How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from fake small leather sofa can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Check the label

Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with any label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft leather sofa and smooth texture, whereas faux leather modular lounge or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Take a look at 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 smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.

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

You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.

faux leather Couch leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it is new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.

To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts such as the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane- 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 of, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine tufted leather sofa it's essential to be able to get close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. While many faux leather couches use different fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.

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

Pricing and labels can provide a clue, but the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in different prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. This two-seater may be on the pricey side but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. This is a great option for those with a limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. While the frame is constructed out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Check out the smell

genuine leather sofa set leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or it's bonded.

Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.