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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any room. Customers love its simple style and high-quality, genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two: 1. Rough edges. 1. Take a look at the label Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some retailers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather. Understanding the different types of leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Discerning retailers will be more than willing to share this information, so don't hesitate to inquire! The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with the purchase. If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. 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 is bonded. You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. Additionally, you will feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather. While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing 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 sturdy and soft. 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, feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity. Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests that it may be fake leather. Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates 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 putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little as human skin does. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack with time. Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, while genuine leather will have imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather. Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', like the seats, arm rests and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to examine it in person. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather. 3. Take a look at the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. While many faux leather couches use different materials for upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather. Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided. Pricing and labels can provide a clue, but the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit 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 can be an indication of whether it's made of genuine materials. A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills making it a good choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges. For a classic leather couch that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is priced higher however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with a limited space, as it comes with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms. This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something more modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that combine form and function. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned CHOICE's “Shonky” award in the year 2015. 4. Check out the smell Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell, this is an indication that it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you take it home. You can check the quality of leather by running your fingers along the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps like the human skin. If it feels smooth and cold it's probably fake or bonded. You can also open one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather. deep leather couch Sofas & Couches suggests that if are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and then gently move your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It also feels warm to the feel. Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch. Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.