How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and product descriptions it's sometimes difficult to know whether you're buying a real leather sofa. You should get close to the couch and examine it closely. Feel, smell, and turn the cushion over to see the back.
For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the armrests and seats) with genuine leather. The non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch is smelling unpleasant smell, it could be caused by stains or pet urine. 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 help restore the leather's moisture levels and make it more supple and less brittle, as well as more resistant against smells.
Baking soda is an excellent natural odor remover that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your leather couch. If the cloth begins to absorb dirt, squeeze it out or swap for another. You can also put the solution in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping again.
Another method to eliminate the smells from your leather is by airing it out. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sunny spot to let it air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors, and give the couch a fresh, natural scent.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresher for longer, keeping it from absorption of smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to maintain. In time, it may absorb smells from smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors can be difficult to eliminate especially when you have children or pets. Leather couches don't absorb odors like fabrics can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
It's important to take action immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy urine. 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 prevent the problem and ensure that you teach your dog not to pee on your couch.
2. Feel
There are a few clues to look out for when buying leather furniture, but the most reliable method to determine whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is recognizable. The scent can fade with age but there should be no mistaking it when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather couch should be warm and comfortable to touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a plasticky feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips on the sofa's surface and feel for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.
Another dead giveaway is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather isn't a continuous piece that is the hallmark of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a frame for a sofa can have a significant effect on its longevity but this isn't always evident. To make sure you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and costly choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as sturdy. To increase durability, hardwood frames should be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're shopping for a price that isn't too expensive There are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas that you could nevertheless fall in love with. For vegan leather couch & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often on sale and can be easily customized to match your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which is a classic style and is available in a wide range of fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a certain aesthetic that other forms of upholstery cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and endure wear and tear better than fabrics. They will last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. However, just like anything else in life, there are some pitfalls when it comes to buying a leather couch and it is important to know what to look out for before you make your final choice.
If you're unsure whether your new sofa is genuine leather, the first thing to look over the material tag on the frame to discover the exact type of fabric or leather it's made of. But, you should utilize your own senses to assist you in making an informed decision if you are unable to find any information on the material composition of the sofa.
The surface of the sofa must be carefully examined with a keen eye on the pattern, texture, and shading. Genuine leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be consistent. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of coarse leather, it's a dead indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Check the back of the cushion casing. If you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it isn't genuine leather. The reason for this is because animal hides have a limit on their size, and can only be cut so large. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
Finally, if you can attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is covered by an unwoven material or polyurethane then it's a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a coarse and rough coating that feels sturdy when you touch it.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless design for reasons. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the material can enhance any living space. Plus the modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is distinctive and has its own distinctive markings, grain and blemishes.
While labels and prices are excellent indicators, the best way to tell whether you're buying authentic leather is to go close and intimate with it. Examine the surface texture, structure and pattern for a more detailed look at its authenticity. If the structure is uniform and there aren't any obvious flaws, it's probably fake or the leather is bonded.
Another obvious sign is a polyurethane backing on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create the furniture.
Take a look at the back of your couch to see whether there are any vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been constructed with care to last. If there are no seams and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded-leather couch.
If you've decided that the couch is authentic leather, the next step is to match it with the rest of your living room furniture. Combine your sofa with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that complement the colors of your room. Or, you can opt for a relaxed, dynamic layout by putting your couch across from other pieces with the addition of a coffee table.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to avoid it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.