15 Of The Top Genuine Leather Sofa Bloggers You Should Follow

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful option for any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To identify a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly state what kind of small leather sofa the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label, you can still confirm 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 to determine whether it has any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally, you will feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which 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 includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking over time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice, and even if the couch has authentic leather labels, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.

3 Seater Leather Couch (Ai-Db.Science). Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not 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 for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic style that will never go out of style and is still accessible at a variety of price points.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather couch set sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. This is a great option for those with limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in most rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic 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 authentic. 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 have it at home.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonded.

Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and examine the back. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the leatherette sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the contact.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. 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.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.