How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

Due to the misinformation on price tags and descriptions of the product, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying an authentic leather sofa. You should get close to the couch and examine it closely. Smell, touch and flip the cushion to examine the back.

For instance, a sofa that was 'leather' CHOICE tested had "contact" areas (such as arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery however the non-contact areas were made up of coated polyester and cotton.

1. Smell

A genuine leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather, on the other hand typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your couch is smelling bad smell, it could be due to stains or pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you're not pleased with the results, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will help restore the leather's moisture and make it more supple and less fragile. It will also make it more resistant against smells.

Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor remover that can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then use a cloth (preferably microfibre) to wipe the surface of your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to collect dirt, you can wring it out or switch to an alternative. You can also spray the solution on your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it over again.

Airing your leather out is another natural way to remove the smell. If you are able, place the couch outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will help eliminate unwanted odors, and provide it with a fresh, natural scent.

If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant odors You can buy an oil-based leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from absorbing odors and keep it smelling nice for longer.

While the scent of natural leather is appealing, it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors, such as those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors are difficult to eliminate, particularly if your home has pets or children. Fortunately, leather couches aren't able to trap these odors like fabric upholstery can, making them an ideal option for families with active families.

If your sofa smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it It's crucial to take action immediately. You can utilize the suggestions given above or a product such as Leather Honey to solve the problem. The best option is to stop the problem from occurring, so make sure you teach your dog not to pee on your couch.

2. Feel

There are a few clues to look for when shopping for a leather sofa, however the most reliable way to determine whether it's genuine is to feel it and smell it. Leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. This aroma can dull as time passes but there should be no mistaking it when the couch is new.

A genuine leather sofa should be warm and soft to the touch. Leathers made of faux and bonded tend to be colder and have a plasticky feel. To test this test, gently press your fingers onto the sofa's surface and check for bumps. If there aren't any bumps on the couch, it's likely faux-leather or bonded.

If you see vertical seams stitched across the back of sofas, this is another sign of a fake. This indicates that the leather isn't one continuous piece, which is a characteristic of genuine leather couches.

The quality of a leather sofa's frame can have a significant impact on its durability however, this isn't always evident. To make sure you're buying a sofa which will last, ask what type of wood is used to construct the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. For added durability, a hardwood frame should also be kiln-dried to avoid mildew and warping.

If you're on a tight budget there are plenty of affordable genuine leather sofas you can still be captivated by. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible choice that's usually on sale and can easily be customized to fit your home.

Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa, which has a classic design and is available in hundreds of durable and fade-resistant fabrics. The sofa requires at-home assembly and the back cushions tend to slide down.

3. Backing

Leather sofas are different from other types of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear better than fabric, making them last for many years to be. They also resist staining and spills and are less likely to attract dust and other allergens, so they don't need as much regular maintenance and cleaning. However, as with anything else in life, there are some issues to be aware of when buying a leather couch and it pays to know what to look out for before you make your final decision.


If you are not sure if your new couch is made of leather or fabric then you must first verify the tag of materials that is on the frame. This will tell you the exact type of material it is. If you cannot find any information about the couch's materials or the type of leather it is, you can utilize your senses to make the decision.

A key indicator is to take a closer look at the couch's surface and examine the texture, shading and patterns in detail. A real leather couch will have natural imperfections and won't be completely uniform in terms of structure, pattern, or shading. If the surface of a couch appears to be smooth and uniform, or if it shows a mesh-like back in place of rough suede, that's an indication that it's fake or synthetic leather.

Check sofasandcouches of the cushion casing. If the cushion has vertical stitching on its back, it is not genuine leather. The reason for this is that animal hides have a limit on their size, and they are only cut to a certain large. To ensure the highest quality of their products, top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch through the entire back of the couch to ensure it's genuine leather and not bonded or faux leather.

Finally, if you can attempt to lift a corner of the sofa or cushion and inspect the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is covered in a woven material or polyurethane then it's an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and rough when the touch is made.

4. Patterns

A leather sofa is a classic, and with good reason. The natural, warm look and feel of the material can elevate any living space. Modern tanning techniques give it extra durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Each hide is distinct and has its own distinctive marks, grain and blemishes.

While prices and labels are excellent indicators but the best way to tell whether you're buying genuine leather is to get up close and intimate with it. Check the surface texture, structure and pattern to get an in-depth view of its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it is likely to be fake or bound.

A back made of polyurethane on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a standard feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will appear more natural and will be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.

Finally, check the back of the couch to see one or two stitched vertical seams. This is an indication of a top-quality piece of leather that has been constructed with care to last. If there aren't any seams, and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it is likely to be a fake or bonded leather couch.

After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to match it with your other furniture for your living space. For a sleek, unified style, match your sofa to other wooden furniture and line it up with pillows that echo the color scheme of your room. Or, you can opt for a comfortable, lively arrangement by placing your sofa in a row with other furniture pieces, and a coffee table in between.

Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to stop it fading or developing scuffs. And if you want to protect your investment by extending its lifespan, think about applying a leather protection agent every once or twice per year.