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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough. 1. Labels are essential Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equally. In fact, some stores have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather. Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information. The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with the purchase. If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather. Another way to check the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather. A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could become a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat and ozone. Creams for protection on leather can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple. 2. Check out the back If the label does not tell you what type of leather is present in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators. Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather. Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to be bumpy. You can also test the quality of leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time. Faux leather is printed and has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream. To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to make their products. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if a couch is labelled as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather. 3. Check out the seat The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather. If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another dead giveaway. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you see this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided. The label and price may provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The softness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether or not it's made using genuine materials. Leather sofas are a staple of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting and durable. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that won't be trendy and is accessible at a variety of price points. For a classic leather couch that will stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most 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 design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch that earned CHOICE's “Shonky” award in 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Real leather has a distinctive scent – a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it isn't genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you have it at home. A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or it's bonded. You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If vegan leather sofa notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the sofa isn't real leather. Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the feel. Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather. When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.