How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.
1. Labels are important
Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!
To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or leather that has been bonded.
Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. Additionally, you should be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.
2. Take a look at the back
If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.
Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.
Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact areas' like 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. This is a typical practice and even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.
Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is typical with faux leather, but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels may provide a clue however the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel rough to the feel. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a timeless style that will never be trendy and is still accessible at a variety of price points.
If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something more modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of 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. Check out the smell
Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home.
One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. best leather sofa and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather.
Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the touch.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.
Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last when choosing the quality. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.