How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. Its leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique feel and look. It's also robust and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!

The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return if you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier however, you can still figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather.

Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux or bonded second hand leather sofas will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. You can limit the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not tell you what type of Light Leather Couch is in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.

Faux leather has a uniform 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 includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not dry out or crack if you condition it regularly by applying a leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather couch with chaise for their products. The contact areas such as seats, armrests, and backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice and even if a couch is branded with authentic leather labels be sure to examine it carefully to see what the backing is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa.

The price and label may give you an idea, but the only sure way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel rough to the touch. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.

A leather couches for sale sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. Although this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.

A great way to determine the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth, it's probably faux or bonding.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to decide whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize a sofa in a given time, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.