20 Myths About Real Leather Couch: Busted
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to determine if you are purchasing genuine leather couches due to misleading product descriptions and price tags. You need to get up close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the backing.
For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather, whereas 'non contact' areas were a mix of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather however, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant, it could be due to urine from pets. In most cases, a good cleaning will remove the smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather and make it softer, less brittle, and more resistant to smells.
You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator such as baking soda to remove unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to gather dirt, you can wring it or replace it with a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the mixture dry before wiping it again.
Another way to get rid of the smells from your leather is by airing it out. Place the sofa in a bright area to let it air. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, you can buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher longer by preventing it from absorption of the smells.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to keep clean. Over time, leather can absorb odors like smoke, cooking and even body odor. These odors can be difficult to remove, especially in homes with children or pets. Real leather couches do not trap these odors as fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
If your couch smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it It's crucial to address the issue immediately. You can try a few of the tips above, or use a specific product like Leather Honey to address the issue. Prevention is the best way to go however, so make sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
There are some clues to look for when shopping for a leather sofa, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct unique, natural scent. The scent can fade with age however, it should be evident when the couch is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Bonded and faux leathers however are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather isn't a continuous piece that is the hallmark of genuine leather couches.
The quality of the frame of the leather sofa can have a major effect on its life span however, it's not always obvious. To ensure that you're buying a sofa which will last, inquire about the type of wood is used in the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames are less durable. To ensure durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you are on a budget but still want an authentic leather sofa 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 customized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It has a classic look and is available in a wide selection of fabrics that are resistant to fade. This sofa is a bit difficult to assemble at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Leather sofas are a class apart from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and resist wear and tear better than fabric, making them last for years to come. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are some issues to be aware of when purchasing a leather couch - and it's important to be aware of what to look for before making your final choice.
If you're unsure whether your new sofa is genuine leather, the first thing you should do is look at the materials tag on the frame to find out exactly what type of leather or fabric it's made of. However, you must use your own senses to assist you in making the right choice if you don't find any information about the composition of the material used in the sofa.
The sofa's surface is worth a close examination and pay attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. A real leather couch will have natural imperfections and will not be perfectly uniform in its structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like back in place of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on the back, it's not real leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are restricted in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you can attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered with polyurethane or a weave, then it's an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a coarse and rough coating that feels sturdy when you touch it.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic and for good reason. The natural, warm look and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Additionally leather sofas for sale provides it with the added strength to resist cracking or sagging. Each hide is unique and has its own distinctive imperfections, markings, and grain.
While labels and prices are excellent indicators but the best way to determine whether you're buying authentic leather is to go close and personal with it. For a better understanding of authenticity, examine the texture of the surface, pattern, and structure. If the structure appears to be uniform and there aren't any visible flaws, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a common feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Lastly, look at the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign the leather was constructed with attention to last. If there aren't any seams, and the rear appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.
Once you've determined that a couch is genuine leather the next step is to match it with the rest of your living room furniture. To create a clean, coordinated style, pair your couch with other furniture made of wood, and accent it with pillows that match the colors in your space. Or, you can opt for a comfortable, lively layout by placing your couch across from other pieces with a coffee table in between.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to stop it fading or developing scuffs. If you're looking to protect your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protector every two or three times a year.