How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Check the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made 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 full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you must first examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. 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 doesn't come with an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. Additionally you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up-close and personal with it. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather for their products. The contact areas, such as the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised 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 truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and personal with it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common 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 certain method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that will never be trendy, and it's still available at a range of price points.

For a classic leather couch that can last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have 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 if you want something a bit more modern. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. The sofa is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. However, couches leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it isn't genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.

You can check the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.

couches leather says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

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


When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.