How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Check the label

Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

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

To identify a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather sofa with chaise to determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, while faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of real and synthetic leather couch and loveseat to create their furniture. The 'contact areas', such as the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice, and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to look it over. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh 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 warning sign. This is common with faux leather Couch leather, but if it's on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to know for sure is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.

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

For a timeless leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary leather sofa, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine design and function. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the 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're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.

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

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the contact.

Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.