How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

To avoid being scammed, it's essential to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

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

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather Leatherette sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

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

Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern while genuine leather corner lounge will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact' areas, such as seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact parts like the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couches make use of different materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

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

The price and the label might provide an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made of 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's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in different prices.

For a classic leather couch that can last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be on the pricey side but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.

You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonded.

Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and examine the backing. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.

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