Genuine Leather Sofa: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine small leather couch upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and faux leather. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made to be the same. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine leather.

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

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange 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 up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is rougher and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you should be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather sofa set clearance product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain 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 little, just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked in time.

Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather modular sofa. This includes creases, scratches and marks. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The 'contact' areas like seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather living room sets, it's important to be able to get close and personal with it. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3 seater leather sofa. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use various fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can provide a clue, but the only way to determine is to be in close proximity with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the touch. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

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

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. Although this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. This is a great option 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 contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux leather couch-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it's not genuine. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you take it home.

A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather.

Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the back. The faux and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an indication that the couch isn't 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 scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and inspecting the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.