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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any space. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery. But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. The rough edges. 1. Labels are crucial Real leather has a distinct appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb excess body oils, which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather. To avoid being scammed, it's crucial to know the various types of leather. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information. The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't satisfied with your purchase. If the sofa doesn't have an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indicators that the leather is fake or is bonded. Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth and soft texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. Furthermore, you will discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and 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 will often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and the ozone. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple. 2. Look at the back If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity. Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather. Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps. You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and then running it across it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked in time. Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream. Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact, such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact areas, such as outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a typical practice however, even if the sofa has authentic leather labels You should examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious sign 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. While many faux leather couches use various materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from fake or low-quality fakes. Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you see 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 price and the label might provide an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to touch the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's 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 spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges. Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. Although this two-seater is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't fade away. It's a great option for those with smaller rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into the majority of rooms. If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. While the frame is crafted from 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 that earned the CHOICE's “Shonky” award in the year 2015. 4. Look at the smell Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it isn't genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home. One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it is most likely fake or bonded leather. You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to help support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to 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 scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should stretch and wrinkle slightly. read this should also feel warm and supple to the touch. Another way to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the sofa. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather. Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.