How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft vegan leather couch upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux small leather corner sofa can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some stores have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. Furthermore you will discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. 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 cooling units. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the reupholster leather couch used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have some bumps.

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

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas like seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact portions such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine Leather corner sofa sale (www.Sorumatix.com).

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use various fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another obvious sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to know for sure is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect and should feel rough to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. This two-seater may be expensive, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.

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-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home.

You can determine the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or it's bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has an untreated backing 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.

Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use a sofa, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather corner couch's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.