How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and premium genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

real leather couch leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equally. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types tufted leather couch will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and see if it has any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. Furthermore you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather couches clearance, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to meet up close and close to it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather couches leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. This is typical with faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

The price and label may provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that won't ever go out of fashion, and it's still available at a range of price points.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. While this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those who have small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine design and function. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch (pop over to this website) leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you have it at home.

You can test the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.

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

Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the sofa. 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.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use a couch and the more you use it, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.