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. You must get up close and personal to take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to check the fabric.

For instance, a sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE was tested with contact areas (such as arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were made up of cotton and polyester.

1. Smell

A real leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather however, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa has a bad smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most cases, a good cleaning can eliminate the smell. If you're not satisfied with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather and make it softer and less brittle. It also makes it more resistant to smells.

Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor eliminator that can be used to get rid of unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to accumulate dirt, you can wring it or replace it with a fresh one. You can also put the solution in the spray bottle and spray it over your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping again.

Another natural way to remove odors from your l shaped leather couch is to air it out. If you can, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to let it air dry. This will help eliminate unpleasant odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant odors completely then you should consider buying an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from soaking up odors and keep it smelling good for a longer time.

Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to keep clean. Over time, it can absorb odors from smoking, cooking, or even body smell. These odors are difficult to get rid of, especially when your home is occupied by children or pets. Genuine leather couches do not hold in these odors the way fabrics can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.

It's crucial to act immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy urine. You can try some of the suggestions above, or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to address the issue. Prevention is the best way to go however, so make sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!

2. Feel

When shopping for a new leather sofa there are a few things to look out for. The best way to tell if it's real is to smell and feel it. Genuine leather couches clearance has a distinct, distinct natural scent. The smell can fade as you age, but it should be evident when the sofa is new.

A genuine leather sofa should be soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers made of faux and bonded are often colder and have the impression of plastic. To test this try pressing your fingertips to the couch's surface and look for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.

Another sign of a fake sofa is when you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This means the leather isn't a continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.

The quality of the frame on the leather sofa can have a significant impact on its lifespan, but it's often not obvious. To make sure you're buying a sofa that will last, inquire about the type of wood is used to construct 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 avoid mildew and warping.

If you are on a budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you are awestruck with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and versatile option that's often available for sale and can be adapted to your home.

The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It is a classic design and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are fade-resistant. This modular sofa is somewhat difficult to put together at home and the cushions on the back tend to slide down.

3. Backing

Leather sofas offer a unique appeal that other kinds of upholstery can't match. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and resist wear and tear far better than fabric, making them last for years to come. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. However, just like anything else in life, there are a few issues to be aware of when buying a leather couch and it's important to know what to look out for before making your final decision.

If you're not sure whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric it is best to first look at the tag of materials that is that is attached to the frame. This will tell you the exact type of material it is. But, you should utilize your own senses to make an informed decision if you are unable to discover any information regarding the material composition of the sofa.

The most important indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading and patterns in greater detail. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the surface of a couch appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like backing in place of rough suede, that's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.

Check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching on the back, it isn't real leather. This is because hides from animals are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. 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 try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and look at the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is coated with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane, this is another indicator that the sofa is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and coarse when touched.

4. Patterns

A leather couch is a timeless classic with a reason. The natural, warm feel and look of the material can elevate any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it additional durability, meaning it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Because each hide has distinct marks and blemishes, grain, and marks Every leather sofa is truly one-of-a-kind.

While labels and prices are great pointers, the best way to determine if you're buying authentic leather is to go up close and personal with it. For a better understanding of authenticity, examine the texture of the surface, pattern, and structure. If the structure is completely uniform and there are no noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux or the leather is bonded.

A polyurethane back on the sofa is a further indicator. This is a common feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will look 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 to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather was constructed with attention to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the couch's back appears like a continuous piece of cloth, it's most likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather sofa.

If you've decided that the couch is authentic leather, the next step is to pair it up with the rest of your furniture in your living room. For a sleek, unified look, match your sofa to other furniture made of wood, and line it up with pillows that echo the colors in your room. You can also opt for an energizing, relaxing arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces of furniture with a coffeetable in between.

Remember to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area so that it doesn't fade or leave scratches from direct sunlight. If you're looking to protect your investment by extending its lifespan, consider applying a leather protection agent every once or twice per year.