Notes

Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Real Leather Couch Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

Due to misleading price tags and descriptions of the product, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a real leather couch. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and turn over a cushion to examine the back.

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

1. Smell

A genuine leather sofa will smell natural, fresh and luxurious. The faux leather on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant it could be due to stains or urine from your pet. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy 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 smells.

Baking soda is an excellent 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 surface of your leather couch. If the cloth starts to collect dirt, you can wring it out or replace with a new one. Alternatively, you can put the solution in the spray bottle and spray it onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it again.

Airing your leather out is another method to get rid of odors. If you are able, place the sofa outside in a sunny area to let it air out. This will help remove unpleasant odors and give it a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to avoid unpleasant smells altogether, you can purchase a leather conditioner that is made up of healthy oils. This will keep your leather fresher longer by preventing it from absorbing smells.

Although the smell of natural leather is appealing however, it isn't always easy to maintain. In time, it may absorb the odors of cooking, smoking, and even body odor. These odors can be hard to get rid of, especially if you have pets or children. Fortunately, genuine leather couches don't hold these odors like fabric upholstery can make them a great choice for families with active families.


If your couch smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it It's crucial to get the problem addressed immediately. You can use the tips listed above or a product such as Leather Honey to solve the issue. The best option is to stop the problem from occurring therefore, make sure to teach your dog not to pee on your couch.

2. Feel

When you're looking for a brand new leather sofa There are a few things you should be aware of. However, the best way to tell whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Leather with genuine leather has a distinct natural scent that is unmistakable. This aroma can dull as you age but there shouldn't be any doubt about it when the couch is new.

A genuine leather sofa is supposed to be warm and soft to the touch. Leathers that are faux or bonded, on the other hand, often have a more plasticky feel and are colder to the touch. To test this, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and feel for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it is likely to be faux-leather or bonded.

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

The quality of a frame for a sofa can have a significant effect on its lifespan however, this isn't always immediately apparent. To ensure that you're getting a sofa that will last, inquire about the kind of wood is used for the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, but they're also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames are less durable. To ensure durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln-dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.

If you're on a tight budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually available for sale and can be customized to fit your home.

The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another option that is budget-friendly. It is a classic design and is available in a wide variety of fabrics that are stain-resistant. The sofa is modular and somewhat difficult to put together at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.

3. Backing

Real leather couches offer a unique appeal that other types of upholstery just can't match. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and resist wear and tear much better than fabrics, which makes them last for a long time to come. They also resist spills and stains and are less likely to attract allergens and dust which means they don't require as much regular maintenance and cleaning. However, just like anything else in life, there are some dangers when buying a leather sofa - and it's important to be aware of what to look for before you make your final decision.

If you're unsure whether your new sofa is made of leather or fabric then you must first verify the tag that identifies the material attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of material it is. If you can't find any information about the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can use your senses to help you make a decision.

A key indicator is to take a close look at the couch's surface and look at the texture, shading and patterns in detail. A real leather couch is likely to have imperfections that are natural and won't be completely uniform in structure, pattern, or shading. If the couch's surface appears smooth and uniform, or shows a mesh-like backing in place of rough suede, that's a dead giveaway that it's fake or synthetic leather.

Another good test is to examine the back of the cushion casing. If faux leather sofa has an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, that's an indication that it's not genuine leather. The reason for this is because animal hides have a limit on their size, and are only cut to a certain 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 can raise one corner and look at the padding on the back. If the back of padding is covered with polyurethane or a weave, 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 sofa is a timeless classic with the reason. The material's warm, natural design and feel can add a touch of class to any living room. Plus the modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Each hide is distinctive with its own unique imperfections, markings, and grain.

While prices and labels are great pointers, the best way to determine if you're buying authentic leather is to go up close and close to it. For a better understanding of authenticity, examine the surface texture and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure appears to be uniform and there aren't noticeable blemishes, it's likely fake or bonded leather.

A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a standard feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and is backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making furniture.

Check the back of your couch to determine whether there are any vertical seams. This is an indication of a high-quality piece of leather that's been carefully constructed to last. On the other hand, if there are no seams and the couch's back appears like a continuous piece of cloth, it's likely a fake or bonded leather couch.

Once you've confirmed that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with other furniture for your living space. Match your couch with wooden furniture, and add pillows that complement the colors of your room. You can also go for an energizing, relaxing arrangement by putting the couch in between two pieces of furniture with a coffeetable in between.

Be sure to keep your leather sofa in a well-lit space to ensure that it doesn't deteriorate or show scratches from direct sunlight. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage apply a leather protector agent at least once or twice a year.

My Website: https://www.sofasandcouches.com/categories/leather-sofas