How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather sofa and loveseat set.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!

The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with any label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

Genuine leather may 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 could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather sofas for sale near me, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's 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' like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labelled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater leather sofa. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a dead giveaway. This is common in 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 but the only certain method to determine is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that won't ever go out of fashion and is available in a variety of price points.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't fade away. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid century leather sofa-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine design and function. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed.

One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonded.

Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and look at the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous 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 should last before you decide on the right. The more you use a couch and the more you use it, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.