How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It can be difficult to determine if you are purchasing genuine leather couches because of misleading product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and examine it carefully. Smell, touch and turn the cushion to examine the back.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (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 rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather however is often chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a bad smell, it may be caused by urine or stains from pets. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning can eliminate the smell. If you're not pleased with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it more soft and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor remover that can be used to get rid of 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 accumulate dirt, you can either wring it out or replace it with a fresh one. Alternately, you can pour the solution into a spray bottle and spritz it over your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it again.
Another natural way to remove the smells from your leather is by airing it out. If you can, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to let it air dry. This will help remove unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant smells altogether You can buy a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from absorbing smells and will keep it smelling nice for longer.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to keep clean. Over time, leather may absorb odors such as smoke, cooking and even body odor. These odors are hard to get rid of, especially if your home has children or pets. Genuine leather couches do not trap these odors as fabrics can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
It is crucial to act immediately if your couch smells like it was soaked in puppy urine. You can try some of the suggestions above, or use a specific product such as Leather Honey to address the issue. Prevention is the best solution however, so make sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
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There are some clues to look out for when buying leather furniture, but the most reliable method to determine whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct unique, natural scent. real leather sofa can fade as time passes but there shouldn't be any doubt about it when a sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa should feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Leathers that are faux or bonded, on the other hand, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test this, gently press your fingertips onto the couch's surface and check for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely to be faux-leather or bonded.
If you notice vertical seams that are stitched on the back of the sofa, it's another indicator. This indicates that the leather isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame of a leather couch can have a major effect on its lifespan however, it's not always clear. To make sure you're buying a sofa which will last, inquire about the type of wood is used to construct the frame. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive option, while engineered or particle board frames aren't as robust. For added durability, a wooden frame must also be dried to avoid mildew and warping.
If you are on a budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you love. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile choice that's frequently on sale and can be easily customized to fit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that has a classic design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabrics. However, this sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas are a class apart from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear better than fabric. They can last for many years. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches are no different. Like any other purchase, it is crucial to be aware of risks before making a final decision.
If you're unsure whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric it is best to first look at the tag of materials that is that is attached to the frame. This will inform you the exact type of material it is. If you can't discover any information about the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can utilize your senses to make a decision.
A good way to tell is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading, and patterns in greater detail. Real 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 backing appears in place of the coarse leather, it's a sure indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If there is stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's a sign that it's not genuine leather. This is because animal hides are restricted in size and can only be cut to a certain degree. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that 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 coated with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another indicator that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and coarse when touched.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a timeless piece, and with good reason. The soft, natural design and feel can add a touch of class to any living space. In addition the modern tanning process adds a bit of durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Because each hide has distinctive markings, grain, and blemishes, every leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
The best way to determine whether the leather you're buying is authentic is to inspect it closely. Examine the texture, structure and pattern to get a more detailed view of its authenticity. If the structure is uniform and there aren't any noticeable blemishes, it's likely fake or bonded leather.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a polyurethane backing on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used to create furniture.
Look at the back of your sofa to see if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign of a high-quality piece of leather that's been carefully constructed to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a continuous piece of fabric, it's likely a fake or bonded leather couch.
Once you've confirmed that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to pair it with your other furniture in your living room. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the color of your living space. You can also go for an energizing, relaxing arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces of furniture, with a coffee table in between.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to prevent it from fading or forming scuffs. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent once or twice per year.