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 determine whether you're buying a genuine leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and turn over a cushion to check the backing.
For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered contact areas (such as the seats and armrests) in genuine leather, whereas non-contact areas were a mix of coated polyester and Cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. The faux leather, however, typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In the majority of cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will bring back the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant against smells.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to pick up dirt, squeeze it out or switch to an alternative. Alternatively, you can put the solution into a spray bottle and spritz it over your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping it over again.
The process of airing out your leather is another way to get rid of odors. Set the couch in a bright space to let it air out. This will help remove unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from absorbing smells and will keep it smelling good for a longer time.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy 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 if you have pets or children. Fortunately, leather couches don't hold the odors as fabric upholstery, making them an ideal option for families with active families.
It's crucial to act immediately when your couch smells as if it was soaked with puppy poop. You can try a few of the suggestions above, or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. The best solution is to prevent the problem therefore, make sure to train your dog to not pee on your couch.
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There are a few indicators to look for when buying leather furniture, but the most reliable way to determine if it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable unique, natural scent. The smell fades with age but it should remain clear when the couch is fresh.
A genuine leather couch should be warm and soft to touch. Leathers that are faux or bonded, on the other hand, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it's likely to be faux-leather or bonded.
Another dead giveaway is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.
The quality of a frame for a sofa can have a major impact on its durability however, it's not always obvious. To ensure you're buying a sofa that will last, ask what kind of wood is used for the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames are less durable. For added durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you're shopping on a budget there are a lot of cheap genuine leather sofas that you could still enjoy. For example, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile choice that's frequently offered for sale and is easily personalized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic style and is available in a wide variety of fabrics that are stain-resistant. The sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas have a certain appeal that other types of upholstery cannot compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and resist wear and tear more than fabric, making them last for a long time to be. best leather sofa resist spills and stains and are less likely to attract allergens and dust and therefore don't require as much regular care and cleaning. But, like everything else in life, there are a few dangers when purchasing a leather couch - and it pays to know what to look out for prior to making your final choice.
If you're unsure if your new couch is made of fabric or leather then you must first verify the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will reveal exactly what kind of fabric it is. However, you should also utilize your own senses to make the right choice if you don't discover any information regarding the material composition of the sofa.
The couch's surface must be carefully examined and pay attention to the texture, shading and patterns. A genuine leather sofa has natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in terms of structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh backing appears instead of coarse leather, it's a clear indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Examine leather living room sets of the cushion casing. If you see a stitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it isn't authentic leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain degree. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
If you can attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is covered in an unwoven material or polyurethane it is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The natural, warm look and feel can elevate any living room. Modern tanning techniques give it added durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sliding. Each hide is distinctive, with its own imperfections, markings, and grain.
While prices and labels are great pointers, the best way to know if you're buying authentic leather is to go up close and personal with it. Check the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern for an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there are no obvious flaws, it's probably fake or the leather is bonded.
A polyurethane back on a sofa is a further indicator. This is a typical feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used in making furniture.
Check the back of your couch to see if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather has been constructed with care to last. If there aren't any seams and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded leather couch.
Once you've determined that a sofa is genuine leather, the next step is to pair it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Find a match for your sofa with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that complement the colors of your room. Or, you can opt for a comfortable, lively arrangement by placing your sofa in a row with other furniture pieces, and the addition of a coffee table.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't deteriorate or show scuff marks due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to protect your investment by prolonging its lifespan, consider applying a leather protection agent once or twice a year.