How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to determine if are purchasing a genuine leather couch due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the back.
For instance, a sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE test had contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were made up of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather however is often chemically processed and artificial. If your couch smells bad it could be due to pet urine. In the majority of instances, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture, making it softer, less fragile, and more resistant to odors.
You can also use an organic odor remover such as baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to collect dirt, you can wring it out or replace it with a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it again.
Another method to eliminate odors from your leather is to air it out. Place the sofa in a sun-lit area to air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors, and give the couch a natural, fresh scent.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher longer by preventing it from absorption of smells.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing, it can be difficult to keep clean. As time passes, it will absorb odors from cooking, smoking, and even body odor. These odors can be hard to eliminate especially if you have children or pets. Fortunately, leather couches don't trap the odors as fabric upholstery make them a great choice for households with active families.
If your couch smells like the scent of a puppy's pee It's crucial to get the problem addressed immediately. Use the tips mentioned above or a product like Leather Honey to solve the issue. Prevention is the best solution however, so make sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!
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There are a few indicators to look for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable way to determine if it's genuine is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable, distinct natural scent. The scent can fade as you age but there shouldn't be any doubt about it when a sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa should also feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a the impression of plastic. To test this try pressing your fingertips to the couch's surface and check for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely bonded or faux-leather.
If you notice vertical seams that are stitched on the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This means the leather isn't a continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a frame of a sofa can have a major impact on its lifespan but this isn't always evident. Ask what type of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you select a sofa with an extended lifespan. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames are less durable. For extra durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln-dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're on a tight budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you will love. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile option that is often on sale and can be easily personalized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic style and is available in a wide range of fabrics that are stain-resistant. This modular sofa is somewhat difficult to put together at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas are different from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can endure wear and tear better than fabric. They can last for many years. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. However, just like anything else in life, there are some dangers when buying a leather sofa - and it pays to be aware of what to look for before you make your final choice.
If you are not sure if your new couch is made of leather or fabric then you must first verify the materials tag attached to the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of material it is. However, you should also make use of your senses to assist you in making the right choice if you don't find any information about the materials used to make the sofa.
The couch's surface is worth a close examination 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 consistent. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or shows a mesh-like back in place of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on the back, it isn't genuine leather. The reason for this is because animal hides have a limit on their size, and they can only be cut so large. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you are able to attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or a cushion and examine the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered in an unwoven material or polyurethane it is an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to be rough and coarse in coating that feels solid when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a timeless classic for a reason. The natural, warm look and feel can elevate any living room. A modern tanning procedure gives it extra durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sliding. Each hide is distinct, with its own imperfections, markings, and grain.
While prices and labels are great pointers but the best way to know if you're buying genuine leather is to get close and close to it. To better understand the authenticity of the leather, take a look at the texture of the surface, pattern, and structure. If the structure is completely uniform and there are no noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux or the leather is bonded.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a standard feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and will be backed by materials that closely resemble the fabric used in making the furniture.
Look at the back of your couch to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign the leather was constructed with care to last. If there aren't leather living room sets , and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather couch.
Once you've established that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to pair it with your other furniture for your living space. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the color of your living space. Or go for a more relaxed, dynamic layout by placing your couch across from other pieces with a coffee table in between.
Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit space to ensure that it doesn't fade or leave scratches from direct sunlight. And if you want to safeguard your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protection product every once or twice per year.