How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading prices and descriptions of products, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a genuine leather couch. You must get up close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a couch to look at the fabric.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather while non-contact areas were made of coated polyester and Cotton.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa 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 happy with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it more soft, less brittle, and more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of an organic odor remover like baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather couch. If the cloth begins to gather dirt, you can wring it or replace it with a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping again.
Airing your leather out is another method to eliminate smells. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sunny spot to let it air dry. This will eliminate any unwanted odors, and provide it with an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will stop your leather from absorbing smells and will keep it smelling good for a longer time.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing, it isn't always easy to keep clean. Over time, leather may absorb odors such as smoke, cooking and even body smell. These odors can be difficult to remove, especially when your home is occupied by children or pets. Fortunately, real leather couches aren't able to trap these odors in the same way that fabric upholstery, making them an ideal choice for families with active families.
If your couch smells like a pee-soaked puppy It's crucial to address the issue immediately. You can try some of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best way to go, though, so be sure to teach your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Contact us with any questions.
If you are looking for a new leather sofa, there are a few things to be aware of. The best way to tell whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Leather has a distinct unique, natural scent. modern leather sofa can dull as you age but it is impossible to miss it when the couch is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should also feel soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the leather is likely to be fake or bonded leather.
If you see vertical seams that are stitched on the back of the sofa, it's another indicator. This means that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of the frame on leather couches can have a major effect on its longevity, but it's often not obvious. Find out what kind of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose the right sofa that has a long lifespan. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames are less durable. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're for a price that isn't too expensive There are a lot of cheap genuine leather sofas you can still fall in love with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and versatile option that's often available for sale and can be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic look and is available in a wide range of fabrics that are stain-resistant. This modular sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches are different from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely robust and withstand wear and tear better than fabrics, which makes them last for a long time to come. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens which means they don't require the same amount of regular care and cleaning. Leather couches aren't different. As with any other purchase, it's essential to be aware of the pitfalls before making a final choice.
If you're not sure whether your new couch is made of fabric or leather, you should first check the materials tag on the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's material composition, you can use your senses to help you make a decision.
The sofa's surface must be carefully examined with a keen eye on the texture, shading and patterns. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading won't be uniform. If the surface of a couch appears smooth and uniform, or if it has a mesh-like backing in place of coarse suede, this is a dead giveaway that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test 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 due to the fact that hides from animals are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain degree. 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.
If you are able lift one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered with a woven fabric or covered with polyurethane, it is another sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. genuine leather couches should feel firm and rough when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic, and with good reason. The warm, natural feel and look of the material can enhance any living space. In addition, a modern tanning process provides it with the added strength to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is distinctive, with its own marks, grain and blemishes.
The best way to tell if the leather you are buying is genuine is to look at it in person. Inspect the surface texture, structure, and pattern for an even more precise view of its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it's likely to be faux or bonded.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a common characteristic of bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed with materials that closely like the fabric used in making furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch for one or two stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather was constructed with attention to last. If there are no seams, and the rear appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather couch.
Once you've determined that the couch is authentic leather the next step is to match it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. To create a clean, coordinated look, match your couch with other furniture made of wood and line it with pillows that match the color scheme of your room. You can also opt for a more fluid, acoustic layout by placing your couch across from other pieces with an occasional table.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't fade or develop scratches from direct sunlight. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment, apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.