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 high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. Not all Leather couches under $500, 45.4.175.178, sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather sofa restoration is rougher and feels more like suede. In addition, you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and personal with it. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use various materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that feels 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 features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another warning sign. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea but the only certain method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-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 a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small leather sofa enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted out of 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 the year 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you have it at home.

You can check the quality of leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded vegan leather couch.

Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while 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 if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the contact.

Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid 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 should last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch and the more you use it, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.