How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

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

1. Labels are important

Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching 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 discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should st when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the Napa Furniture Cognac Tan Sofa by POLY And BARK can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.

For a classic leather couch that can endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with smaller rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.

If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Brown Reclining Sectional Sofa with LED Lights Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it Naomi Home Lily Sleeper Sectional - L-Shaped Couch.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or it's bonded.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the feel.

The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.