How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are important

Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas leather are created equal. Some retailers are even 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 assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.

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

Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is by touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather couch with chaise.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the leather 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 the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.

Faux Leather Couch leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it with a leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to look it over. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater leather couch. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use various fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels may provide a clue, but the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. Although this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those who have limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather couch and loveseat has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.

You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or it's bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.