How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.

Another way to check the authenticity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up-close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that 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 uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A good genuine leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice however, even if the couch has authentic leather labels, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to look it over. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the Leather Cloud Couch is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it is seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that will never go out of style and is still available at a range of prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. This mid century modern leather couch-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.

You can determine the quality of leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or it's bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.