The 10 Scariest Things About Genuine Leather Sofa

How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

This sofa makes a fantastic option for any room. Its leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers love its simple style and top-quality genuine cheap leather sofa upholstery.

However, distinguishing genuine leather from faux leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six helpful tips to help you recognize the difference: 1. The rough edges.

1. Labels are essential

Real leather has a unique style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also robust and easy to clean. It does not absorb body oils, making it ideal for families with allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equal. In fact, some sellers have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather.

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

The first step to identify authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of comfy leather couch used to cover the sofa, and any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you're dissatisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa isn't marked with any label, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic material. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if it has any flaws or bumps because these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather.

Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is by touching its surface by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, whereas bonded or faux leather will be rougher and feel more like suede. You should also be able discern the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.

While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can limit the damage that's caused by the sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area far from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning. Leather protection creams can also be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.

2. Take a look at the back

If the label does not indicate what kind of leather is present in a sofa, it's crucial to look it up close. The scent, the feel, and back will all be clear indicators of authenticity.

Genuine leather won't feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels completely smooth could be fake leather.

Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of preparing genuine leather requires buffing, which removes some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering 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 it's genuine, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather l couch to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking in time.

Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, however genuine leather sofa set leather may have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and marks. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not crack or dry out if you condition it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.

To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of real and synthetic leather for their products. The 'contact' areas like seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of real leather, while the non-contact areas, such as 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 it's genuine leather.

Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and intimate with it. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes or low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a continuous, large piece, it's a warning sign. While this is not uncommon with faux leather, if you notice this on genuine top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure way to know is to feel the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could also indicate whether it is genuine.

A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various prices.

Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. While this Two Seater Leather Sofa-seater model is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in almost any room.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something modern. This sofa is a mid-century modern design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of design and function. The frame is made from composite, plywood and plastic, the sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a welcome step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Genuine leather has a distinctive scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa that you're looking to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to process the leather, which linger in the furniture after it has been constructed and even after you bring it home.

You can check the quality of cheap leather couches by moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have bumps and lumps similar to the human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or the leather is bonded.

Alternately, you can take one of the cushions and examine the backing. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric, it is not genuine leather.

Peter suggests that if are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to place it against your body and gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will dull your fingernails and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch.

Turning the sofa on its back and examining the upholstery will determine if it's genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be one continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa.

When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will 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 help maintain the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming hard and dry.