How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with a label, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. In addition, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get close and close to it. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake pure leather sofa.

Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.

faux leather couch (This Resource site) leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice however, even if the sofa has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to look it over. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch and is not 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 cheap or fake imitations.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather. However, if it is seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine vegan leather couch is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that won't go out of style and is still accessible at a variety of price points.

For a classic leather living room sets couch that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be expensive however it's made using top-quality leather that will last for a lifetime. This is a great option for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine functionality and form. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.

You can check the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.

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 couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.