How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

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

1. Labels are important

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate inquire!

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it will still have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and marks. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact portions such as the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice, and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label You should examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and personal with it. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a obvious sign. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that will never ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of price points.

For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those with smaller rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend 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 nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.

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

You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

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

When you are deciding on the type of your Leather sofa set price sofa, consider the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.