How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate ask!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather sofas for sale near me the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

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

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up close and close to it. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.

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

You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit, just like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a common practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use various fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another warning sign. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't be trendy and is still available in a variety of price points.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two seater leather sofa-seater model is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it isn't genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you bring it home.

You can determine the quality of the leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or made of bonded leather.

You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. False and bonded vintage leather couch will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The roughness of the vegan leather couch should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.