How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to ask!

To identify a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see if it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. Additionally you will feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

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 intimate with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have a few bumps.

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

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

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic tufted leather sofa to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to meet up close and personal with it. Look at 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 sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for upholstery, genuine Leather sofas living room has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural 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 continuous, large piece. This is common with faux leather. However, if it's on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

The label and price may give you an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to touch the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.

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

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid century leather sofa-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine design and function. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.

You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the fabric, 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 says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit 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.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. Faux 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 couch.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.