How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather couch leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with a label but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Additionally you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of distressed leather couch a sofa is, it's important to get close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and close to it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater Leather Couch. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. The two-seater might be on the pricey side however it's made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something modern. The mid century leather sofa-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.

You can check the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.

You can also take one of the cushions and examine the back. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather corner sofa sale.

Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you use a sofa in a given time, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.