How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equally. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate inquire!

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine Leather couches under $500.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat and the ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. But if the leather modular sofa used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still be bumpy.

You can also test 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 allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft Leather couch and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a obvious sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure way to know is to touch the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a timeless style that won't be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of price points.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. This two-seater may be expensive but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine functionality and form. While the frame is constructed from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made.

A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.

You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas 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 suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is authentic, the best way is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the contact.

Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. The faux leather 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 sofa.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.