How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate ask!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

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

Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

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

3 Seater leather couch. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels may give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the feel. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine vegan leather couch is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is accessible at a variety of price points.

For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. This is a great option for those with limited space, since 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 modern. This mid-century-modern leather couch-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent - 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 isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.

One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Real cheap leather sofa will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonding.

Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and look at the back. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the feel.

Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.