How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather couch leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Check the label

Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine couches leather.

To help you avoid getting ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate inquire!

The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.

Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may 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, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it is important to inspect 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 perfect. This is because 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. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have some bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time.

faux leather sofa set leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A quality leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real Leather couches under $500 with synthetic leather corner sofa in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and close to it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you see this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

Pricing and labels can provide a clue, but the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel uneven to the feel. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy and is available at a range of price points.

For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. This is a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.

If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine functionality and form. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you bring it home.

One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonded.

Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and examine the back. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine 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 slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use a sofa and the more you use it, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.