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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and its high-end genuine leather upholstery. Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough. 1. Take a look at the label Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather. Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Discerning retailers are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to ask! To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with the purchase. If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indicators that the leather is fake or bonded. Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is by touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather. While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy. 2. Look to the back If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators. If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather. Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather includes buffing, which eliminates 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 pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's able to breathe, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and crack over time. Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, while genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A quality leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when it's new, but it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream. Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are covered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather. 3. Take a look at the seat The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather. If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another dead giveaway. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to indicate that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided. The price and the label might give you an idea however the only reliable method of knowing is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It will also have large wrinkles on 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. l shape leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. The best part about genuine leather, however, is that it's a classic design that will never ever go out of fashion and is available at a range of prices. For a classic leather couch that can stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be on the pricey side however it's made of top-quality leather that can last for a long time. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms. If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. The sofa is made from plywood composite, plastic, and. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's “Shonky Award” in 2015. 4. Take real leather sofa at the smell Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that cannot be duplicated. If the sofa you're looking to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you take it home. A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have lumps and bumps like the skin of a human. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely faux or bonded leather. You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather. Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is genuine, the best way is to hold it up against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. l shaped leather couch of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It should also feel warm to the touch. Turning the sofa on its back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather. When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use a couch in a given time, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.