A leather sofa is probably one of the most handsome pieces of furnishings you might own. Another benefit of leather couches is that when it’s high quality and taken care of, it can last a lifetime.
Indications of a High Quality Leather Couch
Not every leather couch deserves your hard-earned cash. How can you inform a high quality leather sofa from one that’s substandard? Here are a couple of indications to try to find.
Elegant Feel and Smell
Don’t be afraid to touch, smell, and rest on a leather sofa before you make your purchase. “A leather sofa ought to be soft to the touch and consider that genuine, enticing leather odor– not a chemical or artificial odor,” says furniture upholstery professional Edgar Blazona.
Complete Grain or Top Grain
Do not be deceived by slick language. While “real leather” sounds appealing, this is actually a lower quality leather grade and not perfect for leather couches, Blazona alerts. Full grain and top grain leather are thought about superior.
Robust Seams and Good Shape
Have a look at the joints and observe the total shape of the leather sofa. “If the seaming is bad or pulling, the leather is collecting at the corners or not sitting right, or the overall shape of the leather or cushion filler feels cheap, those are free gifts that the quality of the leather couch is not so terrific,” notes Julie Brayton, lead designer at Brayton Interiors.
The Price Tag Makes Sense
Price is often another sign of a high quality leather sofa because it reflects the products utilized and the skills needed to develop the piece. “True, premier leather will cost more, so don’t avoid a greater priced couch,” says Blazona. “This suggests you’ll be getting a better quality piece that will stand up to the test of time.”
How to Care for a Leather Couch
As soon as you’ve got your leather couch happily on display screen in your house, you’ll want to ensure it’s well groomed. This keeps the leather soft and supple and avoids spots from settling.
Pro Tip: Note that your approach to cleaning a leather sofa depends on the couch itself. Comparable to inspecting the care label for clothing, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the care instructions for the couch, which the seller must convey upon purchase.
Dust and Vacuum
You should dust and vacuum leather sofas regular monthly. Ensure to get below the cushions and in all the tiny spots where dust and debris build up. Utilize a tidy, dry microfiber cloth to pick up dust, advises Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.
Shampoo
Shampooing leather sofas generally isn’t necessary. It’s ideal to let your couch patina and age naturally, Brayton notes. If it’s really filthy and needs an overall cleansing, then a clean down might be required.
To hair shampoo, combine equivalent parts water and white vinegar in a bucket, says Peterson. Saturate a tidy microfiber cloth and after that wring it out so it’s moist but not sopping wet. Clean the sofa down, making sure to re-dip as required. Finish by drying with a clean and dry microfiber cloth. Prevent using the couch till it’s entirely dry.
” Do not utilize petroleum-based or harsh cleansing items on your leather couch, as it might harm the leather and leave it feeling sticky,” Blazona states. It’s likewise smart to find test a discreet location before cleaning the entire sofa.
Condition
Leather is prone to drying out, making conditioning a crucial part of caring for sofas covered with the material. If you notice the leather looks dry, it’s time to condition.
Various leather conditioning products exist, and each has its own use guidelines. Comparable to shampooing, Blazona recommends doing a spot test before using any product across your entire sofa.
Expert Deep Cleaning
You can manage fresh, little spills and spots by yourself with water or a vinegar/water mix. However, it’s best to leave larger stains and basic deep cleansing to the pros. Even if there’s no stain, routine professional deep cleanings about as soon as a year can help keep your leather sofa looking terrific well into the future. This is perhaps more important for huge financial investment pieces, so use your discretion.
Repairing Leather Couch Damage
Let’s troubleshoot a couple of typical concerns you might face with leather couches.
Cracking
Breaking occurs when your leather couch dries, which is why routine conditioning is so crucial. If the leather starts cracking, condition it instantly. If the fractures are deeper, you can acquire a leather repair work kit or employ a professional to help minimize existing damage and prevent new splits from occurring.
Tears and Rips
For small tears, leather-approved adhesive normally does the trick. Large rips are harder, and might need a more creative approach or assistance from an upholstery expert.
” If it’s truly vintage and lived-in like an old baseball glove, you could approach the rip in a more whimsical method and apply a stitching detail in a contrast color or introduce a spot,” recommends Brayton. “If it’s a more sophisticated and firmly upholstered piece, you’ll wish to call the pros who know how to fix rips to make them look smooth.”
She keeps in mind that it’s challenging to totally change just one cushion or one section of a leather chair or sofa because purchasing extra leather in the very same colorway might present you with a various dye lot. Nevertheless, that’s an alternative if you’re fine with variation.
Stains
Always address discolorations as soon as they take place by wiping and blotting with a dry fabric. Leather is quite forgiving with spots as long as the compound doesn’t have a chance to actually sink into the couch. For deep discolorations, speak with a professional cleaner. “They can take a look at your particular leather and come up with a strategy to fix the stain,” states Balzona.
It’s crucial to remember that leather does age, and that the beautiful patina and “lived in” sag is perhaps one of its biggest appeals. Dust often, condition consistently, and keep your leather couch far from sharp items (including animal toes!), heat sources, and direct sunlight and it’ll stay a beautiful centerpiece for many years to come.
