10 Basics To Know Real Leather Couch You Didn't Learn In School How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

It is often difficult to determine if are purchasing genuine leather sofas due to misleading product descriptions and price tags. It is important to get close to the couch and examine it closely. Feel, smell, and flip the cushion to see the back.

For instance, a leather-upholstered couch CHOICE tested had contact areas (such as arm rests) upholstered in genuine leather however the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester.

1. Smell

A real leather couch should be a natural, rich and luxurious. Faux leather, however, typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad it could be due to pet urine. In most cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, you can apply a leather conditioner. This will restore the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer and less brittle, as well as more resistant against odors.

Baking soda is an excellent natural odor-removing agent that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather sofa. If the cloth starts to pick up dirt, wring it out or swap for an alternative. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Leave the mixture to dry before wiping it off again.


Another way to get rid of odors from your leather is by airing it out. Place the sofa in a bright area to air out. This will eliminate any unpleasant odors, and also give the couch a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to avoid unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will keep your leather smelling fresh for longer by keeping it from taking in smells.

The scent of leather may be attractive, but it's difficult to keep. Over time, leather may absorb odors, such as those from cooking, smoking and even body smell. curved leather sofa are hard to get rid of, especially when your home is occupied by children or pets. Leather couches don't trap these odors as fabrics can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.

If your couch smells like the scent of a puppy's pee It's crucial to take action immediately. You can try some of the suggestions above or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to address the issue. The best way to treat the issue is to stop the problem from occurring and ensure that you train your dog to not pee on your couch.

2. Feel

There are some clues to look for when you are shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable way to determine if it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has a distinct, natural scent that is unmistakable. This scent may fade with age, but it is impossible to miss it when the couch is new.

A genuine leather sofa should be warm and soft to the touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have the impression of plastic. To test this, gently press your fingertips onto the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather is probably bonded or faux leather.

If you notice vertical seams that are stitched on the back of sofas, this is another dead giveaway. This means that the leather is not one piece. Genuine leather couches are identified by this.

The quality of a sofa's frame can have a significant impact on its durability, but this isn't always evident. Ask what type of wood was used in the making of the frame. This will help you select the right sofa that has an extended lifespan. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Particle board or engineered frames are less durable. To ensure durability, a wooden frame should also be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.

If you're shopping on a tight budget there are plenty of low-cost genuine leather sofas that you could still enjoy. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It 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 budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a broad range of fabrics that are resistant to fade. However, this sofa requires assembly at home and the back cushions tend to slide down.

3. Backing

Real leather couches are different from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely robust and withstand wear and tear far better than fabrics, which makes them last for a long time to come. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. However, as with anything else in life, there are some issues to be aware of when buying a leather couch and it pays to be aware of what to look for before you make your final choice.

If you are not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather, you should first check the materials tag attached to the frame. This will inform you the exact type of material it is. If you cannot discover any information about the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can use your senses to make the decision.

A good way to tell is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and observe the texture, shading, and patterns in greater detail. A genuine 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 uniform and smooth or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of coarse leather, it's a clear indication of fake or synthetic leather.

Another good test is to check the back of the cushion casing. If the cushion has a vertical stitching pattern on the back, it isn't genuine leather. The reason for this is that animal hides are limited in their size, and they are only cut to a certain large. The top-rated manufacturers stitch and sew the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.

Finally, if you can try lifting up a corner of the sofa or cushion and inspect the back of the padding. If the back of padding is covered with a woven material or polyurethane then this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel solid and rough when touched.

4. Patterns

A genuine leather sofa is a classic, and with good reason. The natural, warm look and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. Modern tanning methods give it additional durability, meaning that it resists cracking or sagging. Each hide is unique, with its own marks, grain and blemishes.

The best way to determine whether the leather you're buying is genuine is to examine it up close. For a better understanding of authenticity, examine the surface texture and the pattern as well as the structure. If the structure is uniform and there are no obvious flaws, it's probably faux or bonded leather.

A polyurethane back on the sofa is a further indicator. This is a standard feature of bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed with materials that closely resemble the fabric used to create the furniture.

Look at the back of your couch to see if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been made with attention to last. If there aren't any seams, and the rear appears like a seamless cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded-leather sofa.

If you've concluded that a sofa is genuine leather, the next step is to pair it with the rest of your furniture in your living room. Combine your sofa with wooden furniture and add pillows that match the colors of your room. You can also choose an energizing, relaxing arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces of furniture, with a coffee table in between.

Keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to avoid it fading or developing scuffs. And if you want to safeguard your investment by extending its lifespan, consider applying a leather protector every once or twice per year.