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 its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are important

Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up-close and personal with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine, the leather modular sofa will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking over time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A quality leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact' areas like seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice, and even if the couch has a genuine leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather corner Couch, it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

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

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with children or pets. Genuine cheap leather couches is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices.

For a classic leather couch that can last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. This is a great option for those with limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something more contemporary. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather lounge couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you bring it home.

One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.