How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Check the label

Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather corner couch sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

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

To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing 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 wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity and ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's important to get close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it should still have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' such as the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a standard practice, and even if a couch is branded with authentic leather labels You should examine carefully to determine the material that the back is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another warning sign. This is common in faux leather. However, if it's on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

The price and the label might provide an idea but the only certain method to determine is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the touch. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is genuine.

A leather Corner couch sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect choice for families who have children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that won't go out of style, and it's still accessible at a variety of price points.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofas for sale near me sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is on the pricier side 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 who have small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something modern. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

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

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

You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather couch with chaise will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize a sofa in a given time, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.