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 should be able to walk up to the couch and inspect it with care. Smell, touch and turn the cushion to check out the backing.

For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE test had contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were made up of cotton and polyester.

1. Smell

A real leather sofa (recommended site) should smell rich and natural. False leather, on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa has a bad smell, it could be caused by pet urine or stains. In most cases, a good cleaning can eliminate the smell. If you're not satisfied with the results, you can try applying a leather couch with chaise conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it more soft and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to odors.

Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor remover that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your leather lounge couch. If the cloth begins to absorb dirt, wring it out or swap for an alternative. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it over again.

Another natural way to remove the smells of your leather is to air it out. Set the couch in a sunny area to let it air. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.

If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresher longer by preventing it from absorption of the smells.

The scent of leather may be attractive, but it's difficult to keep. In time, it may absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, and even body smell. These odors are difficult to get rid of, especially when you have pets or children. Fortunately, leather couches aren't able to trap the odors as fabric upholstery make them a great option for families with active families.

If your sofa smells like the scent of a puppy's pee, 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 problem. The best way to treat the issue is to stop the problem from occurring and ensure that you train your dog to never pee on your couch.

2. Feel

There are some clues to look out for when buying leather furniture, but the most reliable way to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. The scent can fade as you age however, it should be evident when the sofa is new.

A genuine leather couch should be warm and soft to touch. Leathers made of faux and bonded are often colder and have the impression of plastic. To test this, gentle press your fingers on the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.

Another sign of a fake sofa is when you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the cheap leather sofa isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are characterized by this.

The quality of a frame for a sofa can have a significant effect on its durability but this isn't always evident. Ask what type of wood was used to make the frame. This will help you select a sofa with longevity for a long time. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive option, while engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. For added durability, a hardwood frame should also be kiln-dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.

If you are on a budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you are awestruck with. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile choice that's often available for sale and can be easily customized to fit your home.

The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a wide variety of fabrics that are stain-resistant. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions are prone to slide down.

3. Backing

Real leather couches offer a unique appeal that other types of furniture can't compete with. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and can withstand wear and tear much more than fabric, making them last for a long time to come. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. However, as with anything else in life, there are dangers when buying a leather couch and it's important to know what to look out for before you make your final choice.

If you're unsure whether your new couch is genuine leather, the first thing you need to look over the material tag on the frame to determine what kind of fabric or leather it is made of. But, you should use your own senses to help make a decision if you can't discover any information regarding the material composition of the sofa.

A key indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading and patterns in depth. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or shows a mesh-like backing instead of coarse suede, it's a dead giveaway that it's fake or synthetic leather.

Check the back of the cushion casing. If you see an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it isn't genuine leather. This is because animal hides are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain degree. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.

Finally, if you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or cushion and examine the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is covered in an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another sign that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and coarse when the touch is made.

4. Patterns

A real leather couch is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The natural, warm appearance and feel can enhance any living space. A modern leather sofa tanning procedure gives it extra durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sagging. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive marks, grain and blemishes.

While prices and labels are excellent indicators, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to go up close and close to it. Check the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern for a more detailed look at its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any obvious blemishes on it, then it's likely to be faux or bonded.

Another obvious sign is a polyurethane backing on the back of the sofa. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to create the furniture.

Take a 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 care to last. If there aren't any seams, and the back appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.

If you've decided that a couch is genuine leather the next step is to pair it with the rest of your living room furniture. Match your couch with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. Or, you can opt for a relaxed, dynamic arrangement by placing your sofa across from other pieces with the addition of a coffee table.

Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't deteriorate or show scratches from direct sunlight. And if you want to safeguard your investment by prolonging its life, you should consider applying a leather protection agent every two or three times a year.