What You Should Be Focusing On Enhancing Real Leather Couch

How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

Due to the misinformation on prices and descriptions of products, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a genuine leather sofa. You need to get up close and personal - smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to check the back.

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

1. Smell

A real leather sofa should smell rich and natural. Faux leather on the other hand often smells chemically-processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it may be caused by urine or stains from pets. In most cases, a good cleaning will eliminate the smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather, making it softer and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against odors.

You can also use an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to eliminate unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather sofa. If the cloth begins to accumulate dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a new one. You can also put the solution in the spray bottle and spray it over your couch. Allow the solution to dry before wiping it again.

The process of airing out your leather is another way to eliminate smells. If you can, place the sofa outside in a sunny spot to let it air out. This will help remove unwanted odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to keep away from unpleasant odors, you can purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher longer by preventing it from taking in odors.

While the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, leather can absorb odors such as smoke, cooking and even body odor. These odors are difficult to eliminate particularly if you have pets or children. Genuine leather couches do not absorb odors like fabrics can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.

If your sofa smells like a pee-soaked puppy, it's important to address the issue immediately. You can try some of the tips above, or you can try a specific product like Leather Honey to treat the problem. The best option is to prevent the problem and ensure that you teach your dog not to pee on your couch.

2. Feel

When shopping for a new leather sofa, there are some things to look out for. But the best way to tell whether it's genuine is to smell it and feel it. Genuine leather has a distinct, natural scent that is not difficult to recognize. The smell can fade as time passes however, it should be evident when the couch is brand new.

A genuine leather sofa must feel soft to the feel and warm in temperature. Bonded and faux leathers on the other hand are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test this test, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and look for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.

If you see vertical seams that are stitched on the back of the sofa, it's another sign of a fake. This means the leather isn't one continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.

The quality of a frame of a sofa can have a significant effect on its lifespan but this isn't always immediately apparent. Find out what kind of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you choose the right sofa that has a long lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and costly option, while engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. To ensure durability, wood frames must be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.

If you're on a budget but still want a genuine leather sofa that you are awestruck with. For example the Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a stylish and versatile option that is often offered for sale and is easily personalized to fit your home.

Another budget-friendly option is La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which has a classic design and is available in hundreds of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa is modular and a bit difficult to assemble at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.

3. Backing

Real leather couches are a class apart from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and resist wear and tear much more than fabric, making them last for a long time to be. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches are no different. As with any other purchase, it's important to be aware of the risks before making a final decision.

If you are not sure 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 inform you exactly what kind of fabric it is. If you can't discover any information about the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can utilize your senses to make a decision.

The surface of the sofa should be examined closely and pay attention to the texture, shading and patterns. Genuine leather and fabric sofa couches will have natural imperfections, and the structure, pattern, or shading will not be uniform. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of coarse leather, it's a clear indication of fake or synthetic leather.

Another test to take is to look at 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 genuine leather. This is due to the fact that hides from animals are limited in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.

If you are able to attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or a cushion and look at the back of the padding. If the back of the cushion is covered by a woven material or polyurethane it is an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a coarse and rough coating that feels solid when you feel it.

4. Patterns

A leather sofa is a timeless classic with the reason. The soft, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living space. Plus, a modern tanning process provides it with the added strength to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is distinct, with its own imperfections, markings, and grain.

The best way to tell whether the small leather sofa you're purchasing is genuine is to inspect it up close. To get a better idea of authenticity, examine the texture of the surface and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on the surface, then it's likely to be faux or bonding.

Another dead giveaway is a backing made of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a common feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will look more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used to create furniture.

Finally, check the back of the couch to see one or two stitched vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been constructed with care 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.

Once you've confirmed that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to match it with other living room furniture. To create a clean, coordinated look, match your sofa to other furniture made of wood, and accent it with pillows that match the colors in your space. Or go for a more fluid, acoustic layout by placing your couch against other furniture pieces and placing a coffee table in between.

Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit area to ensure it doesn't fade or develop scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage apply a leather protector agent once or twice per year.