Genuine Leather Sofa: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. People love its simple design and premium genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty in discerning the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Check the label

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still check 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 see if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

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

While a genuine leather sofa set leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will help reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is able to breathe, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather couch and loveseat to make their products. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice however, even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label You should examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, since it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and intimate 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. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather corner couch (such a good point) from fake or low-quality imitations.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather, but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels can give you an idea however the only way to know for sure is to sit down with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel uneven to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made with authentic materials.

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

For a classic leather couch that can endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive however it's made using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those with a limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical cushions that blend functionality and form. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.

You can check the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or it's bonded.

You can also open up one of the cushions and look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather.

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

Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. The faux leather couch and loveseat and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa the more attention it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.