15 Best Genuine Leather Sofa Bloggers You Should Follow How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With its soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple style, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six suggestions to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get scammed, it's crucial to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with the purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine whether there are any bumps or imperfections. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. In addition, you should be able to discern the difference between bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather and the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It can become an important family heirloom with time. 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 far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, texture and the backing will be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it will still have some bumps.

You can also test leather by pressing your finger into it and then running it across it. If it is real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and marks. A genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when it's new, but it should not break or dry out over time if it is regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas', such as the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, you should examine the back to determine if it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and close to it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an excellent indicator of the quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery, genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

modern leather couch of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a continuous, large piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Real leather should not be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart option for families with children or pets. The best part about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic style that will never ever go out of fashion and is still available at a range of price points.

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater is priced higher but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, as it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with a round pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is constructed from composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Take a look at the smell


Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.

You can check the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps as human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or bonded leather.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and examine the backing. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is an indication that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is 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, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch, the more it will need to be taken care of. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.