How to Identify Genuine Leather Sofas
Real leather furniture is durable and timeless. However it can be difficult to distinguish genuine leather sofas among "split," "bonded," and faux (fake) leather options can be tricky.
If the edges are uneven or rough it is likely the leather is genuine. True leather also has a bumpy underside or "fat wrinkles".
Top-grain
A leather sofa is a major investment and can last for a long time. If you take care of it, a quality leather sofa will last for three times as long as textile sofas. If you don't care for it, it will last a few years until it begins to peel off and crack. One way to safeguard your leather furniture is applying a leather preserver which will keep it soft and flexible.
Look for sofas made of full-grain, which is the best quality leather. This type of leather isn't processed, and will keep its original look. This allows you to match the leather's texture and color to the existing decor.
While full-grain leather is a more expensive alternative than top-grain, it does have numerous advantages over other kinds of leather. It is more durable, and it is dyeable in a variety of colors. It's also breathable, so it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. Full-grain is an excellent choice for those suffering from allergies, since it does not trap dust mites and pet dander like fabric upholstery.
The top-grain kind of leather is commonly used in leather sofas. It is polished, buffed and sanded to eliminate any imperfections. This process also diminishes the durability of the leather, but it does provide the same appearance and feel. This kind of leather is commonly used in high-end leather products because it is less expensive and softer than full grain.
Before faux leather couch purchase a leather sofa, you need to know the distinction between top-grain and full-grain. Both kinds of leather are high quality, but full-grain is more durable than top-grain.
Full-grain
A leather sofa is a chic addition to any room. It can be decorated with decorative pillows and throws to add a pop of color or left plain for a more minimalist style. However, the type of leather used to create the sofa will determine its design and longevity. A high-quality leather will not only hold up with time, but also become more beautiful and unique with each use. The best type of leather is full-grain, which preserves the natural texture, markings, and imperfections of the original hide, and is breathable. It also develops a deep patina with time, which is coveted by a lot of leather enthusiasts.
The top grain leather has been sanded to remove any imperfections. The process of sanding and polishing also reduces the strength of the leather, causing it to crack, scratch and puddle easily. The tanning process is also detrimental to the environment, but chrome-free methods are available to those who want to reduce their impact on the planet.
Full-grain is more expensive, however, it is also more robust and resistant to wear. It is also easier to maintain, since it requires only an occasional cleaning with an easy-to-clean cloth. It is an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid the maintenance of fabric sofas, but are unwilling to spend the extra money on a premium leather product.
If you are looking for a leather sofa you may find it harder to locate a full grain model than a top grain. You may want to go to an establishment to inspect the sofa and test its durability. You can also inquire about the tanning process and how it affects leather.
Another important consideration is choosing the right leather color for your sofa. Traditional colors such as dark navy blue might seem outdated but they are a good match with most decor styles. Other important features to consider are the shape and height of the sofa. Sofas with thin or tapered legs will appear more modern and those with turned or spindle legs would suit the more traditional style of the interior.
Semi-aniline
A lot of people have questions when they visit our showroom. They might be interested in knowing what kinds of leathers we have or need help understanding the industry jargon. This is especially true for shoppers interested in buying leather sofas. Leather is a popular choice for upholstery in both residential and commercial buildings. However, a lot of people don't know about the various finishes used to create these products.
A common question we get is: What is the difference between semi-aniline and aniline leather? Both are top-grain leather, however, there are some significant distinctions. Aniline leather has a natural appearance and soft touch, however it is also more fragile. This kind of leather is prone to fade from exposure to sunlight and is stained by spilled liquids. If it is not cared for properly, it could dry out and crack over time. Due to its fragility aniline leather demands the highest level of maintenance.
In contrast semi-aniline leathers are treated with a thin surface coating to offer more durability. This treatment process gives the leather a greater resistance to fading and staining. This finish also helps the leather maintain its natural appearance and softness.
Although it lacks the unmatched natural look and softness of full aniline grain semi-aniline leather can still be beautiful. Many families opt to purchase leather sofas that have this finish because it offers a balance of protection and beauty.
Pigmented leather is the most durable form of leather. It is more resistant to stains and scratches than other kinds. This makes it an excellent option for families with children or pets. It also requires less care than other kinds of leather.
If it is not properly maintained, nourished or other types of leather can crack and dry out over time. To keep your leather moist and to stop it from cracking or drying out, it is recommended that you maintain it at least two times every year. When shopping for a used leather sofa, make sure you check the quality prior to purchasing it. By doing this, you can be confident that you're getting a good quality product at a reasonable cost.
Bonded
Leather lovers avoid bonded leather or fake furniture made of leather. The reason is simple: it is a combination of shredded scraps and fibers which are glued together, covered with polyurethane, and embossed to look like leather. It is not extremely durable and can crack, peel, or scuff easily. It is also not as soft and soft as genuine leather. A sofa covered with leather bonded to look appealing in a showroom but will not last.
When you are looking for used leather sofas, look for genuine top-grain leather. This kind of leather will be softer and more flexible than faux leather, and it will also look better. You can discern the difference in grain characteristics between genuine and fake leather. You should look for marks of natural hide, creases, scarring and fat wrinkles (caused by the animal's natural fat deposits). Genuine leather is distinguished by these marks.
Another way to determine if you have authentic leather sofas is by feeling it. Genuine leather feels warmer during the winter months and cool during the summer. Bonded leather is more rigid and does not adjust to the body temperature. Genuine leather will age gracefully and will develop a deep patina.
It is possible to buy a genuine leather sofa at a reasonable price however it will require more upkeep than a bonded or faux leather piece. A good cleaning regimen will keep it looking clean and soft for a long time. First, clean the piece of furniture using a dry cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris. Then, prepare a mild soap solution by adding some drops of liquid detergent to water. Dip a clean, dry cloth into the solution and rub it on the leather surface.
After cleaning the couch, wipe it down with a an unclean, non-detergent cloth. Apply leather conditioner to your couch at least twice a year. This will help maintain the quality of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and cracking over time. Also, keep your leather furniture away from direct sunlight as it is susceptible to degrading very quickly.