7 Simple Changes That'll Make The Biggest Difference In Your Genuine L…

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are essential

Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas Faux Leather Couch or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. Additionally, you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking over time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather modular lounge will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas like seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indication of its quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather corner couch is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel uneven to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of prices.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't fade away. This is a great option for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine form and function. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.