20 Myths About Genuine Leather Sofa: Dispelled

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any room. Customers love its simple styling, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes might have trouble in discerning the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six useful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. Rough edges.

1. Labels are crucial

Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for those suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are created equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to disguise PVC as genuine leather.

To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to be aware of the various kinds of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the type of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials like fabric or cotton. The most reliable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not happy with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't come with an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening the cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or bonded.

Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa using your fingertips. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while faux or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. Furthermore, you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your cheap leather sofa sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioning. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong.

2. Look at the back

If the label does not identify the type of leather is used in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The smell, feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to have a few bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If the leather is genuine, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack with time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a consistent pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scars. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple, a little stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out in time if it's conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream.

Certain furniture manufacturers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact parts, such as base and outside arms, are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. This is a common practice however, even if the couch has an authentic leather label be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made from, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to get up close and intimate with it. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather.

3 Seater leather sofa. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps on the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather sofa with chaise.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece. This is common in faux leather, but if it's on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa.

The price and the label might provide an idea however the only reliable method to determine is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have large wrinkles in the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and distinct from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be a sign of whether it is genuine.

Leather sofas are a staple of interior design, and with good reason. They're stylish durable, long-lasting, and durable. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid, making it a smart choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of price ranges.

If you're looking for a classic leather sofa that will endure the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-3 seater leather couch is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't fade away. This is a great choice for those with limited space, since it comes in with three sizes and will fit in most rooms.

If you're looking for something bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend form and function. This sofa is made of plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive smell that is a natural organic skin scent that cannot be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic, this is an indication that it's not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used to make the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.

A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or made of bonded leather.

Alternatively, you can take one of the cushions and examine the back. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back like coarse suede. If you spot a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to determine if a sofa is genuine the best method is to put it against your body and move your fingers across the surface. The roughness of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It also feels warm to the touch.

The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or the bonded leather.

When deciding on the grade of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to get and how long you want 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 and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.