How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great addition to any space. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers adore its simple styling and premium genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather sofa restoration is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other material such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.

faux leather sofa leather has a consistent pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact areas', like the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice, and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to inspect it up close. Look at the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a obvious sign. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will feel uneven to the feel. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's genuine.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in different price ranges.

For a classic leather couch that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something a bit more contemporary leather sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make cheap leather couches. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.

A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or it's bonded.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and look at the back. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the feel.

Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

Think about how often you'll 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 care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.