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 premium genuine leather modular sofa upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.

1. Check the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.

Another way to check the authenticity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. In addition you will discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. You can limit the damage caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up-close and close to it. 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 because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking over time.

Faux leather has a consistent 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 and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels be sure to examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, since it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to examine it in person. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use various fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another dead giveaway. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion, and it's still available in a variety of price points.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater model is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. This is a great option for those with a limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.

If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All modern leather sofa Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of design and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.

You can determine the quality of the leather cloud couch by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and examine the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best method is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.

Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.