How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple style and premium genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Look at the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for people suffering from allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. In addition, you will be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get close and close to it. The smell, feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to be bumpy.

You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't dry out or crack when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats, armrests, and backs, are made from real leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice however, even if the couch has a genuine leather label be sure to examine carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to look it over. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of 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 an indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality imitations.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, this is another warning sign. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that won't go out of style and is accessible at a variety of price points.

For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features 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 improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofas near me sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.

You can determine the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux Leather couch leather and bonded leather corner sofa 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.

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