How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine Leather corner Sofa 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 has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information, so don't hesitate to ask!

To determine if you've got a genuine vegan leather couch couch, first glance at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label, you can still verify 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 to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.

Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is used in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

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

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas', like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.

Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another obvious sign. This is common with faux leather. However, if it's on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

Labels and pricing can give you an idea, but the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is genuine.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.

For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something modern. This couch is a mid century leather sofa-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.

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

You can also open up one of the cushions and look at the backing. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the contact.

Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.