What The Heck Is Genuine Leather Sofa?

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with a label however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

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

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Check out the back

If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get close and intimate with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test leather by putting your fingers into it and running it over it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This means it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern due to the fact that it is printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. A quality leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to look it over. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, this is another warning sign. This is common with faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It also has large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. This two-seater may be quite expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with smaller rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms.

If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably Faux Leather Couch or it's bonded.

You can also open one of the cushions to look at the backing. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an obvious sign that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather modular lounge should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the touch.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.