How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with any label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine vintage leather sofa is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Check out the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

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 slightly as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

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

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to meet up close and intimate with it. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

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

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.

The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is genuine.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive but it's constructed with top-grain 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.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux leather sofa-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.

One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.

You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux leather sofa set and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.

The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific l shaped leather couch conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.