How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are important

Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. 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 are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!

To identify a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

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

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux leather couch counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and Ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine distressed leather couch may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather couches for sale is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

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

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The contact areas, like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if the sofa has an authentic leather label be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.

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

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While many faux pure leather sofa couches use a mixture of materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality imitations.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy and is available in a variety of price points.

For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has 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 small enough to fit into most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something more modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.

You can determine the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.

Alternatively, you can open up one of the cushions and examine the back. The faux and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine contemporary leather sofa will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.