How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Look at the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However not all leather sofas are made to be the same. In fact, some retailers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.

2. Check out the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather living room sets will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather sofa set price-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and personal with it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to know for sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it's available 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 Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend functionality and form. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather lounge has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed.

You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best method is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa in a given time, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.