How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on price tags and product descriptions it's sometimes difficult to know whether you're buying a real leather couch. You must get up close and personal to smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to check the fabric.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the armrests and seats) with genuine leather. leather couch and loveseat set were made of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a good cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you're not pleased with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will help restore the leather's moisture and make it more supple and less fragile. couches leather will also make it more resistant to odors.
Baking soda is a great natural odor-removing agent that can be used to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your leather couch. If the cloth starts to absorb dirt, you can wring it out or replace with an alternative. You can also put the solution into the spray bottle and spray it on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping again.
Airing out your leather is another natural way to eliminate odors. Set the couch in a sun-lit space to let it air out. leather couch and loveseat set will eliminate any unpleasant odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.
If you want to avoid unpleasant odors completely then you should consider buying a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in odors and keep it smelling nice for longer.
Although the smell of natural leather is appealing, it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors such as smoke, cooking and even body smell. These odors can be difficult to eliminate especially when you have pets or children. Leather couches don't trap these odors as fabrics can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.
If your couch smells akin to an odor of a dog that has peed on it, it's important to get the problem addressed immediately. You can try a few of the suggestions above, or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to treat the issue. The best solution is to prevent the problem, so make sure you teach your dog not to pee on your couch.
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
There are a few indicators to look out for when shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's genuine is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has a distinct natural scent that is unmistakable. The scent can fade with age, but it should be clear when the couch is fresh.
A genuine leather sofa should feel soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Bonded and faux leathers on the other hand are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test this test, gently press your fingers on the surface of the couch and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it is likely bonded or faux-leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched across the back of a sofa, this is another indicator. This means the leather isn't a single piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.
The quality of a frame of a sofa can have a major impact on its longevity however, this isn't always immediately apparent. To ensure you're buying a sofa which will last, ask what type of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as sturdy. For added durability, a wooden frame should also be kiln dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you are on a budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you are awestruck with. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile choice that's often available for sale and can be easily customized to match 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. The sofa requires at-home assembly and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas have a distinct appeal that other kinds of upholstery just can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and withstand wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They will last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are some dangers when buying a leather sofa - and it is important to know what to look out for prior to making your final decision.
If you're unsure whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric, you should first check the tag of materials that is attached to the frame. This will reveal the exact type of material it is. If you can't find any information regarding the couch's materials, you can use your senses to help you make the decision.
The most important indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading, and patterns in greater detail. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be uniform. If the couch's surface appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like backing in place of coarse suede, this is an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If there is a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's an indication that it isn't genuine leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. To ensure the best quality of their products, the top manufacturers will sew and stitch across the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able to try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and examine the back of the padding. If the back of padding is covered with an unwoven material or polyurethane it is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather couch is a timeless design for a reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Modern tanning techniques give it additional durability, meaning it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Each hide is distinctive, with its own markings, grain and blemishes.
The best way to know whether the leather you are buying is genuine is to examine it up close. To get a better idea of the authenticity of the leather, take a look at the surface texture, pattern, and structure. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on it, then it is likely to be fake or bound.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is a different indicator. This is a common feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch to see one or two stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that's been designed to last. On the other hand, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a continuous piece of cloth, it's most likely a fake or bonded leather couch.
After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to match it with your other living room furniture. For a sleek, unified look, match your couch with other furniture made of wood and line it up with pillows that reflect the colors of your space. You can also opt for a more fluid, acoustic arrangement by placing your sofa against other furniture pieces and placing a coffee table in between.
Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to prevent it from fading or forming scuffs. And if you want to protect your investment by prolonging its lifespan, think about applying a leather protection product every once or twice per year.