How to Identify Genuine Leather Sofas
Real leather furniture can last decades and add timeless style to a room. It can be difficult to distinguish between genuine leather and "split", "bonded" or faux (fake leather) alternatives.
Check for rough or uneven edges that indicate the product is genuinely leather. Genuine leather may also have an uneven underside or "fat wrinkles".
Top-grain
A leather sofa is a significant investment and can last for years. If you keep it in good condition the way it should, a leather sofa could last for as long as three textile sofas. If you don't look after it, it'll only last for a couple of years until it starts to peel off and crack. One way to safeguard your leather furniture is by using a leather preservative which will keep it soft and supple.
Look for sofas made of full-grain, which is the best quality leather. This kind of leather is not cleaned or buffed, and so it will retain its original appearance. This allows you to match the color and texture of the leather to your existing interior design.
Full-grain leather is more expensive than top-grain leather, but it has many advantages over other types. It is more durable, and it can be dyed in a variety of colors. It's also breathable which means it will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Full-grain is an excellent choice for those suffering from allergies, since it doesn't trap pet dander and dust mites like fabric upholstery.
The other kind of leather used in leather sofas is top grain leather, which has been sanded and buffed to eliminate imperfections. This process reduces the durability, but it gives the leather a uniform look and feel. This type of leather is typically used in high-end leather products due to it being softer and more affordable than full grain.
Despite its popularity, it is important to understand the difference between full-grain and top-grain leather prior to purchasing a leather sofa. While both types of leather are durable however, full-grain leather is a more durable product than top-grain that is less durable and could be damaged if not properly cared for.
Full-grain
A leather sofa adds class to any space. You can make it look more elegant with accent pillows and woven throws to add the color, or keep it simple for an understated look. The kind of leather used create a sofa will determine its style and durability. A high-quality leather will not just stand up with time, but also become more attractive and unique as it is used. The best type of leather is full grain, which retains the natural texture, markings and imperfections of the original hide, and is breathable. It also develops over time a rich patina, which is widely sought-after by leather lovers.
The top grain leather has been sanded to eliminate any imperfections. The sanding and buffing process also weakens the leather, causing it to crack, scratch and puddle easily. The tanning process can be damaging to the environment, however chrome-free tanning options are available to those who want to reduce their impact on the planet.
Full-grain leather is more expensive than top-grain leather, however it is more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is also easy to maintain as it requires only a gentle wipe with an abrasive cloth. It is an excellent option for those who don't want to maintain leather sofas but don't want to invest additional money on high-end leather furniture.
If you're shopping for a sofa made of full-grain leather be aware that it might not be as accessible as a top-grain model. It is possible to visit an establishment to inspect the sofa and determine its durability. Additionally, you can ask about the process of tanning and how it affects the leather.
Selecting the right color for your leather sofa is an important aspect to consider. Shades like dark navy or tan butterscotch might seem outdated however they work with a variety of decor styles. The form and height are important aspects to consider. Sofas with tapered or thin legs will look more contemporary, while those with turned or spindle legs are suited to the more traditional style of the interior.
Semi-aniline
When people come into our showroom, they usually have a lot of questions. They might want to know which types of leathers we carry or require help in understanding terminology of the industry. This is particularly true for shoppers interested in buying a leather sofa. Leather is a very popular upholstery material for both commercial and residential properties however, many people aren't aware of the different finishes used to make these products.
A frequent question we get is: What is the difference between semi-aniline and aniline leather? Both are top grain leather however, they have a few important distinctions. Aniline leather is softer and offers a more natural look however, it is also more brittle. This kind of leather is susceptible to fade from exposure to sunlight and is stained by spilled liquids. It can also dry out and crack over time if it is not properly taken care of. Due to its fragility aniline leather demands a high level of maintenance.
In contrast semi-aniline leathers are treated with a light surface coating to offer more durability. This treatment process will make the leather more resistant to staining and fade. This finish also helps the leather maintain its natural appearance and soft feel.
Semi-aniline leather, though it may not have the natural look and feel of full aniline, is nonetheless beautiful. Many families opt to purchase leather sofas with this finish because it offers a balance of style and protection.
Pigmented leather is the strongest kind of leather. It is more resistant to scratches, stains and fade than other types of leather. This makes it a great choice for families with children or pets. The leather is also less care than other kinds of leather.
Like other kinds of leather, the pigmented leather is prone to drying out and crack over time if it does not receive regular maintenance. To keep your leather moist and to keep it from drying out it is recommended that you treat it at least twice every year. If you are shopping for a second-hand leather sofa, be sure to check the quality of the leather before purchasing it. By doing this you can ensure that you're receiving a high-quality product at a fair price.
Bonded
The majority of leather enthusiasts avoid bonded or fake furniture made of leather. It's easy the concept is that bonded leather is made up of shredded pieces of leather and fibers which are glued together and then covered with polyurethane. Then, it's embossed and embossed in a way that it appears like leather. It is not very durable and can crack, peel, or scuffs quickly. It's also not as soft and soft as genuine leather. A sofa covered with leather bonded to look appealing in a showroom, but it will not last.
When you are shopping for second-hand leather sofas, be sure to choose a genuine top-grain piece of furniture. It will be more supple and more pliable than the fake leather and will look better. It is easy to spot the difference between a genuine and faux piece of leather, however you can also find out by looking at the grain characteristics. Find natural marks on the hide, wrinkles, and scarring and fat wrinkles caused by the fat deposits of the animal. Genuine leather is distinguished by these markings.
A genuine leather sofa can be identified by its feel. Genuine leather feels warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer. Bonded leather is stiffer and doesn't adapt to your body's temperature. Genuine leather also ages gracefully and develop a luxurious patina over time.
Although you can purchase an authentic leather second-hand sofa for a reasonable price however, you must keep in mind that it will require more care than a bonded or faux leather piece. A thorough cleaning regimen will keep it soft and supple over a long period of time. Dust the furniture piece using a dry cloth to get rid of any dirt. Then, make a mild soap solution by adding some drops of liquid detergent to water. Put a clean cloth in the soap solution and rub the surface of the leather, making sure not to apply excessive pressure.
After cleaning the couch, wipe it down with a a clean, non-detergent cloth. It is also recommended to apply a leather conditioner once or twice per year. This will help preserve the quality of leather and prevent it from drying out and cracking with time. It is also important to keep your leather furniture away from direct sunlight, as it is susceptible to degrading very quickly.