How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. leather sofas for sale . Labels are important

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise 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 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.

To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at 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. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.


If the sofa does not have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have some bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out in time if it's regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a obvious sign. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the feel. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of price points.

For a classic leather couch that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine functionality and form. The sofa is constructed of 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 was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.

One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

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

Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

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