This Is The Real Leather Couch Case Study You'll Never Forget

How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux It is often difficult to tell if you are purchasing genuine leather couches because of misleading product descriptions and price tags. You should get close to the couch and examine it carefully. Touch, smell and flip the cushion to check out the backing. For example, one sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE was tested with “contact” areas (such as arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester. 1. Smell A genuine leather sofa should smell rich and natural. Faux leather however typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it may be due to urine or stains from pets. In most cases, a good cleaning will remove the smell. If you're not satisfied with the results, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels, making it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant to odors. You can also use an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the surface of your leather couch. If the cloth starts to absorb dirt, you can wring it out or swap for another. Alternatively, you can put the solution into a spray bottle and spritz it on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping again. Another natural way to remove odors from your leather is by airing it out. If possible, set the couch outside in a sunny spot to let it air out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural. If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, buy a leather conditioner containing healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from absorbing smells and will keep it smelling good for longer. Although the smell of natural leather is appealing but it can be difficult to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors, such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. These odors are hard to eliminate, particularly when your home is occupied by pets or children. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't trap the odors as fabric upholstery make them a great choice for households with active families. If your couch smells akin to the scent of a puppy's pee, it's important to take action immediately. You can try a few of the suggestions above, or use a specific product like Leather Honey to address the issue. Prevention is the best way to go, though, so be sure to train your dog to not pee on the couch! 2. Feel There are a few clues to look out for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to tell whether it's genuine is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable unique, natural scent. This scent may fade as you age, but it is impossible to miss it when a sofa is brand new. A genuine leather couch is supposed to be warm and soft to the touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have an unpleasant plastic feel. To test it, gentle press your fingers on the surface of a couch 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 sofas, this is another indicator. This indicates that the leather isn't one continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches. The quality of the frame of leather couches can have a major impact on its lifespan however, it's often not obvious. To ensure you're buying a sofa that will last, ask what kind of wood is used in the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames will be less sturdy. To ensure durability, wood frames should be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping. If you are on a budget, you can still find a genuine leather sofa that you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often available for sale and can be adapted to your home. Another budget-friendly option is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa that is classic in design and comes in a variety of fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions are prone to slide down. 3. Backing Real leather couches have a distinct appeal that other types of upholstery just can't compete with. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear better 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 which means they don't require the same amount of regular maintenance and cleaning. However, as with anything else in life, there are a few dangers when purchasing a leather couch – and it is important to know what to look out for prior to making your final decision. If you're not sure whether your new couch is genuine leather the first thing you need to do is examine the materials tag on the frame to find out what kind of leather or fabric it is made of. If you are unable to discover any information about the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can utilize your senses to make the decision. A good way to tell is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading, and patterns in greater detail. A genuine leather sofa will have natural imperfections and may not be uniform in terms of structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the couch's surface appears to be smooth and uniform, or shows a mesh-like back in place of coarse suede, it's an obvious sign that it's fake or synthetic leather. Examine the back of the cushion casing. If there is stitched modern leather sofa on the back of the cushion, this is a sign that it's not genuine leather. The reason is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and can only be cut so big. Top-rated manufacturers always 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 to raise one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered with polyurethane or a weave, then this is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and rough when touched. 4. Patterns A genuine leather sofa is a timeless piece, and with good reason. The natural, warm look and feel of the material can enhance any living space. Modern tanning techniques give it extra durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Because each hide has distinctive markings and blemishes, grain, and marks Every leather sofa is unique. While labels and prices are great pointers however, the best way to tell whether you're buying genuine leather is to get close and intimate with it. Examine the texture, structure, and pattern for an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure is completely uniform and there aren't noticeable blemishes, it's likely faux or the leather is bonded. Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a common feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and is backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to make the furniture. Check the back of your couch to see whether there are any vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been carefully constructed to last. On the other hand, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa looks like a piece of cloth, it's most likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather couch. If you've concluded that a sofa is genuine leather the next step is to pair it up with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Combine your sofa with wooden furniture and add pillows that complement the colors of your living space. Or, you can opt for a fluid, acoustic layout by placing your couch in a row with other furniture pieces, and a coffee table in between. Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to stop it from fading or forming scuffs. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment use a leather protection agent every other year.