How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.


But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Look at the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate ask!

The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.

Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Suggested Web site is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. In addition you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a 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 will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking in time.

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. A quality leather sofa is soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if the couch has a genuine leather label You should examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to examine it in person. Look at 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

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is common in faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.

The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. 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 a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe 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 go out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.

For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine form and function. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.

A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and look at the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

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

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.