The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Genuine Leather Sofa How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a buttery-soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers adore its simple styling and premium genuine leather upholstery.

But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Check the label

Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a distinctive appearance and feel. It's also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it ideal for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. Some retailers are even known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Retailers with discerning eyes will be more than happy to provide you with this information So don't hesitate ask!

The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine 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. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label, you can still check its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by rubbing the surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is rougher and feels 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 a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. This will minimize the damage caused by heat, humidity, and Ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it's essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators.

When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.

Check for bumps or uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather includes buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This means it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather does not become dry and crack over time.

Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, however it should not break or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The areas that are 'contact like seats, armrests, and backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the base and outside arms, are upholstered using a less expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is labeled as genuine leather, you should look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and personal with it. Take a whiff, rub it and check its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for upholstery Genuine leather has a distinctive texture that is smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. rustic leather sofa Sofas And Couches are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a dead giveaway. While this is not unusual with faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's most likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

Labels and pricing can give you an idea however the only way to be sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic material, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. Additionally, it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a timeless style that won't go out of style and is still available at a range of prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. This two-seater may be on the pricey side, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it's available 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 a bit more modern. This mid-century modern-inspired sofa features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky" award in the year 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. 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 in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it has been manufactured and even after you bring it home.

You can determine the quality of leather by gently running your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and include lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it is most likely faux or made of bonded leather.

You can also open one of the cushions to examine the backing. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.

Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingers a little dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the contact.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bond leather.


Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it will last before you decide on the right. The more you use your sofa and the more you use it, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.