10 Basics About Real Leather Couch You Didn't Learn At School
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading prices and descriptions of products, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a real leather couch. It is important to get close to the couch and inspect it closely. Smell, touch and flip the cushion to check out the backing.
For instance, one leather-upholstered couch CHOICE tested had "contact" areas (such as seats and arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather however, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant, it could be due to pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If leather couch set 're not pleased with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather, making it more soft and less brittle. It also makes it more resistant to smells.
Baking soda is a great natural odor remover that can be used to remove unpleasant odors 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, wring it out or swap for a new one. Alternatively, you can put the solution into the spray bottle and spray it on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it over again.
Airing out your leather is another method to get rid of odors. If you are able, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will help eliminate unwanted odors, and provide it with a fresh, natural scent.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This keeps your leather looking fresher longer by preventing it from taking in the smells.
The scent of leather can be appealing, but it can be difficult to keep. Over time, leather can absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors can be difficult to eliminate, particularly when your home is occupied by children or pets. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't hold the odors as fabric upholstery can and are a good choice for families with active families.
If your couch smells akin to the scent of a puppy's pee It is important to address the issue immediately. Use the tips mentioned above or a product such as Leather Honey to fix the problem. Prevention is the best option but be sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch!
2. Feel
When you're looking for a brand new leather sofa, there are a few things you should be aware of. However, the best way to determine if it's real is to smell and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct unique, natural scent. The smell can fade as time passes however, it should be evident when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should be warm and comfortable to the touch. Bonded and faux leathers however tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test this, gentle press your fingers on the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa, it's another indicator. This means that the leather is not one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.
The quality of a leather frame of a sofa can have a major impact on its lifespan but this isn't always immediately apparent. Find out what kind of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you select the right sofa that has an extended lifespan. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. To increase durability, hardwood frames should be kiln dried to prevent warping or mildew.
If you are on a tight budget but still want a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often on sale and can easily be adapted to your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are resistant to fade. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches offer a unique appeal that other kinds of furniture can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and resist wear and tear much better than fabric, making them last for a long time to be. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. However, just like anything else in life, there are some dangers when buying a leather sofa - and it's important to know what to look out for before making your final decision.
If you're unsure whether your new couch is genuine leather the first thing you should look over the material tag on the frame to discover exactly what type of leather or fabric it is made of. However, you must utilize your own senses to make a decision if you can't find any information about the composition of the material used in the sofa.
A key indicator is to take a close look at the couch's surface and observe the texture, shading and patterns in detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the surface of a couch appears smooth and uniform, or shows a mesh-like backing instead of rough suede, that's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching on the back, it is not real leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain degree. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded leather or faux leather.
If you are able to lift one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered in a woven fabric or covered with polyurethane, it is another sign that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic, and for good reason. The warm, natural appearance and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Plus the modern tanning process provides it with the added strength to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive markings, grain and blemishes.
While labels and prices are excellent indicators, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to go up close and intimate with it. Check the texture, structure and pattern for an even more precise glimpse of its genuine. If the structure appears to be uniform and there aren't noticeable blemishes, it's likely fake or the leather is bonded.
A polyurethane back on a sofa is a different indicator. This is a common feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create the furniture.
Take a look at the back of your sofa to see whether there are any vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been constructed with care to last. If there are no seams, and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.
After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to pair it with your other living room furniture. Combine your sofa with wooden furniture, and add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. You can also opt for a more fluid, acoustic layout by placing your couch against other furniture pieces and placing an occasional table.
Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to avoid it from fading or forming scuffs. And if you want to protect your investment by extending its lifespan, consider applying a leather protection product once or twice a year.