20 Myths About Genuine Leather Sofa: Debunked

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather chaise lounge upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some sellers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!

To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux distressed leather couch or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. Furthermore, you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

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

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

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

Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and marks. A quality leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather sofa set clearance to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' like 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. Even if the sofa is advertised as genuine leather couch and loveseat, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you see this with genuine 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 give you an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of price points.

For a classic leather couch that can last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great option for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this 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. Check out the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which 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 gently run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonding.

Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and inspect the backing. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather sofa restoration has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to place it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather pull out couch will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.