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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa

With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design, and the high-quality genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may have difficulty discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Take a look at the label

Real leather has a distinct style and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However not all leather sofas are created equally. Some stores have even been famous for using PVC as genuine Leather.

To avoid being ripped off, it's important to understand the different 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. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information.

To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa you should first look at the label. The label should clearly state the kind of leather used to cover the sofa as well as any other materials like 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 doesn't have an identifier, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening up the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather and see if it has any bumps or imperfections, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.

You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. Furthermore, you will discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.


While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can minimize the damage caused by sun or ozone, heat, humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and supple.

2. Look to the back

If the label doesn't tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity.

When you get a feel of genuine leather, it won't feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which takes away some of the rough outer skin. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.

You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracking over time.

Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it's printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. A 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 in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, chairs and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and the outside arms are upholstered in a less expensive polyurethane or leather-like synthetic fabric. This is a common practice and even if the couch has authentic leather labels be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not authentic leather.

Labels and pricing can help you identify a genuine leather sofa, but it is important to inspect it up close. Smell it, touch it and look at its back for a polyurethane backing that is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which uses a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Be aware of bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from fakes and low-grade leather.

If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, that's another obvious sign. This is common in faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather, you should avoid the sofa.

Labels and pricing can give you an idea, but the only way to know for sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's built with authentic materials.

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

Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. While this two-seater model is on the pricier side however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a classic silhouette that won't date quickly. It's a great option for those with smaller rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.

mid century modern leather couch is a great option for those who want something more modern. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s "Shonky Award" in 2015.

4. Look at the smell

Real leather has a distinctive smell - a natural, organic skin scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been manufactured.

One way to check the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers over the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or it's bonded.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. False and bonded hides have a polyurethane back to provide support for the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has a back that is untreated and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether the sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and gently run your fingers along the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails duller, and the surface should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It will also feel warm to the contact.

Another method to determine whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it over on its side and check the back of the couch. False and bonded leathers 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 couch.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider how much use it is likely to receive and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help to maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.

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