How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and descriptions of the product, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the back.
For instance, one leather-upholstered couch CHOICE test had contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were made up of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be a natural, rich and luxurious. The faux leather on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If vegan leather couch smells bad it could be due to stains or urine from pets. In most cases, a good cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you're not happy with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather and make it soft, less brittle, and more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor remover like baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to accumulate dirt, you can either wring it out or replace it with a new one. Alternately, you can pour the solution into the spray bottle and spray it on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it again.
Another method to eliminate the smells of your leather is by airing it out. Set the couch in a bright area to let it air. This will remove any unwanted smells and give the sofa an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, you can buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresher longer by stopping it from taking in odors.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing, it can be difficult to maintain. As time passes, it will absorb smells from smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors are difficult to eliminate, especially when you have children or pets. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't hold these odors like fabrics can and are a good choice for households with active families.
If your couch smells akin to a pee-soaked puppy It's crucial to take action immediately. You can try a few of the tips above, or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best way to go however, so make sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch!
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There are a few clues to look out for when shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable way to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct, natural scent that is unmistakable. The scent can fade with age, but it should be clear when the couch is fresh.
A genuine leather sofa should also be soft to the touch and warm to the. Faux and bonded leathers are often colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test this try pressing your fingertips to the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely to be faux-leather or bonded.
Another dead giveaway is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of the frame of leather couches can have a significant impact on its longevity however, it's not always obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa which will last, ask what kind of wood is used to construct the frame. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames are less sturdy. To improve durability, hardwood frames must be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're on a tight budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible option that's often offered for sale and can be adapted to your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which is a classic style and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabric. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home and its back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches are different from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear better than fabrics. They last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are some pitfalls when it comes to buying 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 whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric then you must first verify the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you cannot discover any information about the sofa's material composition then you can utilize your senses to make the decision.
The sofa's surface must be carefully examined and pay attention to the patterns, shading and texture. Genuine leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be uniform. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like backing instead of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another way to test this is to look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching on the back, it's not genuine leather. This is because animal hides are restricted in size and can be cut only to a certain degree. To ensure the highest quality of their products, the top manufacturers will always stitch and sew across the entire back of a sofa to ensure that it's genuine leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you can raise one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered with an unwoven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and coarse when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic, and for good reason. The natural, warm feel and look of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. In addition, a modern tanning process provides it with the added strength to withstand cracks and sagging. Because each hide has its own unique marks, grain, and blemishes, every leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.
The best way to determine whether the leather you're buying is genuine is to inspect it up close. Check the surface texture, structure and pattern to get an even more precise glimpse of its genuine. If the structure is uniform and there are no obvious flaws, it's probably fake or bond leather.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a standard feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and is backed by materials that closely resemble the fabric used to create furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch to see one or two stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that has been designed to last. If there aren't any seams and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded leather couch.
Once you've established that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with your other living room furniture. For a crisp, coordinated style, match your sofa to other furniture made of wood, and line it up with pillows that reflect the color scheme of your living space. Or, you can opt for a relaxed, dynamic layout by putting your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and the addition of a coffee table.
Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't deteriorate or show scratches due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to protect your investment by extending its lifespan, consider applying a leather protector every once or twice per year.