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 genuine leather couch. You need to get up close and personal with the couch - take a whiff, feel and flip over a couch to look at the fabric.

For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather, whereas the non-contact areas were a mix of coated polyester and Cotton.

1. Smell

A genuine leather sofa should smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather, on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch is smelling bad it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In most instances, a thorough cleaning will remove any smell. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather l couch, making it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant to odors.

Baking soda is an excellent natural odor-removing agent that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the leather couch. If the cloth begins to gather dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it off again.

The process of airing out your leather is another natural way to eliminate the smell. Set the couch in a sunny area to air out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresh for longer by keeping it from taking in smells.

The smell of leather sofa set clearance can be appealing, but it can be difficult to keep. Over time, it can absorb odors from cooking, smoking, and even body odor. These odors are difficult to get rid of especially if you have pets or children. Genuine leather couches do not hold in these odors the way fabric upholstery can. This makes them an ideal choice for families with active children.

If your couch smells akin to a pee-soaked puppy It is important to address the issue immediately. Try some of the tips above, or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the issue. Prevention is the best way to go, though, so be sure to train your dog not to pee on the couch!

2. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

There are a few clues to look out for when shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable method to determine whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable unique, natural scent. The smell can fade with age, but it should be clear when the couch is new.

A genuine leather sofa set price sofa should be warm and soft to touch. Leathers that are faux or bonded however tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test this test, gently press your fingers on the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.

If you see vertical seams that are stitched on the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This means the leather isn't a single piece that is the hallmark of genuine leather couches.

The quality of the frame on the leather sofa can have a major impact on its lifespan however, it's not always clear. To ensure you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used for the frame. A solid oak frame is the most durable and costly alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. To increase durability, hardwood frames should be kiln dried to avoid mildew or warping.

If you are on a tight budget, you can still find an authentic leather sofa you love. For example, the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a fashionable and versatile choice that's frequently available for sale and can be easily customized to match your home.

The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It is a classic design and is available in a broad range of fabrics that are resistant to fade. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions have a tendency to slide down.

3. Backing

Genuine leather couches are an exception to other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and resist wear and tear better than fabric, making them last for many years to be. They also are resistant to staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust which means they don't require the same amount of regular maintenance and cleaning. However, just like anything else in life, there are dangers when buying a leather sofa - and it's important to know what to look out for before you make your final decision.

If you're unsure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather then you must first verify the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will tell you exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's material composition then you can utilize your senses to make an informed decision.

The couch's surface must be carefully examined, paying attention to the pattern, texture, and shading. A genuine leather sofa has natural imperfections and won't be completely uniform in structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform, or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of coarse leather, it's a clear indication of fake or synthetic leather.

Examine the back of the cushion casing. If you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, that's an indication that it isn't true leather corner lounge. This is due to the fact that animal hides are restricted 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 lift a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is coated with a woven fabric or is covered in polyurethane, this is another indicator that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should have a coarse and rough coating that feels solid when you feel it.

4. Patterns

A genuine leather sofa is a classic, and with good reason. The soft, natural look and feel can elevate any living space. In addition, a modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand sagging or cracking. Each hide is unique and has its own distinctive marks, grain and blemishes.

The best way to determine whether the leather you're buying is authentic is to look at it up close. Examine the texture, structure, and pattern for an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it is likely to be faux or bonded.

Another obvious sign is a backing made of polyurethane on the sofa's back. This is a common feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather sofa and loveseat set will have a more natural look and will be backed by materials that closely resemble the fabric used in making furniture.

Look at the back of your sofa to see if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather has been constructed with care to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a continuous piece of fabric, it's likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather couch.

After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with other living room furniture. For a sleek, unified style, match your sofa with other furniture made of wood, and line it up with pillows that match the color scheme of your space. You can also opt for a more relaxed, dynamic arrangement by placing your sofa against other furniture pieces and placing a coffee table in between.

Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to avoid it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.