an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and coarse when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic and for good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it additional durability, meaning that it resists cracking or sliding. Because each hide has distinctive patterns, grain, and blemishes each leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
distressed leather sofa sofasandcouches to know if the leather you are purchasing is genuine is to inspect it closely. To get a better idea of the authenticity of the leather, take a look at the surface texture, pattern, and structure. If the structure appears to be uniform and there aren't any visible flaws, it's most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is a different indicator. This is a typical feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed by materials that closely resemble the fabric used to create the furniture.
Also, look at the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather has been constructed with care to last. If there are no seams, and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it is likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.
Once you've determined that a sofa is genuine leather the next step is to pair it up with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture and add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. Or, you can opt for a comfortable, lively arrangement by placing your sofa across from other pieces with an occasional table.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to stop it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its lifespan, think about applying a leather protection product once or twice a year.