A Guide To Buying 100% Genuine Leather Couches: What to look for when you buy

- Categories : Living Room
cielo_emmerson_3_seater_leather_couch

You can feel it…smell it… almost taste it. The blissful embrace of sinking into your brand new leather couch. But before you go diving onto the first leathery beauty your lizard brain falls in love with, let’s just take a few minutes to make sure you’re not making a huge mistake. Buying a leather couch is an investment. You want it to survive beyond your puppy’s first birthday. 

You want it to outlive your toddler’s tantrums. You want it to still be there for you to collapse onto when it suddenly dawns on you how much you should actually be saving for university fees. That’s why you need to be absolutely sure you’re buying 100% genuine leather. Fear not - we’re here to set you up for 100% success.

In this leather furniture buying guide, we’ll cover exactly what you need to know to make sure you get your hands on a true as bob genuine leather couch that’s going to stand the test of time—whatever your kids, pets or poor future planning can throw at it!

cielo_granger_3_seater_leather_couch

Granger 3-Seater Leather Couch - Vintage Tan

    The Granger Leather Couch offers laid-back yet sophisticated luxury to welcome you home. Upholstered in the highest quality, this spacious 3 seater features plush cushioning and a relaxed low back.

    R19 999

    Factors to consider when buying leather couches

    Now that we've established the importance of reading the fine print and paying attention in math class, let's get clear on what you need to look for to ensure you’re buying a 100% genuine leather sofa. Here are some key factors to consider when buying a leather couch that ticks all the quality boxes. 

    1. Leather Type and Grade

    Within the realm of genuine leather, there are certain types to look for that are a cut above the rest—very literally. To ensure you’re getting the best quality, stick with full grain, top grain and corrected grain leather, or nubuck leather for a softer suede-like feel. 

    These varieties each offer a slightly different look and feel, but are all taken from the strong top layer of the hide, which offers the best in durability and resistance to stains and fading.  

    leather_swatch

    2. Craftmanship and Construction

    At the end of the day, a leather couch is only as good as its construction and the craftsmanship behind it. Look for attention to finishing details like stitching and tufting, and inspect the seams, corners, joints, and overall construction of the couch to make sure it feels built to last.  

    leather_couch_swatch_and_stitching

    3. Comfort and Aesthetics

    Let's not forget the ultimate goal of a leather couch. (And we’re not just talking about making your friends and younger siblings jealous). First and foremost, your couch should be your go-to spot to get comfy and unwind. Test out different leather couches to find the perfect balance of support and sink-in ‘squishiness’ that suits your taste.  

    cielo_cuban_3_seater_leather_couch

    Cuban 3-Seater Leather Couch -Tan

      Bold, daring and one-of-a-kind the Cuban Couch makes a statement that’s hard to ignore. Cloaked in luxurious full grain leather, this rich 3-seater takes a curvaceous form with stitched lines that give it a truly distinctive design.

      R27 999

      Of course, you’ll also want to find a design that speaks your lingo and meshes with your existing décor. High quality leathers come in a wide range of colours and styles. From sleek modern to laid-back old world charm, there's a leather couch out there waiting to win you over.  

      cielo_jefferson_chesterfield_3_seater_smoke

      Jefferson Chesterfield 3-Seater Leather Couch - Smoke

        With its iconic deep button tufting, high rolled arms and nail head trim, the design has proved itself as a timeless classic over the years. 

        R34 999

        Now, let’s address the old elephant in the room: "How much should I spend?"  For a 100% genuine leather 2-seater couch, you can expect to pay somewhere between R18000 to R35000 for top quality full grain leather.   

        The best quality hides are not only in high demand - turning them into perfectly finished upholstery on well-crafted furniture is a highly skilled and complex process. Combine this with the fact that genuine leather couches can last upwards of 25 years, and it’s easy to understand why they carry the price tag. While it's always tempting to snag a quick bargain, beware of deals that are too good to be true. 

        The fact is that quality usually comes with a price tag. And when it comes to leather couches, there’s no denying that you get what you pay for.  

        Investing in a genuine leather couch might require a bit more upfront, but as with any big-ticket investment, it makes sense to focus on the return for your investment—in this case, an unrivalled combination of style, comfort and durability that’s most likely to save your bank balance in the long run.  

        cielo_hayden_leather_corner_couch_burnt_tan

        Hayden Leather Corner Couch - Burnt Tan

          Add a rich dose of texture to your living space with the Hayden Leather Corner Couch, upholstered in high-quality leather. This opulent corner unit features an elegant modern design with distinctive stitching. 

          R37 999

          5 Common pitfalls to avoid when buying a leather couch

          Buying a leather couch should never be a moment you come to regret. Here are a few common pitfalls to be aware of to avoid being tripped up or ripped off: 

          1. Falling for synthetic imitations

          Technology has enabled some pretty convincing synthetic leather imitations, so don’t get fooled. Learn to recognise the distinct characteristics of genuine leather, including its unmistakeable softness, that ‘real leather’ smell, as well as natural markings that exist on a genuine hide (bear in mind that these will not be as obvious with corrected grain leather).    

          2. Getting fooled by misleading terminology 

          Unscrupulous salesmen often rely on misleading terminology to fool unsuspecting buyers and make an easy sale, so be sure you know your leather terminology. Check product descriptions on websites or the actual label on the couch for specific terms like "100% genuine leather," "full-grain leather” or “top-grain leather." Be wary of vague or misleading terms like "leatherette" or "bonded leather," which indicate synthetic or lower-quality materials.  

           

          3. Untrustworthy sellers 

          Don’t take chances buying a leather couch from unreputable or untrustworthy sellers who may be out to take advantage of you. Any reputable seller will provide clear product descriptions and be able to offer detailed information about the leather type, grade and process used on their products. 

          They’ll also offer clear guarantees and warranties to back the quality of their product, with access to after-sales service if you need to request repairs or a replacement. When shopping for a leather couch, read all the fine print carefully, and check if the seller is willing and able to clearly answer any questions. Be sure to read customer reviews and recommendations, and check out the seller’s reputation online. 

           

          4. Unrealistic prices 

          It’s become a cliché for a reason—if you see a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. So pay attention to any red flags. Genuine leather is a premium, high-demand material, and its price is going to reflect the quality. Of course, reputable dealers sometimes offer sales, and there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of those. Just be sure to check out the historic price of an item, read up on the product details, and of course, be sure you’re shopping with a trustworthy seller.   

            

          5. Ignoring maintenance and care

          Reaping the long-term benefits of leather also means keeping your side of the bargain. Genuine leather requires proper care to maintain its beauty and longevity. Be sure you’re aware of the maintenance requirements of a leather couch before buying, and consider adding any recommended leather treatments to help safeguard your purchase.  

          cielo_jagger_leather_module_corner_couch_with_ottoman_spice

          Jagger Leather Modular - Corner Couch With Ottoman - Spice

            The Jagger Leather Modular Corner Couch With Ottoman boasts a bold contemporary design with a square-like silhouette, keeping the design simple but striking.

            R46 999

            Caring for your couch: leather upholstery tips and tricks

            Once you've found your perfect couch, the journey doesn't end there. Like any long-term relationship, caring for your leather soulmate takes tenderness and respect. Learn her quirks and preferences, and she’ll reward you with years of loyal companionship. 

            Here are some leather upholstery tips and tricks to keep you out of trouble:  

            • Avoid direct sunlight and near heat sources. These can cause the leather to fade or crack. 
            • Regularly dust and vacuum your couch to remove dirt and debris which can build up and compromise the integrity (and need we mention the hygiene) or your couch. 
            • Be sure to attend to spills as quickly as possible. Gently blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb the liquid. Avoid rubbing, as this could spread the stain and damage the leather.
            • Use leather conditioners as recommended by the manufacturer, to help prevent drying and cracking, and ensure your couch stays as luxurious as ever.
            • Invest a fraction extra in Masterguard or Leatherguard treatment when you purchase your couch, to give it extra protection from stains and keep it looking its best. 

            Where to buy genuine leather couches in South Africa

            Now that you know what to look for (and what to look out for!) when shopping for genuine leather sofas, you can shop with confidence and soon be sinking into that leathery luxury you’ve been dreaming of.   

            At Cielo, we pride ourselves on offering a stunning range of leather living room furniture, from armchairs and recliners, to corner couches and lounge suits, upholstered in the finest full grain, top grain and nubuck leathers. Browse our online store, or visit a showroom near you to experience the full effect of 100% genuine leather at your fingertips. Happy couch hunting and enjoy the luxurious comfort and sophistication that leather will bring to your home! 

            Still intrigued and want to read more? Read similar articles here.