How To Outsmart Your Boss On Genuine Leather Sofa How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. Customers love its simple style and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also robust, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, making it ideal for those with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equal. In fact, some retailers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers will be more than pleased to provide this information So don't hesitate ask!

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as cotton or fabric. Additionally, reliable sellers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

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

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, whereas faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to feel the difference between the wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can minimize the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in a cool, dark room away from heaters, fireplaces and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Check out the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather is used in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel, and back will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides have a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft could be fake leather.

Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there should still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A good genuine leather sofa is soft and slightly stiff when new, but it should not break or dry out in time if it's regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers make use of a mix of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The 'contact areas', such as the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact areas, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice, and even if the couch has an authentic leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not authentic leather.

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

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is an excellent indicator of the quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a warning sign. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

The price and label may provide an idea but the only certain method of knowing is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. second hand leather sofas Sofas And Couches 's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that will never be trendy and is still available at a range of prices.

Take a look at Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-grain leather and has a classic silhouette that won't fade away. This is a great option for those who have limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in most rooms.


This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something a bit more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a round pillow and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood composite, plastic, and. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa, which won CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has an unmistakable smell. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been made and even once you bring it home.

You can test the quality of leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it is smooth and cold it's probably fake or it's bonded.

Alternatively, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the sofa isn't real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The scratches on the leather will dull your fingernails and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the contact.

Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the upholstery. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it should last before you decide on the right. The more you use your couch and the more you use it, the more it'll need to be maintained. Peter suggests a regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.