How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are important

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.

To avoid being ripped off, please click the next post Links to an external site. to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. Furthermore, you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is used in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked in time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple 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 manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is common in faux leather, but if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Pricing and labels can provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the feel. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater might be on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something contemporary. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you take it home.

You can determine the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the contact.

Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the upholstery. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.


When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize a sofa in a given time, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.