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 sofa. You should be able to walk up to the couch and inspect it carefully. Touch, smell and turn the cushion over to examine the back.
For instance, a leather-upholstered couch CHOICE was tested with "contact" areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather however the non-contact areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather, on the other hand is often chemically processed and artificial. If your sofa has a unpleasant smell, it could be caused by pet urine or stains. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant against smells.
Baking soda is a great natural odor remover that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your leather couch. If the cloth starts to absorb dirt, wring it out or swap for a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it over again.
Another method to eliminate odors from your leather is by airing it out. If you are able, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will stop your leather from soaking up unpleasant odors and keep it looking nice for longer.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to keep clean. As time passes, leather will absorb odors like those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors can be difficult to get rid of, especially when your home is occupied by pets or children. Genuine leather couches do not hold in these odors the way fabrics can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
If your couch smells akin to a pee-soaked puppy, it's important to take action immediately. You can try some of the tips above, or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best option, though, so be sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!
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There are some clues to look for when buying a leather sofa, but the most reliable method to determine if it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. The smell fades with age however, it should be evident when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a an unpleasant plastic feel. To test, gently press your fingers against the surface of a couch and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.
If you see vertical seams stitched across the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This indicates that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of a leather frame of a sofa can have a significant effect on its durability however, this isn't always immediately apparent. To ensure that you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used in the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames are less durable. For extra durability, a hardwood frame must also be dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you're on a tight budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you will love. For instance, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile option that is often available for sale and can be easily personalized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are resistant to fade. The sofa requires at-home assembly and the back cushions have a tendency to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas have a distinct aesthetic that other forms of furniture can't match. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear better than fabric. They last for a long time. They also resist 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. However, as with anything else in life, there are dangers when buying a leather couch and it's important to be aware of what to look for prior to making your final choice.
If you are not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather then you must first verify the tag that identifies the material on the frame. This will reveal exactly what kind of fabric it is. But, you should make use of your senses to make an informed decision if you are unable to find any information about the material composition of the sofa.
The sofa's surface should be examined closely and pay attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. A genuine leather sofa will have natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in its structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a clear indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Check the back of the cushion casing. If it has a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's a sign that it's not genuine leather. This is due to the fact that hides from animals are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain degree. 3 seater leather couch -rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able raise one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane, this is another sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when touched.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a classic and with good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the material can enhance any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it additional durability, meaning that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sagging. Each hide is distinct, with its own imperfections, markings, and grain.
While prices and labels are excellent indicators however, the best way to tell whether you're buying authentic leather is to go up close and close to it. Check the surface texture, structure and pattern to get a more detailed glimpse of its genuine. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on the surface, then it's likely to be faux or bonding.
Another dead giveaway is a backing made of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a standard feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Also, look at the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been constructed with care to last. If there are no seams, and the back appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather couch.
After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with other furniture in your living room. Match your couch with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that match the colors of your space. You can also choose more relaxed, energetic arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces furniture with a table between.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to stop it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage apply a leather protector agent every other year.