How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and product descriptions it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a genuine leather couch. It is important to get close to the couch and examine it closely. Touch, smell and turn the cushion to check out the backing.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the seats and armrests) in genuine leather while non-contact areas were a mix of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell rich and natural. Faux leather on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it could be caused by pet urine or stains. In the majority of cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather, making it soft and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
Baking soda is a great natural odor eliminator that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather couch. If the cloth begins to gather dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a fresh one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let leather chaise lounge before wiping it over again.
The process of airing out your leather is another natural way to remove odors. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sun-lit area to let it air dry. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will stop your leather from soaking up unpleasant odors and keep it looking good for a longer time.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to maintain. As time passes, it will absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors can be hard to eliminate, especially when you have pets or children. Genuine leather couches do not absorb odors like fabric upholstery 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 poop. Use the tips listed above or a product like Leather Honey to fix the problem. The best option is to avoid the issue therefore, make sure to train your dog to never pee on your couch.
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
There are a few clues to look out for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable, distinct natural scent. The scent can fade with age however there should be no mistaking it when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers however, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test this, gently press your fingers to the surface of a couch and feel for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the material is probably bonded or faux leather.
Another indicator is if you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame of leather couches can have a significant impact on its lifespan however, it's often not obvious. Find out what kind of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you select an item that has a long lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive option, while engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. For extra durability, a hardwood frame must also be dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you are on a budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually available for sale and can be customized to fit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It is a classic style and comes in a variety of fade-resistant fabrics. This modular sofa is somewhat difficult to put together at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches are an exception to other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and can withstand wear and tear better than fabrics, which makes them last for many years to come. They also are resistant to staining and spills, and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens and therefore don't require as much regular maintenance and cleaning. However, as with anything else in life, there are a few pitfalls when it comes to buying a leather sofa - and it pays to know what to look out for before making your final decision.
If you're unsure whether the sofa you bought is genuine leather the first thing you need to look over the material tag on the frame to find out what kind of leather or fabric it is made of. If you cannot find any information regarding the couch's materials, you can utilize your senses to make the decision.
A key indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading and patterns in depth. Real 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 has a mesh-like backing in place of coarse suede, it's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Check leather chaise lounge of the cushion casing. If the cushion has 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 extent. To ensure the best quality of their products, the top manufacturers will sew and stitch across the entire back of a couch to ensure that it's genuinely leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to raise an area and examine the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is coated with an woven fabric or covered with polyurethane, it is another indication that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and rough when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless classic for the reason. The natural, warm appearance and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Plus, a modern tanning process adds a bit of durability to withstand cracks and sagging. And because each hide has distinct patterns and grain, as well as blemishes Every leather sofa is truly one-of-a-kind.
The best way to determine if the leather you are buying is authentic is to look at it up close. Inspect the texture, structure, and pattern for an even more precise glimpse of its genuine. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it's likely to be faux or bonding.
A polyurethane back on a sofa is a different indicator. This is a common characteristic of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed with materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Look at the back of your couch to determine whether there are any vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been constructed with care to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a single piece of cloth, it's likely a fake or bonded leather sofa.
If you've decided that the couch is authentic leather the next step is to pair it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Combine your sofa with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the colors of your room. You can also opt for an energizing, relaxing layout by placing the couch between two pieces furniture, with a coffee table between.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't fade or leave scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its life, you should consider applying a leather protection agent every once or twice per year.