This Is The Ugly Truth About Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa is a great addition to any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and top-quality genuine leather lounge suite upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Look at the label

Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excess body oils, making it a perfect choice for those with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some retailers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

To avoid being ripped off, it's important to know the various types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the material used in the upholstery. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, you should first look at the label. It should clearly state what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa does not have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or imperfections. These are signs that the leather is fake or is bonded.

Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, whereas faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is present in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel and the back are all clear indicators.

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

Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have 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 in time.

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 scuffs. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if regularly maintained with a specific leather sofa with chaise protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact' areas such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact parts such as the outside and base arms are upholstered using a less expensive synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing, which is a clear sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of fabrics for the upholstery authentic leather has a distinct texture that is soft to the touch, but isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, it's a obvious sign. This is typical with faux leather. However, if it's on real top-grain it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

The price and label may give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is distinct from synthetic materials and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for good reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills making it a good option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather it's that it's a classic design that won't go out of style and is available in a variety of price points.

For a timeless leather couch that can stand the test of time, look into the Pottery Barn Turner. The two-seater might be quite expensive however it's made with top-grain leather that will last a lifetime. This is a great option for those who have limited space, as it comes three sizes and can fit in almost any room.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something contemporary. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an angular, sleek design with a cylindrical pillow and a sleek frame. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's a natural, organic scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been manufactured.

One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to run your fingers over the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels cold and smooth it's likely fake or bonding.

Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine vintage leather couch has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's a dead giveaway that the couch isn't genuine leather.

Peter says that the best way to tell if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.

Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will also tell you if it is genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be one 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 is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.