How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all cheap leather sofa sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers 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 looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.

Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is by touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of Faux leather Couch leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Look to the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.

Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not dry out or crack if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another obvious sign. This is common with faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels may give you a hint, but the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect and should be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather sofa set clearance also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made using genuine materials.

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

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. This two-seater may be expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made.

You can check the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or it's bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Faux and bonded leather 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 sofa.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.