How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. People love its simple design and premium, genuine leather upholstery.

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

1. Look at the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than pleased to provide this information, so don't hesitate to ask!

The first step in identifying the genuine luxury leather sofa set sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, 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 important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.

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

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a standard practice, and even if a couch is branded with authentic leather labels, you should check it closely to see what the backing is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up close and close to it. Look at 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 is an additional indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch; Read the Full Post, that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the leatherette sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.

You can test the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or it's bonded.

Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and inspect the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa and the more you use it, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.