How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

But recognizing real leather couch and loveseat from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

To avoid being ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching the surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded 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 a genuine leather modular sofa sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart, 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, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is present in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and perfect. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

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

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, such as the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice and even if the sofa has an authentic leather label, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa - web - is a further sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather. However, if it's on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel rough to the touch. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of prices.

For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. This is a great option for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made.

You can check the quality of leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, it's an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real leather couch is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it will require to be maintained. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.