Why We Are In Love With Real Leather Couch And You Should Too

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. It is important to get close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and then turn over a couch to look at the fabric.

For example, one sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE tested had "contact" areas (such as arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather however 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 sofa set is, however, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch has a bad smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather, making it softer and less brittle. It also makes it more resistant to odors.

You can also use an organic odor remover like baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your leather couch. If the cloth begins to pick up dirt, you can wring it out or replace with a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it over again.

Airing out your leather is another method to get rid of the smell. Place the sofa in a bright area to air out. This will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and give the sofa a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in unpleasant odors and keep it looking good for a longer time.

While the smell of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to keep clean. Over time, it can absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, or even body smell. These odors can be difficult to eliminate particularly when you have pets or children. Leather couches don't absorb odors like fabric upholstery can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.

If your sofa smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it, it's important to get the problem addressed immediately. You can use the tips given above or a product like Leather Honey to solve the issue. The best leather couch way to treat the issue is to stop the problem from occurring, so make sure you train your dog to not pee on your couch.

2. Feel

There are a few indicators to look out for when shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable way to determine whether it's genuine is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable distinctive natural scent. The smell can fade with age however, it should be evident when the sofa is new.

A genuine leather sofa is supposed to be warm and soft to the touch. Leathers that are faux or bonded however tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test it, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.

Another sign of a fake sofa is when you can see vertical seams stitched on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather sofa with chaise isn't one continuous piece. Genuine leather couches are distinguished by this.

The quality of a leather sofa's frame can have a significant effect on its longevity, but this isn't always evident. Ask what type of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you choose a sofa with an extended lifespan. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames aren't as sturdy. For extra durability, a wooden frame should also be kiln-dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.

If you're on a tight budget but still want a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. For instance the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile option that is often offered for sale and is easily customized to match your home.

Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that is a classic style and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabric. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions have a tendency to slide down.

3. Backing

Real leather couches are an exception to other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear much more than fabric, making them last for years to be. 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 sofa - and it pays to be aware of what to look for before you make your final choice.

If you're unsure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather, you should first check the tag that identifies the material that is attached to the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of material it is. However, you must make use of your senses to make the right choice if you don't discover any information regarding the materials used to make the sofa.

The most important indicator is to take a close look at the couch's surface and observe the texture, shading, and patterns in detail. A genuine leather couch is likely to have imperfections that are natural and won't be completely uniform in its structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a sure indicator of fake or synthetic leather.

Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If there is an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, this is an indication that it isn't genuine leather. The reason is because animal hides are limited in their size, and they are only cut to a certain large. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.

If you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and inspect the back of the padding. If the back of the padding is covered in polyurethane or a weave, then this is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when it is touched.

4. Patterns

A leather sofa is a timeless design for a reason. The soft, natural design and feel can add a touch of class to any living space. Plus modern tanning techniques gives it the added durability to withstand sagging or cracking. And because each hide has distinctive marks and blemishes, grain, and marks, every leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.

The best way to know whether the leather you're buying is authentic is to look at it in person. Check the texture, structure and pattern for a more detailed view of its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there are no visible flaws, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to make the furniture.

Lastly, look at the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been carefully constructed to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a single piece of cloth, it's most likely to be a low-quality faux or leather couch that has been bonded.

Once you've confirmed that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to pair it with your other 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 go for more relaxed, energetic layout by putting the sofa between two pieces of furniture with a table between.

Remember to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit space to ensure that it doesn't deteriorate or show scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment apply a leather protector agent once or twice per year.