20 Myths About Genuine Leather Sofa: Busted

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

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

1. Look at the label

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain reupholster leather couch, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.

Another way to check the authenticity of a sofa is feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, while faux leather sofa or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce 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 conditioning. 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 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.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice, and even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine cheap leather sofa sofa, but it is important to look it over. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

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

The price and label may give you an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the feel. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is still available in a variety of price points.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's Faux leather couch-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.

One way to check the quality of leather lounge sofas is to run your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux leather couch or bonding.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and look at the back. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.

The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering 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 should last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.