How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Check the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive appearance and feel that’s difficult to duplicate. It’s also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn’t absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are made equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers are more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don’t hesitate to ask!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn’t come with any label but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather 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 printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. You can reduce the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn’t reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it’s important to get close and personal with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into 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 in 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 can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it’s brand new. However, it shouldn’t dry out or crack if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, such as the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should take a close look at the backing to determine if it’s genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to get up close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication 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 most faux leather couches make use of different materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn’t entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it’s likely to indicate that the sofa isn’t of high-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn’t be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is genuine.

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 a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however it’s that it’s a classic design that will never go out of style and is still available in a variety of price points.

For a classic leather couch that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While leather sofa with chaise -seater model is priced higher however, it’s constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won’t age quickly. It’s an excellent choice for those with small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that blend form and function. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome step up from Ikea’s faux-leather couch that earned the CHOICE’s “Shonky” award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you’re trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it’s not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you have it at home.

A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it’s most likely fake or bonded leather.

You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn’t genuine leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the touch.

Another method to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.

Think about how often you’ll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather’s suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.