How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

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

1. Check the label

Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of cheap leather couches. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the l shaped leather couch is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore you should be able to feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Additionally, you can 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 present in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material 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, just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not authentic 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 get up close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater leather sofa (Recommended Looking at). Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. While many faux leather couches leather use various fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this with real top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is genuine.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: 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 style. It's also available in a variety of prices.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. The two-seater might be quite expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. This is a great option for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather 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

Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home.

A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.

You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

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

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize a couch and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.