How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. People love its simple design and high-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 distinguish between the two: 1. The rough edges. 1. soft leather couch are essential Genuine leather has a distinctive look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. However, not all leather sofas are created to be the same. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather. To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information. The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't happy with your purchase. If the sofa does not have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or bonded. Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is feeling its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. In addition, you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather. While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and the ozone. 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 reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential 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 feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather. Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. 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 fingers over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracking over time. Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. A quality leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, but it shouldn't 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 synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact' areas such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact parts, such as outside and base arms are upholstered with 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 it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather. 3. Look at the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is also a good indicator of quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather. If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, it's a warning sign. This is common with faux leather. However, if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa. The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made of genuine materials. A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that will never be trendy, and it's still available at a range of prices. For a timeless leather couch that can endure the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those with small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms. This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option to consider if you're looking for something contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's Shonky award in 2015. 4. Look at the smell Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you take it home. A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonded. You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an indication that the sofa isn't real leather. Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It also feels warm to the feel. Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. False and bonded leathers will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa. Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using a specific leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming dry and hard.
