How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some stores have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is by feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.

2. Check out the back

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

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake second hand leather sofas.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather lounge covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over 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 cracking over time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather corner lounge from fake or low-quality imitations.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. This is common in faux leather, but if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Pricing and labels can give you an idea, but the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect and should feel rough to the touch. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It's a great option for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All modern leather sofa Set Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home.

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

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use a couch and the more you use it, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.