How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.


1. Labels are essential

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some sellers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. In addition you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become a family heirloom over time. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Additionally, vegan leather couch can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

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

You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to be able to get close and close to it. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious sign that it's 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 is a combination of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a obvious sign. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

Pricing and labels may give you a hint, but the only way to know for sure is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different prices.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.

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

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.

A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.

You can also open up one of the cushions and examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.

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

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.