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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa is a great option for any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery. Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges. 1. Labels are crucial Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equally. In fact, some stores have even been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather. Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid 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 state the type of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with your purchase. If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to see whether there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded. You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. In addition 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 will cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy. 2. Take a look at the back If the label doesn't inform you what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up close and personal with it. The smell, texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity. Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather. Another thing to be aware of is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to have some bumps. You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time. Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it is new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly with a leather protection cream. Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from real leather, while the non-contact portions, such as outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice, and even if a couch is branded with authentic leather labels be sure to examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather. Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to inspect it up close. Check the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather. 3. Look at the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. While most faux leather couch es make use of different materials for upholstery authentic leather has a distinctive texture that is soft to the touch and is not completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations. Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is common with faux leather. However, if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa. Labels and pricing can provide a clue, but the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be a sign of whether it is made from authentic materials. A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never go out of style. It's also available in various prices. Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, as 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 to consider if you're looking for something a bit more contemporary. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that combine design and function. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won the CHOICE's “Shonky” award in the year 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Real leather has a distinctive scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been manufactured. One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or it's bonded. You can also remove one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an indication 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 roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm and supple to the touch. The sofa's back and checking the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather. When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use a sofa and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.