How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

It is often difficult to tell if you are purchasing genuine leather sofas due to misleading product descriptions and price tags. You must get up close and personal to take a whiff, feel and flip over a cushion to check the back.

For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the armrests and seats) in genuine leather while the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester coated.

1. Smell

A genuine leather sofa should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather is, however typically smells chemically processed and artificial. If your sofa has a unpleasant smell, it could be due to pet urine or stains. In the majority of instances, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will bring back the leather's moisture levels which makes it softer, less fragile, and more resistant against odors.