How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Rough edges.

1. Take a look at the label

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created to be the same. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to understand the different types of leather sofa set price. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at 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.

Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux Leather couch leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become a family heirloom over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

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

Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather couches for sale used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to be bumpy.

You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack over time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. A quality leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The areas that are 'contact, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a typical practice and even if the couch has an authentic leather label, you should check carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3 seater leather couch. 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 a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another dead giveaway. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's made with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that will never be trendy and is accessible at a variety of price points.

For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-grain tufted leather couch and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something a bit more contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.

You can determine the quality of leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or it's bonded.

Alternatively, you can open up one of the cushions and examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic the best method is to hold it up against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. 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 sofa. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single 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 will last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.