How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough. 1. Check the label Real leather has a unique appearance 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. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some stores have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather. To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire! The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase. If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded. You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore, you will be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather. A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can minimize the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy. 2. Look at the back If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and close to it. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators. Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather. Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps. You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked in time. Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. sofas leather includes scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it is new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather. To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas, like the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if the couch is 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 get up close and personal with it. Check 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 A genuine leather sofa's seating is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather. If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a obvious sign. This is common 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. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials. Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices. Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. The two-seater might be quite expensive, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of rooms. This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something more modern. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's Shonky Award in 2015. 4. Check out the smell Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed. You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded. You can also open one of the cushions and look at the back. tufted leather sofa and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't real 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 fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch. Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather. When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about the amount of use it will receive 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 using an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.
