How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful option for any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Check the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies 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 confirm its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you will feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get close and personal with it. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have some bumps.

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

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

To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice, and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up close and personal with it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but if it's on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Pricing and labels may give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel uneven to the touch. 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 also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic style that won't go out of style, and it's still available in a variety of price points.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two seater leather sofa-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend form 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 a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

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

A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the upholstery. False and bonded leathers 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 couch.

Think about 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 and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for Leather lounge suite to keep the suppleness of the comfy leather couch and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.