Cassie Overton

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and faux second hand leather sofas. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are important

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are made to be the same. In fact, some sellers have even 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 assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with a label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.

Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally, you will be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. 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 be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real leather couch the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking in time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa is soft leather couch (discover this info here) and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The contact areas such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and intimate with it. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign 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 different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

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

Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to know for sure is to get up close to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. Although this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something more modern. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that combine functionality and form. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you take it home.

You can test the quality of leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you use a sofa and the more you use it, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.