Begin By Meeting The Steve Jobs Of The Genuine Leather Sofa Industry How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

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

Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. sofasandcouches.com . Labels are crucial

Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are created equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine Leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

The first step to identify a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.

If the sofa does not come with a label, you can still verify its authenticity by checking the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is touching its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Bonded or faux leather is rougher and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between wrinkles, bumps and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and sturdy.

2. Look at the back

If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get up-close and close to it. The smell, texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you feel it. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The process of preparing genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This means that it is capable of breathing, ensuring that the material doesn't become dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and marks. A good genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when it's new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made from real leather, whereas the non-contact parts such as the outside and base arms are upholstered with a less-expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a standard practice and even if the sofa has authentic leather labels, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and prices can help you identify a genuine leather sofa However, it is essential to examine it in person. Smell it, touch it, and then check its back for a polyurethane backing which is an obvious indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Check out the seat


The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional indication of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps on the surface as well as a deep natural, fresh scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a long, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa is lower-quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can give you an idea however the only way to determine is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that can last for a long time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. This two-seater may be expensive but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It's an excellent choice for those with smaller spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit in the majority of rooms.

If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It is a step up from Ikea’s faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been manufactured.

You can determine the quality of the leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or bonded leather.

You can also open up one of the cushions and examine the back. False and bonded hides include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel warm to the feel.

Turning the sofa on its back and checking the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you utilize your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.