How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equally. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting 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 full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with any label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.

Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Furthermore you should be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions such as the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.


Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

Pricing and labels can give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the feel. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is accessible at a variety of price points.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. This two-seater may be expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with smaller rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If mouse click the up coming website trying 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 made and even once you take it home.

A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as 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 backing. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize a couch and the more you use it, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.