Leather furniture is a luxurious addition to any home. Not only is it stylish and timeless, but it’s also incredibly durable and comfortable. But before you invest in a leather piece of furniture, it’s important to make sure that it’s actually real leather. Fake leather can look convincing, but it won’t last nearly as long as genuine leather. So, how can you tell if a piece of furniture is real leather? In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways to tell if a piece of furniture is real leather.
What is Real Leather?
Before we discuss how to tell if a piece of furniture is real leather, it’s important to understand what real leather is. Real leather is a natural material made from animal hides. It’s been used for centuries to make furniture, clothing, and other items. Real leather is durable, comfortable, and stylish. It’s also easy to care for and can last a lifetime if properly cared for.
How to Tell if Furniture is Real Leather
Now that you know what real leather is, let’s discuss how to tell if a piece of furniture is real leather. Here are some tips to help you determine if a piece of furniture is real leather.
Look at the Label
The first step in determining if a piece of furniture is real leather is to look at the label. Many pieces of furniture will have a label indicating what type of material it is made from. If the label says “genuine leather” or “100% leather”, then you can be sure that it is real leather. If the label does not say “genuine leather” or “100% leather”, then it is likely not real leather.
Feel the Surface
Another way to tell if a piece of furniture is real leather is to feel the surface. Real leather has a unique texture that is smooth and supple to the touch. Fake leather, on the other hand, is usually stiff and has a plastic-like feel. If the surface of the furniture feels smooth and supple, then it is likely real leather.
Look for Natural Imperfections
Real leather is a natural material, so it will have some natural imperfections. These imperfections can include wrinkles, creases, and scars. Fake leather, on the other hand, is usually uniform and lacks any natural imperfections. If you see any natural imperfections, then it is likely real leather.
Smell the Leather
Real leather has a distinct smell that can be easily detected. Fake leather usually has a chemical smell that is different from real leather. If you smell a strong, leathery scent, then it is likely real leather.
Check the Price
Real leather is usually more expensive than fake leather, so if the price seems too good to be true, then it is likely not real leather. Genuine leather furniture is an investment, so it should cost more than furniture made from fake leather.
Benefits of Real Leather
Now that you know how to tell if a piece of furniture is real leather, let’s discuss the benefits of real leather. Real leather is a luxurious material that is incredibly durable and comfortable. It’s also easy to care for and can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Real leather is also stylish and timeless, so it can easily be incorporated into any home décor.
Caring for Real Leather Furniture
Real leather furniture requires special care to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for caring for real leather furniture:
Clean Regularly
Real leather should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and dust. A soft cloth or brush can be used to gently wipe away any dirt or dust.
Condition Regularly
Leather furniture should also be conditioned regularly to keep it soft and supple. A leather conditioner can be used to keep the leather looking its best.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Real leather should be kept away from direct sunlight as it can cause the leather to fade and crack.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals should be avoided when cleaning real leather furniture as they can damage the leather.
Conclusion
Real leather furniture is a luxurious addition to any home. But before you invest in a leather piece of furniture, it’s important to make sure that it’s actually real leather. Fake leather can look convincing, but it won’t last nearly as long as genuine leather. So, how can you tell if a piece of furniture is real leather? In this article, we’ve discussed the different ways to tell if a piece of furniture is real leather. We’ve also discussed the benefits of real leather and how to care for it. Now that you know how to tell if a piece of furniture is real leather, you can make an informed decision when shopping for leather furniture.