What's The Most Common Real Leather Couch Debate Doesn't Have To Be As Black And White As You Might Think
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to the misinformation on 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 to smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to examine the back.
For instance, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather while non-contact areas were made up of coated polyester and Cotton.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad, it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In leather couch with chaise of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather, making it more soft and less brittle. It also makes it more resistant to smells.
You can also use 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 sofa. If the cloth begins to gather dirt, you can either wring it out or replace it with a fresh one. Alternatively, you can put the solution into the spray bottle and spray it onto your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it again.
Another natural way to remove the smells from your leather is by airing it out. Place the sofa in a bright area to air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant smells and also give the couch a fresh, natural scent.
If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant odors completely You can buy an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will stop your leather from soaking up unpleasant odors and keep it looking good for a longer time.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to maintain. As time passes, it will absorb smells from smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors can be hard to get rid of, especially when you have pets or children. Fortunately, real leather couches don't hold the odors as fabric upholstery can make them a great option for families with active families.
If your couch smells akin to the scent of a puppy's pee It is important to get the problem addressed immediately. Use the tips listed above or a product such as Leather Honey to resolve the problem. The best solution is to prevent the problem, so make sure you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
If you are looking for a new leather sofa there are some things to be looking for. However, the most effective way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. The scent can fade with age but it is impossible to miss it when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa should also feel soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Leathers that are faux or bonded however, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather 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 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 major effect on its longevity, but it's not always clear. Ask what type of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you select the right sofa that has longevity for a long time. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames will be less sturdy. For extra durability, a hardwood frame must also be dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.
If you are on a tight budget it is possible to find a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually available for sale and can be customized to suit your home.
Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It is a classic style and is available in a wide range of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home, and its back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Genuine leather couches are an exception to other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are incredibly robust and withstand wear and tear more than fabric, making them last for many years to come. They also tend to resist staining and spills and are less likely to attract allergens and dust and therefore don't require more frequent care and cleaning. Leather couches aren't different. Like every other purchase, it's important to be aware of the risks before making a final choice.
If you're unsure whether your new couch is genuine leather the first thing to do is look at the materials tag on the frame to discover the exact type of leather or fabric it's made of. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's material composition, you can utilize your senses to make an informed decision.
The sofa's surface is worth a close examination and pay attention to the patterns, shading and texture. A genuine leather sofa is likely to have imperfections that are natural and will not be perfectly uniform in structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of the coarse leather, it's a dead indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Another test to take is to look at the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching pattern on the back, it isn't real leather. The reason is because animal hides are limited in their size, and they can only be cut as large. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.
If you can, lift up a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is coated with a woven fabric or covered in polyurethane, this is another sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and rough when the touch is made.
4. Patterns
A genuine leather sofa is a timeless piece, and for good reason. The natural, warm feel and look of the material can elevate any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it added durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sagging. And because each hide has its own unique patterns and grain, as well as blemishes each leather couch is unique.
The best way to know whether the leather you're purchasing is genuine is to inspect it up close. Check the texture, structure and pattern to get an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure is uniform and there aren't any obvious flaws, it's probably faux or bonded leather.
Another obvious sign is a polyurethane backing on the back of the sofa. This is a standard feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed with materials that closely match the fabric used to make the furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that's been designed to last. If there are no seams, and the rear appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded-leather couch.
If you've concluded that the couch is authentic leather the next step is to pair it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Match your couch with wooden furniture, and then add pillows that match the colors of your room. You can also choose more relaxed, energetic layout by putting the sofa in between two pieces of furniture with a coffeetable in between.
Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area to ensure it doesn't fade or develop scratches due to direct sunlight. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage apply a leather protector agent once or twice per year.