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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style and top-quality genuine leather upholstery. Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges. 1. Take a look at the label Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It's also durable and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather. Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information. To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will 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 an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded. Another way to test the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. In addition, you will be able to feel the difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather. While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong. 2. Take a look at the back If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. leather couch with chaise , the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators. Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather. Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps. You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time. Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special 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 the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if a couch is labelled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather. 3. Take a look at the seat The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations. Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa. Labels and pricing can give you an idea, but the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity with the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is genuine. Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic style that won't ever go out of fashion and is available in a variety of price points. Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. This two-seater may be quite expensive but it's constructed with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great option for those who have small rooms, too, because 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 mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015. 4. Look at the smell Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it is a sign that it's not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been made. A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps like human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded. You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded hides will feature a polyurethane backing to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather. Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel warm to the contact. The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch. When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a specific conditioner for leather to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.