How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas leather are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials such as cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with any label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

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

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

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

Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have some bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact' areas like seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater leather couch. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine design and function. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made.

A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the feel.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and check the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the pure leather sofa's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.