How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great addition to any space. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real contemporary leather sofa from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather and fabric sofa has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some retailers 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 assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than pleased to provide this information, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather couch and loveseat sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the Leatherette sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with any label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. In addition you will be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather couches for sale.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The smell, texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have some bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. A quality leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and intimate with it. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality imitations.

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

The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's made with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.

For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something a bit more modern. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a upgrade from 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. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not real. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.

You can check the quality of leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't real leather.

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

Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize a sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.