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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive feel and look. It's also robust and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some stores have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the difference 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 identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather and determine whether it's got any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or leather that has been bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by rubbing its surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Bonded or faux leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Additionally, 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 its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. You can reduce the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. 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 sofa is, you need to get up-close and close to it. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it won't feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if leather sofa set use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it's likely to have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather will have imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact' areas like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact parts like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather.

Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, you need to be able to get close and close to it. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While most faux leather couches make use of various materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is common with faux leather but if it's on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

The price and label may give you an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will feel uneven to the touch. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, 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 because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, is that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is still accessible at a variety of prices.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater model is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't fade away. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of 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. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is a natural organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.

You can test the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or bonded.





You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic, the best way is to place it against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It also feels warm to the feel.

Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the upholstery. 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 the amount of use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a special leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.