How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine tufted leather couch upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. The rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equally. In fact, some stores have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you must first examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather sofa restoration used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that 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 by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Bonded or faux leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine pure leather sofa.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux leather sofa set counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it will still have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A quality leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special 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 genuine leather, while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Feel it, smell it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.

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

Pricing and labels may give you a hint, but the only way to determine is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting and durable. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style and is still accessible at a variety of price points.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater is quite expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those who have limited space as it comes in with three sizes and fits in the majority of 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 angular, sleek design with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch (Jisuzm.tv)-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell, it is not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been made.

You can determine the quality of leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.

You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine 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 dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to determine 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 bond leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.