How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

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

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.

Another way to check the quality of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Furthermore you will be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and Ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Check out the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather is present in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked in time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if a couch is branded with authentic leather labels You should examine it closely to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Examine 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 another indication of its quality. While many faux leather living room sets couches use various materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.

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

The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain way to know is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel rough to the touch. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that will never go out of style and is available in a variety of price points.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. Although this two-seater is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been made.

A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.