How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that’s difficult to duplicate. It’s also durable, easy to clean and doesn’t soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting scammed, it’s crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn’t have a label you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather sofa set clearance to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore, you will feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it’s an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air cooling units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Check out the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it’s important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.

Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few bumps.

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

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it’s new. However, it won’t crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The ‘contact areas’, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has an authentic leather label, you should check carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it’s not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear sign 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 various materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn’t completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is common with faux leather but if it’s on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it’s constructed with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They’re elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. In addition, it’s easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of style. It’s also available in different price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it’s constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It’s an excellent choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.

If you’re looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that blend design and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea’s faux leather sofa that won the CHOICE’s «Shonky» award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can’t be duplicated. If the sofa you’re trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it’s not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home.

You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.

Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to place it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will 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. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.

Think about 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 your couch the more attention it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather’s softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.