10 Fundamentals Regarding Real Leather Couch You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and product descriptions it's sometimes difficult to know whether you're buying a real leather sofa. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to check the backing.
For instance, a sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE was tested with "contact" areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather however, often smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad, it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In most cases, a good cleaning can eliminate the smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it soft and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.
You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to remove unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to pick up dirt, you can wring it out or swap for a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it over again.
Airing your leather out is another way to get rid of the smell. Set the couch in a sun-lit space to let it air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant smells and also give the couch a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresh for longer by keeping it from absorption of the smells.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to keep clean. Over time, leather may absorb odors such as smoke, cooking and even body smell. These odors are hard to get rid of, especially in homes with pets or children. Real leather couches do not absorb odors like fabric upholstery can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.
If your couch smells like the scent of a puppy's pee, it's important to address the issue immediately. Use the tips listed above or a product such as Leather Honey to solve the issue. The best solution is to avoid the issue therefore, make sure to teach your dog not to pee on your couch.
2. Feel
When shopping for a new leather sofa there are a few things you should be looking for. But the best way to tell if it's real is to smell it and feel it. Real leather has an unmistakable distinctive natural scent. This aroma can dull as you age however it is impossible to miss it when a sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa must feel soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a a plasticky feel. To test this, gently press your fingertips onto the surface of the couch and look for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely to be faux-leather or bonded.
Another sign of a fake sofa is when you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of the frame of a leather couch can have a major effect on its longevity however, it's not always obvious. Ask what type of wood was used to construct 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 option, while engineered or particle board frames are less robust. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to prevent warping or mildew.
If you are on a budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually on sale and can easily be adapted to your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It is classic in design and comes in a variety of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa requires assembly at home and its back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a distinct aesthetic that other forms of upholstery can't match. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and resist wear and tear much more than fabric, making them last for years to be. They also resist spills and stains and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens, so they don't need as much regular maintenance and cleaning. But, like everything else in life, there are a few issues to be aware of when buying a leather sofa - and it pays to be aware of what to look for prior to making your final decision.
If you're unsure if your new couch is genuine leather, the first thing you need to look over the material tag on the frame to determine exactly what type of fabric or leather it's made from. However, you must utilize your own senses to make an informed decision if you are unable to discover any information regarding the materials used to make the sofa.
The surface of the sofa is worth a close examination, paying attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. A real leather couch is likely to have imperfections that are natural and may not be uniform in structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of coarse leather, it's a clear indication of fake or synthetic leather.
Check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching pattern on the back, it is not real leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. To ensure the best quality of their products top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch through the entire back of a couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not fake or bonded leather.
If you are able to lift one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered in an unwoven material or polyurethane it is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a rough and coarse coating that feels sturdy when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic and with good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Modern tanning methods give it additional durability, meaning it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Each hide is distinctive, with its own imperfections, markings, and grain.
The best way to know whether the leather you're buying is authentic is to examine it up close. Examine the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern for an in-depth glimpse of its genuine. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on it, then it's likely to be faux or bonding.
Another sign of a dead sofa is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed by materials that closely resemble the fabric used in making furniture.
Look at the back of your couch to determine if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather was constructed with attention to last. If there are no seams, and the rear looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded leather couch.
If you've decided that the couch is authentic leather, the next step is to match it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. You can also opt for a more comfortable, lively layout by placing your couch across from other pieces with the addition of a coffee table.
Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't fade or leave scratches due to direct sunlight. And if you want to safeguard your investment by prolonging its lifespan, consider applying a leather protector every once or twice per year.