The Three Greatest Moments In Genuine Leather Sofa History

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 premium genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are important

Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Retailers with discerning eyes are more than pleased to provide this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask!

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Additionally, reliable sellers should have clear policies on exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

l shaped leather couch can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy.

2. Look to the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away some of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.

To save money, certain furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, while the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is labeled as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.


Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and intimate with it. Feel it, smell it and check its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Take a look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't entirely uniform in color and shade. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon when using 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 price and label may provide an idea, but the only sure method of knowing is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.

Leather sofas are a mainstay of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that won't ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of prices.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's an excellent choice for those with small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something more modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend form and function. This sofa is made of plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin 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 authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed.

You can determine the quality of leather by moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.

Peter says that the best way to determine if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit 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 contact.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it 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.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use a sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.

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Pub: 13 Dec 2024 10:29 UTC
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