How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a wonderful addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and premium, genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges.

1. Check the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It’s also durable, easy to clean and doesn’t absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don’t hesitate to inquire!

The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with the purchase.

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

Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it’s going to last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn’t tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the vintage leather couch by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn’t get dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, however it shouldn’t 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, chairs and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has an authentic leather label You should examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn’t true genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs 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 another indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn’t entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn’t uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather it’s likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might give you an idea but the only certain method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel uneven to the feel. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it’s made with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They’re stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It’s also available in different prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn’s Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side, it’s crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won’t date 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.

If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid century leather sofa-century modern leather sofa set design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent – 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 is not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it’s been made.

You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold it’s probably fake or bonded.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the back. The faux leather couch – Read the Full Post – and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

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 utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.