How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created to be the same. Some stores have even been known for passing off 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 evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally, you should be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get close and personal with it. The smell, feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different pores which 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 includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test leather by pressing 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 that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to 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 won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to look it over. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates 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. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is typical with faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.


The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.

If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.

Alternatively, leather sofa set can open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It also feels warm to the feel.

The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When you are deciding on the type 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'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.