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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough. 1. Labels are crucial Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather. To avoid being ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask! The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa, as well as any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with your purchase. If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded. Another way to test the authenticity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more 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 a faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple. 2. Look to the back If the label doesn't reveal 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 obvious indicators. Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather. Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps. You can also test the quality of leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time. Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream. To save money, certain furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are made from real 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. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to examine it in person. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather. 3. Look at the seat The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather. Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. This is common in faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain, you should avoid the sofa. The label and price may provide an idea but the only certain way to know is to feel the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials. A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good 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 children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges. Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. The two-seater might be expensive, but it is made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. This is a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and fits in most rooms. This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something modern. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. leather chaise lounge , this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you bring it home. You can determine the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather. Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric that is not genuine leather. Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm to the contact. Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the upholstery. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is one 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 will last when choosing the quality. The more you use your sofa in a given time, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.