How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Check the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other material such as fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. In addition, you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. 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 texture and the backing will be a clear indication of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of making genuine leather requires 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 leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.

Faux leather Sofa set leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct, natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality imitations.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the touch. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, 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 children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different prices.

For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is on the pricey side but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small 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 little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. the leather sofa company leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.

You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonding.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and look at the backing. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real leather couch is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

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

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.