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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa is a great option for any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. People love its simple design and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough. 1. Labels are important Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It doesn't absorb body oils, making it a perfect choice for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather. To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, and also assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not be afraid to ask your favorite retailers for this information. The first step to identifying a genuine leather sofa is to check the label. The label should clearly state the type of leather used to cover the sofa along with any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with your purchase. If the sofa doesn't have any label, you can still work out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine if it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded. additional hints can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather has a soft, smooth 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. A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could end up becoming an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage that's caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and soft. 2. Check out the back If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is present in the sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all clear indicators. If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is because animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather. Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to be bumpy. You can also test the quality of leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a little similar to human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the leather doesn't get dry and crack over time. Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather has imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A genuine leather sofa will be soft, a little stiff when new, however it shouldn't crack or dry out over time if conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream. Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, such as the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. Even if a couch is advertised as genuine leather, look closely at the backing to determine if it's genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to examine it in person. Check the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather. 3. Look at the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps beneath the surface as well as a deep, natural smell. These characteristics differentiate real leather from imitations or cheap leather. Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided. Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to know for sure is to sit down to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials. A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices. Think about Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for years. The two-seater might be on the pricey side however it's made of top-quality leather that can last a lifetime. It's a great choice for those with small rooms, too, because it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit in the majority of rooms. If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of form and function. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a nice upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's “Shonky” award in 2015. 4. Check out the smell Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it isn't genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been constructed. You can check the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps just like the human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather. You can also open one of the cushions to look at the back. The faux and bonded leathers may have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing, it is not genuine leather. Peter says that the best way to tell 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 slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch. Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather. When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a couch, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.