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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa is a great addition to any space. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine leather upholstery. Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges. 1. Labels are essential Real leather is difficult to duplicate. cheap leather couches has a distinctive feel and look. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather. To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than pleased to provide this information, so don't hesitate to ask! 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 cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase. If the sofa isn't marked with a label however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded. You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Furthermore you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather. While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air cooling units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy. 2. Take a look at the back If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity. Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather. Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it should still have a few bumps. You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking over time. Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream. To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The 'contact' areas such as seats, armrests, and backs, are made from real leather, while the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to examine it in person. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather. 3. Take a look at the seat The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather. Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa. The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's genuine. Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices. Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms. If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's “Shonky” award in 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home. You can check the quality of leather by running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather. You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. The faux and bonded leathers will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather. Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch. The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch. When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.