How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great option for any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also robust, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equally. Some stores have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.

To avoid being scammed, it's essential 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. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!

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

If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier but you can figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and see whether it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.

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

Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A quality leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The 'contact areas', like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice, and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another obvious sign. This is common with faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to be in close proximity to the Betsy Furniture Grey Bonded Leather Reclining Sofa. Genuine leather will 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 than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.

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

For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is quite expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home.

You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.

Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated 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 lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.