How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and its high-end 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 tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are important

Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate inquire!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a 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 bright, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

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 scent, the feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering 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's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. This is a common practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see the material that the back is made from, as this is an instant giveaway 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. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater leather sofa. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to determine is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. The two seater leather sofa-seater might be on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid century leather sofa-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine functionality and form. 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 couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the 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 process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you have it at home.

You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports 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 indication that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the feel.

Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use a couch, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the second hand leather sofas's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.