How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Check the label

Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you will be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it is real the leather corner couch will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. A genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

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

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

Another dead giveaway is if the comfy leather Couch is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is typical 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 however the only way to determine is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will feel uneven to the touch. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. This is a great option for those who have limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit 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 design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that combine functionality and form. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it isn't genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you take it home.

You can determine the quality of small leather sofa by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux leather couch or bonded.

Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.

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

Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofas for sale sofa, consider how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a sofa in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.