How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Check the label

Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off 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 differences between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.

Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. In addition you will be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its Faux Leather Couch counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

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

Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, faux leather couches use various materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. 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.

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

Pricing and labels can provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is available in a variety of price points.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. This two-seater may be expensive however it's made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

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

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent it's not real. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.

A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.

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

Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the upholstery. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.