How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. 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, however, are created equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

To avoid being ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is used in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth could be fake leather sofa restoration.

Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which removes 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 the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's real, the leather cloud couch will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.

Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and marks. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft Leather Sofa, a little stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas like seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact parts like the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather corner sofa from low-grade or artificial fakes.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. This is common with faux leather but if it's on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

The price and label may provide an idea but the only certain way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It's also available in different prices.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. This two-seater may be quite expensive however it's made of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. It's a great option for those with smaller rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you take it home.

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

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm to the touch.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.