10 Facts About Real Leather Couch That Will Instantly Bring You To A Happy Mood How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

It is often difficult to determine if are purchasing genuine leather sofas due to inaccurate product descriptions and price tags. You need to get up close and personal to smell, feel and then turn over a cushion to check the back.

For example, a 'leather couch' CHOICE tested had upholstered 'contact' (such as the seats and armrests) with genuine leather. The the non-contact areas were made up of coated polyester and Cotton.

1. Smell

A real leather sofa should be fragrant and natural. Faux leather, on the other hand, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your couch smells bad it could be due to pet urine. In the majority of cases, a thorough cleaning will remove the smell. If you're not happy with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will bring back the leather's moisture levels, making it softer, less fragile, and more resistant against smells.

You can also use a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to get rid of unpleasant smells from your couch. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to clean your leather couch. If the cloth begins to collect dirt, you can use a wringer to remove it or replace it with a new one. Alternatively, you can put the solution in the spray bottle and spray it on your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping again.

Airing your leather out is another natural way to remove the smell. If possible, set the sofa outside in a sunny spot to air it out. This will help eliminate any unwanted odors, and give the couch an aroma that is fresh and natural.

If you'd like to stay clear of unpleasant smells altogether, you can purchase a leather conditioner that contains healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from absorbing smells and will keep it smelling good for longer.

While the scent of natural leather is appealing but it isn't always easy to maintain. Over time, it can absorb the odors of cooking, smoking, and even body smell. These odors are hard to eliminate, particularly when your home is occupied by children or pets. Genuine leather couches do not absorb odors like fabrics can. This makes them a great choice for families with active children.

If your sofa smells like a pee-soaked puppy It's crucial to address the issue immediately. You can try a few of the suggestions above, or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to treat the problem. The best option is to prevent the problem therefore, make sure to train your dog to never pee on your couch.

2. Feel

When shopping for a new leather sofa there are a few things to look out for. But the best way to determine whether it's genuine is to smell and feel it. Real leather has an unmistakable distinctive natural scent. This aroma can dull as you age, but it is impossible to miss it when a sofa is brand new.

A genuine leather couch should be warm and soft to the touch. Faux and bonded leathers on the other hand tend to have a more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test this, gently press your fingers to the couch's surface and check for bumps. If you don't feel any bumps, the material is likely to be fake or bonded leather.

Another indicator is if you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the sofa. This means the leather isn't one continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.

The quality of the frame on a leather couch can have a major impact on its lifespan, but it's often not obvious. Ask what type of wood was used to make the frame. This will help you choose an item that has a long lifespan. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive alternative, whereas engineered or particle board frames are less robust. To increase durability, hardwood frames should be dried kiln to prevent warping or mildew.

If you're on a tight budget There are a lot of cheap genuine leather sofas you can still enjoy. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is one example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often offered for sale and can be customized to suit your home.

The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is a different budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a wide range of fabrics that are stain-resistant. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions have a tendency to slide down.

3. Backing

Real leather couches are an exception to other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are incredibly durable and resist wear and tear much more than fabric, making them last for years to come. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches aren't different. Like any other purchase, it is essential to be aware of the pitfalls before making a final choice.

If you're unsure if your new couch is made of leather or fabric then you must first verify the materials tag that is attached to the frame. This will inform you the exact type of material it is. If vegan leather couch can't find any information regarding the sofa's material composition then you can utilize your senses to make the decision.

The surface of the sofa should be examined closely and pay attention to the patterns, shading and texture. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading will not be uniform. If the surface is uniform and smooth, or if a mesh-like backing appears in place of coarse leather, it's a sure giveaway of fake or synthetic leather.

Check the back of the cushion casing. If vintage leather sofa has stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's a sign that it's not true leather. The reason for this is because animal hides are limited in their size, and they can only be cut so large. To ensure the highest quality of their products, the top manufacturers will always stitch and sew through the entire back of a couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not fake or bonded leather.

If you are able to try lifting up a corner of the sofa or cushion and look at the back of the padding. If the back of the padding is coated with a woven fabric or is covered in polyurethane, this is another indicator that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel firm and coarse when the touch is made.

4. Patterns

A leather sofa is a timeless classic for a reason. The soft, natural look and feel can elevate any living space. Additionally the modern tanning process gives it the added durability to withstand cracks and sagging. Since each hide comes with distinct marks, grain, and blemishes Every leather sofa is truly one-of-a-kind.

The best way to determine whether the leather you are purchasing is genuine is to inspect it up close. Examine the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern for an even more precise glimpse of its genuine. If the structure of the leather is uniform and there aren't any obvious blemishes on it, then it's likely to be faux or bonded.

Another obvious sign is a backing of polyurethane on the back of the sofa. This is a typical feature of the bonded leather. Genuine leather will have a more natural appearance and will be backed by materials that closely like the fabric used in making furniture.

Take a look at the back of your couch to determine if there are any vertical seams. This is a sign the leather has been made with attention to last. If there are no seams and the back looks like a continuous cloth, then it's likely to be a faux or bonded-leather sofa.

After you've determined that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's now time to match it with your other living room furniture. To create a clean, coordinated style, match your couch with other wooden furniture and accent it with pillows that reflect the colors of your space. Or go for a more fluid, acoustic layout by putting your couch across from other pieces with the addition of a coffee table.


Keep your leather sofa from direct sunlight to prevent it fading or forming scratches. If you're looking to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect your investment apply a leather protector agent once or twice per year.