Guide To Real Leather Couch: The Intermediate Guide Towards Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and product descriptions it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying an authentic leather couch. You must get up close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and then turn over a couch to look at the backing.
For instance, a leather-upholstered couch CHOICE test had contact areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather however the non-contact areas were made up of cotton and polyester.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather however typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will help restore the leather's moisture which makes it softer, less fragile, and more resistant against smells.
You can also make use of an organic odor remover such as baking soda to get rid of unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your leather and fabric sofa sofa. If the cloth begins to gather dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it or replace it with a fresh one. Alternatively, you can put the solution into spray bottles and spray it over your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it over again.
Another way to get rid of the smells from your leather is by airing it out. If possible, set the couch outside in a sun-lit area to air it out. 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 buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will stop your leather from soaking up smells and will keep it smelling nice for longer.
While the smell of natural leather is appealing but it can be difficult to keep clean. In time, it may absorb the odors of smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors can be difficult to get rid of, especially when your home is occupied by pets or children. Real leather couches do not trap these odors as fabric upholstery can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.
If your couch smells akin to a pee-soaked puppy It's crucial to take action immediately. You can try some of the suggestions above or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. Prevention is the best way to go but be sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Feel
There are a few indicators to look for when buying a leather sofa, but the most reliable way to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct, natural scent that is unmistakable. The scent can fade with age but it should remain evident when the couch is new.
A genuine leather living room sets sofa must feel soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Faux and bonded leathers however tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test it, gentle press your fingers on the couch's surface and look for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.
If you notice vertical seams that are stitched on the back of a sofa, this is another dead giveaway. This indicates that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of the frame of the leather sofa can have a major effect on its life span however, it's not always obvious. To make sure you're buying a sofa which 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 improve durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to avoid mildew or warping.
If you're for a price that isn't too expensive there are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas that you could still be captivated by. For instance the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile choice that's often offered for sale and is easily personalized to fit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that is a classic style and is available in a wide range of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa is modular and a bit difficult to assemble at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a distinct appeal that other types of furniture can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and stand up to wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They can last for many years. They also tend to resist spills and stains and are less likely to attract allergens and dust, so they don't need the same amount of regular care and cleaning. But, like everything else in life, there are issues to be aware of when buying a leather couch and it is important to be aware of what to look for prior to making your final choice.
If you're not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather it is best to first look at the materials tag attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of material it is. If you are unable to find any information about the couch's materials then you can use your senses to help you make a decision.
The couch's surface must be carefully examined, paying attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. A real leather couch is likely to have imperfections that are natural and will not be perfectly uniform in its structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or has a mesh-like backing instead of coarse suede, it's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to look at the back of the cushion casing. If it has stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it's not genuine leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you are able, lift up a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of padding is covered in a woven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a coarse and rough coating that feels sturdy when you touch it.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a classic and with good reason. The material's warm, natural design and feel can add a touch of class to any living room. Plus modern leather sofa tanning techniques provides it with the added strength to resist cracking or sagging. Each hide is unique with its own unique imperfections, markings, and grain.
While labels and prices are great pointers, the best way to know whether you're buying authentic leather is to go close and personal with it. Examine the texture of the surface, its structure, and pattern for an even more precise view of its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible flaws on it, then it is likely to be fake or bound.
Another dead giveaway is a polyurethane backing on the back of the sofa. This is a common characteristic of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and is backed by materials that closely like the fabric used in making furniture.
Look at the back of your sofa to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather was constructed with care to last. On the other hand, if there are no seams and the couch's back appears like a piece of cloth, it's most likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather sofa.
After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with other living room furniture. To create a clean, coordinated style, pair your sofa with other furniture made of wood, and accent it with pillows that reflect the colors of your room. You can also go for a more dynamic, relaxed layout by placing the couch between two pieces furniture with a table between.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't deteriorate or show scratches from direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your mid century modern leather couch sofa and protect it from damage use a leather protection agent at least once or twice a year.