Don't Forget Real Leather Couch: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It

How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux Due to misleading price tags and descriptions of the product, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a genuine leather sofa. You should be able to walk up to the couch and examine it with care. Feel, smell, and flip the cushion to see the back. For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE test had contact areas (such as arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery however the non-contact areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester. 1. Smell A real leather sofa should be fragrant and natural. Faux leather, on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch smells bad, it could be due to urine from your pet. In most cases, a good cleaning can eliminate the smell. If you're not satisfied with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture which makes it softer, less fragile, and more resistant against odors. You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator such as 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 sofa. If the cloth starts to pick up dirt, you can wring it out or swap for a new one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it again. Another way to get rid of odors from your leather is to air it out. If possible, set the couch outside in a sun-lit area to air it out. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors, and also give the couch a fresh, natural scent. If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, you can buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. vegan leather sofa will keep your leather smelling fresher for longer, preventing it from absorption of odors. While the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to maintain. As time passes, leather will absorb odors such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors are difficult to get rid of especially when you have children or pets. Leather couches don't absorb odors like fabric upholstery can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children. If your couch smells akin to an odor of a dog that has peed on it It is important to take action immediately. You can utilize the suggestions listed above or a product like Leather Honey to resolve the problem. The best option is to avoid the issue and ensure that you train your dog to not pee on your couch. 2. Contact us if you have any questions. There are a few clues to look out for when you are shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable method to tell whether it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. The scent can fade as you age but it should remain evident when the couch is brand new. A genuine leather sofa should be soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Leathers that are faux or bonded on the other hand tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather is likely to be faux or bonded leather. Another sign of a fake sofa is when you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this. The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a major impact on its lifespan, but it's not always clear. Ask what type of wood was used to make the frame. This will help you select the right sofa that has an extended lifespan. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames will be less sturdy. To ensure durability, a hardwood frame should also be kiln-dried to avoid mildew and warping. If you're shopping on a budget there are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas that you can nevertheless enjoy. 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 fit your home. The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a wide variety of fabrics that are resistant to fade. However, this modular sofa requires at-home assembly and the back cushions are prone to slide down. 3. Backing Leather sofas are different from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and stand up to wear and tear better than fabric. They last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. However, just like anything else in life, there are dangers when buying a leather sofa – and it pays to know what to look out for before you make your final decision. If you're unsure if your new couch is made of leather or fabric it is best to first look at the tag of materials that is on the frame. This will reveal the exact type of material it is. If you are unable to find any information about the couch's material composition or the type of leather it is, you can use your senses to make a decision. A key indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading, and patterns in detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be consistent. If the surface is smooth and uniform, or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a clear giveaway of fake or synthetic leather. Examine the back of the cushion casing. If there is an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, it's a sign that it's not authentic leather. This is because animal hides 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, not bonded or faux leather. If you are able to, try to lift up a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered with polyurethane or a weave, then this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a coarse and rough surface that feels solid when you contact it. 4. Patterns A leather sofa is a timeless classic with the reason. The warm, natural feel and look of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Modern tanning methods give it extra durability, so that it doesn't suffer from cracks or sliding. Because each hide has distinctive patterns and grain, as well as blemishes, every leather couch is unique. While labels and prices are great pointers but the best way to know if you're buying authentic leather is to go up close and personal with it. To get a better idea of the authenticity, look at the surface texture and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure is completely uniform and there are no obvious flaws, it's probably fake or bond leather. Another sign of a dead sofa is a polyurethane backing on the sofa's back. This is a typical feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will look more natural and be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used to create the furniture. Lastly, look at the back of the couch for two or three stitched vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been constructed with care to last. If there aren't any seams and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded-leather couch. Once you've confirmed that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with your other furniture for your living space. To create a clean, coordinated style, pair your sofa with other furniture made of wood and line it up with pillows that match the colors of your living space. Or go for a more relaxed, dynamic layout by putting your couch across from other pieces with an occasional table. Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment apply a leather protector agent every other year.