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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are crucial

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with 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 doesn't come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. You can minimize 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 heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Look to the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have some bumps.

You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little, just like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it is new. But, it should not crack or dry out if you condition it regularly with a leather protection cream.

To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if the sofa has a genuine leather label You should examine it closely to see what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While many faux leather couch es use various materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. Genuine leather is soft and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.





A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great choice for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that will never be trendy and is accessible at a variety of price points.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice if you want something more modern. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and a sleek frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it's been made and even once you have it at home.

A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing that supports the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the feel.

Another way to determine 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 solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.