How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also robust, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.

Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. Additionally you will be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

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

Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Look at the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

Pricing and labels can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.

You can test the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.

Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the back. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather and fabric sofa.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the touch.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.