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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 the premium quality genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges. 1. Labels are essential Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas 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 ripped off. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information. To identify a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase. If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or has been bonded. Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. In addition, you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather. While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong. 2. Take a look at the back If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is present in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity. Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather. Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have some bumps. You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If real leather couch is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking over time. Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather has imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft and a little stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather. Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact areas such as the outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if the sofa has a genuine leather label, you should check it carefully to see what the backing is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather. Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. Look at 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 another indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a rich natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes. If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. This is common in faux leather but if it is seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa. Pricing and labels may give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials. Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with children or pets. l shape leather sofa is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in different price ranges. For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't fade away. This is a great option for those with a limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms. This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option if you want something a bit more contemporary. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's “Shonky Award” in 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Genuine leather has a distinct smell – a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it is a sign that it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed. One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather. You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. The faux and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather. Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm to the contact. Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is 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 when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.