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The Most Pervasive Issues In Genuine Leather Sofa
How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any space. People love its simple design and top-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying authentic leather sofas is to check the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded.

You can also test the quality of the sofa by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. You should also be able to feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart but it will last longer. It can become a family heirloom over time. You can reduce the damage that's caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is used in the sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious 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 totally smooth may be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. discover here of genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you regularly condition it by applying a leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather for their products. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if the sofa has a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made from, as it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather.

Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to examine it in person. Look at the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.

Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The price and label may provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should be a bit uneven to the feel. It may also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless fashion that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

For a classic leather couch that will last for a long time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be expensive but it's constructed using top-quality leather that will last a lifetime. It's a great option for those who have small spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you take it home.

One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing that supports the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.


Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm to the contact.

Another way to tell 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.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to 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 using an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.

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