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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges. 1. Check the label Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather. To avoid being ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining top-grain and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality material of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire! The first step to identify the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the purchase. If the sofa doesn't come with a label but you can figure out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine if it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather. Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. In addition, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather. While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can minimize the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong. 2. Look at the back If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, you need to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators. If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather. Another thing to look out for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it will still be bumpy. You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes. Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather is soft 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. Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact parts like the outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labeled as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and close to it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather. 3. Check out the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize different materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather. If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, that's another warning sign. This is common in faux leather. However, when it's seen on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa. The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath 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 staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and lasts for a long time. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that will never go out of style and is available in a variety of prices. For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be quite expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those who have small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms. This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an upgrade from 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 – a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been manufactured. One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's probably fake or it's bonded. You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. The faux and bonded leathers will have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather. Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch. The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather. When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to get and how long you'd like it to last. Sofas & Couches use your couch and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.