How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great addition to any space. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To identify a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have 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 indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.

Another way to test the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather couch leather or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more 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 a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your leatherette sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still be bumpy.

You can also test the Leather couches under $500 by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.

faux leather sofa leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.

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

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and intimate with it. Check the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater leather sofa. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is 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 scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather couch set from fakes or low-grade leather.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather, but if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue, but the only way to be sure is to sit down with the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion, and it's still available in a variety of prices.

For a classic leather couch that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine form and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won 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 is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.

You can determine the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather.

You can also open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.

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