How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa


With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.

1. Look at curved leather sofa Sofas And Couches is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. 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 bonded.

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

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up-close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which removes 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 quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it 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 real leather, while the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to look it over. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather. However, if it is seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those who have limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. However, 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. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been manufactured.

You can determine the quality of leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

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

Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the couch. False and bonded leathers 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 quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a sofa, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.