How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery.
Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference: 1. Rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers are even famous for using PVC as genuine leather.
To help you avoid getting scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.
The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return if you are not satisfied with the purchase.
If the sofa does not have a label you can still verify its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.
A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.
2. Check out 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, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.
When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if leather sofas near me used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still be bumpy.
You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack with time.
Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. 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 treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice however, even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather.
Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa It is however important to look it over. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.
3. Take a look at the seat
The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable way to know is to actually touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel uneven to the touch. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under 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 using genuine materials.
A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that will never ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of prices.
For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design 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 small enough to 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. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has 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 a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Take a look at the smell
Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you have it at home.
You can determine the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding.
You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to help 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, this is an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the feel.
Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the couch. The faux leather and bonded leather 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 sofa.
Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use your couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.