How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It can be difficult to determine if are buying a genuine leather couch due to misleading product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and examine it with care. Feel, smell, and turn the cushion to check out the backing.
For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE was tested with contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were made up of coated polyester and cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell rich and natural. Faux leather on the other hand typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling unpleasant smell, it could be caused by stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will help restore the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against smells.
Baking soda is an excellent natural odor eliminator that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather couch. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it off again.
Another way to get rid of the smells of your leather is to air it out. If possible, set the sofa outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors, and provide it with a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresher for longer, stopping it from taking in the smells.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it isn't always easy to maintain. In time, it may absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, or even body odor. These odors are hard to get rid of, especially when your home is occupied by children or pets. Genuine leather couches do not trap these odors as fabric upholstery can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
It is crucial to act immediately when your couch smells as if it was soaked with puppy pee. You can try some of the tips above, or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to treat the issue. The best solution is to stop the problem from occurring therefore, make sure to train your dog to never pee on your couch.
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There are some clues to look for when shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable way to tell whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. The scent can fade as you age, but it is impossible to miss it when the couch is new.
A genuine leather couch should be warm and comfortable to touch. Bonded and faux leathers on the other hand, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the material is probably bonded or faux leather.
If you see vertical seams that are stitched on the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This indicates that the leather isn't a single piece that is the hallmark of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a major effect on its life span however, it's not always clear. Find out what kind of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you select the right sofa that has an extended lifespan. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames are less robust. For added durability, a hardwood frame must also be dried to avoid mildew and warping.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you love. For instance the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile choice that's frequently available for sale and can be easily personalized to fit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that is classic in design and is available in hundreds of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions have a tendency to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas are an exception to other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They will last for a long time. 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 maintenance and cleaning. Leather couches are no different. Like every other purchase, it's essential to be aware of the dangers before making a final choice.
If you're not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather, you should first check the materials tag that is attached to the frame. This will reveal exactly what kind of material it is. But, you should utilize your own senses to assist you in making a decision if you can't find any information about the composition of the material used in the sofa.
A key indicator is to take a close look at the couch's surface and look at the texture, shading, and patterns in depth. Real leather couches are likely to have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading will not be uniform. If sofasandcouches.com is smooth and uniform or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of coarse leather, it's a dead indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching pattern on the back, it's not genuine leather. The reason is because animal hides are limited in their size, and they can only be cut as large. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able, lift up one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of padding is covered with a woven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and rough when touched.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a timeless piece, and with good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the material can enhance any living space. Modern tanning methods give it additional durability, meaning it is resistant to cracking or sliding. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive imperfections, markings, and grain.
While prices and labels are excellent indicators however, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to go close and personal with it. Check the surface texture, structure and pattern to get an even more precise view of its authenticity. If the structure is uniform and there are no visible flaws, it's most likely fake or bond leather.
Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and is backed by materials that closely resemble the fabric used to make furniture.
Also, look at the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign of a high-quality piece of leather that's been designed to last. If there aren't any seams and the back appears like a seamless cloth, then it is likely to be a faux or bonded-leather couch.
If you've concluded that a sofa is genuine leather, the next step is to pair it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. For a sleek, unified style, match your sofa with other furniture made of wood, and line it up with pillows that match the colors of your room. Or go for a more fluid, acoustic layout by placing your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and the addition of a coffee table.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area so that it doesn't deteriorate or show scratches due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its lifespan, think about applying a leather protector every two or three times a year.