How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather sofa with chaise upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

To avoid being ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate ask!

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with any label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel 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 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 reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine vegan leather sofa involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.

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

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, take a close look 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 you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for 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. While many faux leather couches leather use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. The two-seater is on the pricey side however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those who have limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can 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 more modern. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux Leather couch-vintage leather sofa couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.

A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.

Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to place it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.

Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.