Real Leather Couch: A Simple Definition How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux

Due to the misinformation on prices and descriptions of products, it's sometimes difficult to determine whether you're buying a genuine leather couch. It is important to get close and personal - smell, feel and turn over a cushion to check the fabric.

For instance, a leather-upholstered couch CHOICE tested had 'contact' areas (such as arm rests) with genuine leather upholstery but the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester.

1. Smell

A real leather sofa should be a natural and rich scent. Faux leather, on the other hand, often smells chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa has a bad smell, it could be caused by pet urine or stains. In most cases, a thorough clean will eliminate any smell. If you are not satisfied with the results of your cleaning, try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore the moisture to the leather, making it soft, less brittle, and more resistant to smells.

You can also make use of an organic odor eliminator like baking soda to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Use microfiber cloths to clean your leather sofa. If the cloth begins to absorb dirt, you can wring it out or switch to another. You can spray the solution onto your couch. The mixture should dry before wiping it over again.

Another method to eliminate the smells from your leather is by airing it out. Set the couch in a sunny area to air out. This will eliminate any unwanted odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.

If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will prevent your leather from soaking up odors and keep it smelling good for longer.

While the smell of natural leather is appealing, it can be difficult to maintain. Over time, leather may absorb odors, such as those from cooking, smoking and even body odor. These odors can be hard to eliminate especially if you have children or pets. Leather couches don't hold in these odors the way fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.

If your sofa smells like an odor of a dog that has peed on it, it's important to get the problem addressed immediately. Use the tips given above or a product such as Leather Honey to solve the problem. The best solution is to stop the problem from occurring, so make sure you train your dog to not pee on your couch.

2. Feel

There are some clues to look for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable method to determine if it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Leather has a distinct, distinct natural scent. The smell fades as you age but it should remain evident when the couch is new.

A genuine leather sofa must be soft to the touch and warm in temperature. Bonded and faux leathers, on the other hand are typically more plasticky feel and are colder to touch. To test this test, gently press your fingers on the couch's surface and look for bumps. If you can't feel any bumps, then the material is likely to be faux or bonded leather.

If leather couches for sale notice vertical seams stitched across the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This indicates that the leather isn't a continuous piece that is typical of genuine leather couches.

The quality of the frame of leather couches can have a significant impact on its life span however, it's not always obvious. To make sure you're buying a sofa that will last, ask what type of wood is used for the frame. Solid oak frames are the most durable, however they are also the most expensive. Engineered or particle board frames will be less sturdy. To improve durability, hardwood frames should be kiln dried to stop the growth of mildew and warping.

If you're on a budget it is possible to find an authentic leather sofa you are awestruck with. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa, for example, is a stylish and versatile choice that's usually on sale and can easily be customized to suit your home.

The La-Z-Boy Manual Reclining Sofa is another budget-friendly option. It has a classic look and is available in a broad variety of fabrics that are resistant to fade. However, this modular sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions are prone to slide down.

3. Backing

Leather sofas are a class apart from other kinds of upholstery. Leather sofas are extremely durable and endure wear and tear more effectively than fabrics. They last for a long time. They are also less likely to attract dust, allergens or spills. Leather couches aren't any different. As with any other purchase, it's crucial to be aware of the dangers before making a final choice.

If you are not sure whether your new sofa is made of fabric or leather then you must first verify the materials tag that is attached to the frame. This will inform you exactly what kind of material it is. But, you should use your own senses to make a decision if you can't find any information on the material composition of the sofa.

A key indicator is to take a close look at the surface of the couch and examine the texture, shading and patterns in depth. Genuine leather couches will have natural imperfections and the structure, pattern, or shading won't be uniform. If the surface is uniform and smooth or if a mesh-like backing is visible instead of the coarse leather, it's a dead indication of fake or synthetic leather.

Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If it has an unstitched vertical seam on the back of the cushion, it's a sign that it's not genuine leather. The reason is because animal hides have a limit on their size, and they can only be cut so big. Top-rated manufacturers always stitch and stitch the entire back of the couch to ensure it is genuine leather, not bonded or faux leather.

If you are able to try lifting up a corner of the sofa or a cushion and examine the back of the cushion. If the back of the padding is covered with polyurethane or a weave, then it's an indication that the sofa isn't genuine leather. Genuine leather is supposed to have a rough and coarse coating that feels sturdy when you feel it.

4. Patterns

A real leather couch is a classic and with good reason. The warm, natural look and feel of the leather can add a touch of class to any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it extra durability, so it is resistant to cracking or sagging. Each hide is unique with its own unique imperfections, markings, and grain.

While prices and labels are excellent indicators, the best way to tell if you're buying authentic leather is to get close and intimate with it. Examine the texture of the surface, its structure, and pattern for an in-depth look at its authenticity. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible blemishes on it, then it's likely to be fake or bonded.


A polyurethane back on the sofa is a further indicator. This is a typical feature of leather that is bonded. Genuine leather will have a more natural look and will be backed by materials that closely like the fabric used to create the furniture.

Take a look at the back of your sofa to see whether there are vertical seams. This is a sign that the leather was constructed with attention to last. On the other the other hand, if you notice no seams and the back of the sofa appears like a piece of cloth, it's most likely a fake or leather couch that has been bonded.

After you've determined that your sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to pair it with your other furniture in your living room. To create a clean, coordinated style, pair your sofa with other furniture made of wood, and line it up with pillows that echo the colors of your living space. Or, you can opt for a comfortable, lively layout by placing your couch against other furniture pieces and placing a coffee table in between.

Make sure to keep your leather sofa in a bright area to ensure it doesn't fade or develop scuff marks due to direct sunlight. If you want to extend the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage, apply a leather protector agent once or twice per year.