7 Simple Tips For Moving Your Real Leather Couch
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
It is often difficult to tell if you are purchasing genuine leather couches due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. You must get up close and personal to take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to examine the fabric.
For example, a "leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered "contact" areas (such as the seats and armrests) with genuine leather. The 'non contact' areas were made of cotton and coated polyester.
1. Smell
A genuine leather sofa will smell rich, natural and luxurious. Faux leather is, however, often smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch has a unpleasant smell, it could be due to urine or stains from pets. In most cases, a thorough clean will remove any smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, apply a leather conditioner. This will help restore the leather's moisture levels, making it softer, less fragile, and more resistant against smells.
Baking soda is a great natural odor-removing agent that can be used to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather couch. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it or replace it with a fresh one. You can also spray the solution on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping again.
Another way to get rid of the smells of your leather is by airing it out. Place the sofa in a bright area to air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to avoid unpleasant odors then you should consider buying a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher for longer, keeping it from absorbing smells.
The scent of leather may be appealing, but it can be difficult to keep. As time passes, it will absorb odors from smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors are difficult to remove, especially in homes with children or pets. Fortunately, real leather couches don't hold these odors in the same way that fabrics can make them a great option for families with active families.
It's important to take action immediately in the event that your couch smells like it was soaked with puppy urine. You can try some of the tips above, or use a specific product like Leather Honey to address the issue. The best option is to stop the problem from occurring and ensure that you train your dog to not pee on your couch.
2. Feel
There are a few clues to look out for when buying a leather sofa, however the most reliable method to tell whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Leather has a distinct unique, natural scent. The scent can fade as you age however, it should be evident when the sofa is brand new.
A genuine leather sofa is supposed to be warm and soft to touch. Bonded and faux leathers, on the other hand are typically 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 can't feel any bumps, the leather is probably bonded or faux leather.
Another dead giveaway is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means that the leather isn't one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.
The quality of the frame of a leather couch can have a major effect on its longevity, but it's not always clear. Ask what type of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you select the right sofa that has a long lifespan. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and costly choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as robust. To ensure durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln-dried to avoid mildew and warping.
If you're shopping on a budget there are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas that you could nevertheless enjoy. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually offered for sale and can be customized to fit your home.
The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. leather sofas for sale has a classic look and is available in a wide selection of fabrics that are resistant to fade. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions are prone to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches are a class apart from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and stand up to wear and tear more effectively than fabric. They last for many years. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. Leather couches aren't different. As with any other purchase, it is important to be aware of risks before making a final decision.
If you're unsure whether your new sofa is genuine leather, the first thing you need to do is look at the materials tag on the frame to determine exactly what type of fabric or leather it is made of. If you can't discover any information about the sofa's material composition or the type of leather it is, you can use your senses to make an informed decision.
A key indicator is to take a closer look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading and patterns in detail. Real leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern or shading won't be uniform. If the surface of a couch appears to be smooth and uniform, or shows a mesh-like back in place of coarse suede, it's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If there is an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it's not true leather. This is due to the fact that animal hides are limited in size and can only be cut to a certain extent. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure that it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.
Finally, if you can, try to lift up a corner of the sofa or cushion and inspect the back of the cushion. If the back of the cushion is covered in a woven material or polyurethane it is a sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should be rough and coarse in coating that feels sturdy when you contact it.
4. Patterns
A real leather couch is a timeless piece, and with good reason. The soft, natural appearance and feel can enhance any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it added durability, so that it resists cracking or sliding. leather couch with chaise is unique with its own unique markings, grain and blemishes.

While prices and labels are great pointers however, the best way to tell whether you're buying genuine leather is to get up close and intimate with it. To get a better idea of the authenticity, look at the texture of the surface patterns, structure, and pattern. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it is likely to be faux or bound.
A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is a further indicator. This is a common characteristic of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and is backed 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 is a sign the leather has been made with attention to last. If there aren't any seams and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it is likely to be a fake or bonded-leather sofa.
Once you've determined that a couch is genuine leather, the next step is to pair it with the rest of the furniture in your living space. For a crisp, coordinated style, match your sofa to other furniture made of wood, and line it up with pillows that reflect the colors of your living space. You can also choose a more dynamic, relaxed arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces furniture, with a coffee table between.
Remember to keep your leather sofa in a bright space to ensure that it doesn't fade or leave scuff marks from direct sunlight. If you're looking to safeguard your investment by extending its life, you should consider applying a leather protector once or twice a year.