How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

It can be difficult to determine if you are buying a genuine leather couch because of misleading product descriptions and price tags. You should be able to walk up to the couch and look at it carefully. Touch, smell and turn the cushion over to examine the back.

For example, one 'leather' couch CHOICE test had "contact" areas (such as seats and arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather but the 'non-contact' areas were a mixture of cotton and polyester.

1. Smell

A real leather sofa should be fragrant and natural. Faux leather is, however is often chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a unpleasant smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In most instances, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture and make it more supple, less fragile, and more resistant to odors.

You can also use a natural odor eliminator like baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather couch. If the cloth begins to accumulate dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it out or replace it with a fresh one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it off again.

Another method to eliminate odors from your leather is to air it out. Set the couch in a bright space to let it air out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors, and provide it with an aroma that is fresh and natural.

If you want to avoid unpleasant odors completely, you can purchase a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from taking in unpleasant odors and keep it looking good for longer.

While the scent of natural leather is appealing but 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 eliminate, particularly in homes with children or pets. Leather couches don't trap these odors as fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.

It is crucial to act immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy poop. You can try some of the tips above, or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to treat the issue. The best solution is to prevent the problem and ensure that you train your dog to never pee on your couch.

2. Contact us if you have any questions.

When shopping for a new leather sofa, there are a few things to look out for. The best way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. couches leather with genuine leather has a distinct, natural scent that is unmistakable. The smell can fade as you age however, it should be clear when the couch is brand new.

A genuine leather sofa should be warm and soft to touch. Bonded and faux leathers however tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, the leather is probably 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 is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.

The quality of a leather frame for a sofa can have a significant impact on its longevity however, this isn't always immediately apparent. Find out what kind of wood was used to construct the frame. This will help you choose an item that has an extended lifespan. A solid oak frame is the most durable and expensive alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less sturdy. For added durability, a hardwood frame must also be dried to avoid mildew and warping.

If you're shopping on a budget There are a lot of cheap genuine leather sofas that you could nevertheless enjoy. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often available for sale and can be customized to suit your home.

The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It is a classic design and is available in a wide selection of fabrics that are stain-resistant. However, this modular sofa requires at-home assembly and its back cushions have a tendency to slide down.

3. Backing

Genuine leather couches are different from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and stand up to wear and tear better than fabric. They will last for many years. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches aren't different. As with any other purchase, it's crucial to be aware of pitfalls before making a final decision.

If you're not sure whether your new couch is made of leather or fabric it is best to first look at the materials tag that is attached to the frame. This will reveal exactly what kind of fabric it is. However, you should also make use of your senses to assist you in making a decision if you can't discover any information regarding the materials used to make the sofa.

A good way to tell is to take a closer look at the couch's surface and observe the texture, shading, and patterns in depth. A real leather couch is likely to have imperfections that are natural and won't be completely uniform in terms of structure patterns, patterns, or shading. If the surface is smooth and uniform or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of the coarse leather, it's a clear indicator of fake or synthetic leather.

Another test to take is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching pattern on the back, it is not genuine leather. The reason is because animal hides are limited in their size, and can only be cut so big. To ensure the best quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch across the entire back of a sofa to ensure that it's genuinely leather and not fake or bonded leather.

If you can lift an area and examine the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered in a woven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and coarse when touched.


4. Patterns

A leather couch is a timeless design for a reason. The natural, warm design and feel can add a touch of class to any living room. In addition, a modern tanning process provides it with the added strength to resist cracking or sagging. Since each hide comes with distinctive markings, grain, and blemishes each leather couch is truly one-of-a-kind.

The best way to tell whether the leather you are buying is genuine is to inspect it in person. Inspect the surface texture, structure and pattern to get an even more precise view of its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible flaws on the surface, then it's likely to be fake or bonding.

Another sign of a dead sofa 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 be supported by materials that closely match the fabric used to create furniture.

Check the back of your couch to determine if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been made with attention to last. On the other side, if there are no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a single piece of cloth, it's likely to be a low-quality faux or bonded leather sofa.

If you've decided that a sofa is genuine leather, the next step is to match it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. Combine your sofa with wooden furniture, and add pillows that match the colors of your room. You can also choose a more dynamic, relaxed layout by placing the couch between two pieces of furniture with a table between.

Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to stop it from fading or forming scuffs. If you're looking to protect your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protection product every two or three times a year.