10 Tips To Know About Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you distinguish between the two types: 1. Rough edges.

1. Look at the label

Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are created equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to misrepresent 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 evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable sellers must have clear policies for return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded.

You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. Furthermore you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.


While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather sofa is, it's important to get up close and intimate with it. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking in time.

Faux leather is uniform in pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and slightly stiff when it's new, but it should not crack 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 to make their products. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Look for deep leather couch sofasandcouches beneath the surface, and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect and should feel uneven to the touch. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a classic design that will never ever go out of fashion and is still available in a variety of price points.

For a classic leather couch that will endure the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, since 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 option for those who want something a bit more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an angular, sleek design with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. 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. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been manufactured.

A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

You can also take one of the cushions and inspect the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the feel.

Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.

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. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.

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Pub: 08 Jun 2024 13:13 UTC
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