How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are important

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some stores have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa does not come with 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 distressed leather couch sofa company (news) texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Additionally, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather corner couch sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have a few bumps.

You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.

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

Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather. However, if it's on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels can give you a hint however the only way to know for sure is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that will never go out of style and is still available at a range of price points.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine leather chaise lounge sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something modern. This mid century leather sofa-century modern-inspired sofa features an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.

You can determine the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or it's bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.