How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather has a unique style and feel that’s difficult to duplicate. It’s also robust and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don’t get scammed, it’s crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don’t hesitate inquire!

The first step to identify the genuine leather 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, such as fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren’t happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn’t come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by examining the upholstery’s fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you’re dealing in fake or bonded leather.

You can also test the sofa’s integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it’s an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn’t tell you what type of leather is in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather won’t feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking over time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and marks. 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 it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if small leather couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it’s genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it’s not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa’s seating is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another dead giveaway. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it’s most likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to know for sure is to get up close to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. small leather couch feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They’re elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It’s also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however it’s that it’s a timeless style that won’t go out of style, and it’s still accessible at a variety of price points.

For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side however it’s made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It’s an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you’re looking for something contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek 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 is an upgrade from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it isn’t genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it’s been manufactured.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or the leather is bonded.

Alternatively, you can open one of the cushions and inspect the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It also feels warm to the feel.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will determine if it’s genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering 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 much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather’s softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.