How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

It is often difficult to tell if you are buying genuine pure leather sofa couches due to misleading product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and turn over a cushion to examine the backing.

For instance, one 'leather' couch CHOICE test 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. The faux leather, on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your sofa has a unpleasant smell, it could be due to pet urine or stains. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you're not happy with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather, making it softer and less brittle. It will also make it more resistant to smells.

Baking soda is a great natural odor eliminator that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your leather couch. If the cloth begins to pick up dirt, you can wring it out or replace with an alternative. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it over again.

Another method to eliminate the smells of your leather is by airing it out. Place the sofa in a bright space to let it air out. This will help remove unpleasant odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant smells altogether, you can purchase an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresh for longer by preventing it from taking in smells.

The scent of leather can be attractive, but it's difficult to maintain. As time passes, leather will absorb odors, such as smoke, cooking and even body odor. These odors are hard to eliminate, particularly if your home has children or pets. Fortunately, real leather couches don't hold these odors like fabrics can and are a good option for families with active families.

If your couch smells akin to a pee-soaked puppy, it's important to address the issue immediately. You can try a few of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product like Leather Honey to address the issue. The best option is to avoid the issue and ensure that you train your dog to never pee on your couch.

2. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

There are some clues to look for when shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable way to determine if it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct distinctive natural scent. The scent can fade as you age however there shouldn't be any doubt about it when the sofa is brand new.

A genuine leather couch is supposed to be warm and soft leather couch to touch. Leathers that are faux or bonded, on the other hand are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test it, gently press your fingers against the surface of a couch and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps on the couch, it is likely bonded or faux-leather.

Another dead giveaway is if you notice stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This indicates that the leather isn't one continuous piece, which is a characteristic of genuine leather couches.

The quality of a leather frame for a sofa can have a significant impact on its lifespan however, it's not always obvious. Ask what type of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you choose an item that has longevity for a long time. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames are less durable. To ensure durability, a wooden frame should also be kiln-dried to avoid mildew and warping.

If you're on a budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you love. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often on sale and can be easily personalized to fit your home.

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

3. Backing

Real leather couches are a class apart from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear better than fabric, making them last for years to be. They also tend to resist spills and stains and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens and therefore don't require the same amount of regular care and cleaning. Leather couches aren't different. Like every other purchase, it is essential to be aware of the risks before making a final choice.

If you're unsure if your new couch is made of fabric or leather then you must first verify the materials tag attached to the frame. This will inform you the exact type of material it is. But, you should utilize your own senses to assist you in making an informed decision if you are unable to find any information on the materials used to make the sofa.

The couch's surface must be carefully examined with a keen eye on the pattern, texture, and shading. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the couch's surface appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it has a mesh-like backing in place of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather.

Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If it has stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, that's an indication that it's not authentic leather. This is due to the fact that hides from animals are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.

If you are able raise a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the padding is covered in a woven fabric or is covered in polyurethane this is another sign that the couch is not genuine vegan leather sofa. Genuine leather is supposed to have a rough and coarse coating that feels solid when you feel it.

4. Patterns

A leather sofa is a timeless classic with reasons. The warm, natural look and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Plus, a modern tanning process provides it with the added strength to withstand sagging or cracking. Since each hide comes with its own unique markings and blemishes, grain, and marks, every leather couch is unique.

While labels and prices are great pointers, the best way to tell whether you're buying genuine leather corner lounge is to get close and personal with it. Inspect the surface texture, structure and pattern to get an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure is uniform and there are no visible flaws, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.