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 high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are important

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. vegan leather couch is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you must first examine the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like 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 you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or by 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 indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.

Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

2. Look at the back


If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up-close and close to it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still be bumpy.

You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just 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 is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and close to it. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is typical with faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something modern. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.

A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit 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.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider the amount of use it will receive 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 a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.