How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design and premium genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are important

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.

2. Check out the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to be bumpy.

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

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather is prone to 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 when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas, such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact parts such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and intimate with it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong, natural 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. This is common in faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue, but the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect 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 it's still accessible at a variety of price points.

For a timeless comfy leather couch couch that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive however it's made of top-quality light leather couch that can last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in almost any room.

If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid century modern leather sofa-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell, 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's been manufactured and even after you bring it home.

One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated 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 says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather modular lounge should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the feel.

Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated Faux Leather Couch or bonded leather.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use a couch and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.