How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Check the label

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather corner couch.

To avoid being scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded curved leather sofa will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

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

Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. 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 be bumpy.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather sofas near me is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or distressed leather couch-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice however, even if the couch has an authentic leather label You should examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use different fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather, but when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

The label and price may provide an idea but the only certain method to determine is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit 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 reveal whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion and is still available in a variety of prices.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater might be on the pricey side however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's an excellent choice for those who have small leather corner sofa rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.

One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. 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 back. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine the best method is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.