Leather couches have been known for standing the test of time; being ultra-durable even with animals in your home. They represent a sense of style and sophistication and you simply can’t beat the smell of a genuine leather sofa set occupying your living room. Although a bit pricey at times, they’re definitely worth the investment when considering the number of years you’ll be able to enjoy them.
How do you tell the quality of a leather sofa? As with everything else, you get different quality types in the products you choose. Genuine leather couches are split into two main types during the tanning process: the top grain and the bottom split. Always choose grain leather products as they tend to be much stronger compared to split leather which can break more easily. Opt for full grain leather, corrected leather, or semi-corrected grain leather which fall under the category of genuine top grain leather.
When on the lookout for the perfect leather sofa, keep the following 5 useful tips in mind in order to ensure leather sofa success.
1. Tiny imperfections.
The first thing to look for when searching for tips on buying a leather sofa is to look for tiny imperfections. Real leather will never be smooth. The natural grain will contain grooves and unevenness, which will determine its authenticity. On any other occasion, staying clear of imperfections would be the way to go, unless you’re interested in purchasing a genuine leather sofa set.
2. Check the back and side panels.
If you’re looking to buy a real leather couch, it’s important to check that it isn’t faux leather. Real grain leather comes in small patches, which is why it’s important to have a look at the back and side panels of the couch. If the panels are large, the grain may not be real, meaning the leather is not real.
3. Request a sample swatch.
You need to ensure that the colour of the sample swatch matches all sides of the couch. Do keep in mind that the grain will be different at all sides, so the pattern may be different, but the colour should not, make sure this matches.
4. Tightly woven mesh material.
Keep the bottom of the cushions in mind. The leather needs to be able to breathe in order to maintain its quality over time. Genuine leather sofas are made quite a bit different to fabric couches, which is why it’s important to ensure that you know what to look for when making your purchase. Remember, quality leather couch cushions are made out of tightly-woven material in order to allow breathability and longevity of the leather.
5. Durability with stretching.
When inspecting the sample swatch, be sure to stretch it out a tiny bit in order to determine how well your leather couch will age. This will also give you a relatively good indication of what the leather would look like once upholstered into a furniture frame. You’re going to need to know this particularly important detail before making the purchase; especially if you plan on enjoying your genuine leather sofa set for years still to come.
Searching for the perfect genuine leather sofa set? Have a look at our collection of Moran Furniture in Australia.
