The 3 Most Significant Disasters In Genuine Leather Sofa History How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to replicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

To determine if you've got a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other material such as cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still check its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it's got any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. Additionally, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and the ozone. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. 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 personal with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes 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 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 able to breathe, ensuring that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern due to the fact that it is printed, whereas genuine leather will have imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you regularly condition it with a leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of real and synthetic leather to create their furniture. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.

Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to be able to get close and intimate with it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an excellent indicator of the quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that is smooth to the touch and is not totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface, and a distinct natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it's on genuine top-grain leather and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa.

Pricing and labels may provide a clue however the only way to determine is to get up close with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the feel. It may 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 also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials.


Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. In addition, it's easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with children or pets. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that will never ever go out of fashion and is available in a variety of price points.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. The two-seater is quite expensive however it's made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those with a limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been manufactured.

You can test the quality of leather by gently running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather.

leather couch and loveseat sofasandcouches can also open one of the cushions to inspect the back. Faux and bonded hides will have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. True leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Another way to determine 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.

Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it should last when choosing the quality. The more you utilize your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with an exclusive leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming dry and hard.