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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa makes a fantastic addition to any room. The leather upholstery is incredibly soft. Customers adore its simple styling and premium, genuine leather upholstery. Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges. 1. Take a look at the label Real leather has a unique appearance and feel that's difficult to duplicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas, however, are made equally. In fact, some retailers have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather. Understanding the different types of leather will help you to avoid being scammed. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information. The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials like cotton or fabric. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on return or exchange in case you aren't happy with your purchase. If the sofa doesn't have any label, you can still work out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or by opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if it has any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded. Another way to test the quality of a sofa is by feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. Additionally, you will be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather. While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity and Ozone. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong. 2. Look at the back If the label doesn't indicate what kind of leather is in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The scent, the feel, and back will all be a clear indication of authenticity. When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a product that is smooth and soft suggests that it may be fake leather. Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. 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 fingers over it and pressing into it. If the leather is genuine it will stretch and wrinkle just like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes. Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it is printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that contribute to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases, scratches and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you treat it regularly by applying a leather protection cream. To save money, certain furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The contact areas, like the arm rests, seats and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice and even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label be sure to examine it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather. Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to look it over. Take a whiff, rub it and look at its back for a backing of polyurethane which is an obvious sign that it's not genuine leather. 3. Check out the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a distinct texture and feels smooth when touched. 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, that's another dead giveaway. This is common in faux leather but if it's on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa. Pricing and labels may provide a clue, but the only way to know for sure is to sit down 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. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can be an indication of whether it's genuine. A leather sofa is a staple of interior design for a reason: It's elegant, durable and long-lasting. In leather couches for sale , it's easy to wipe clean and resists liquid spills which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of style. It's also available in a variety of prices. For a timeless leather couch that will last for a long time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. Although this two-seater is on the pricier side, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those who have limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room. If you're looking for something a bit more modern, you should consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. This sofa is made of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's “Shonky Award” in 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Genuine leather has a distinctive smell – a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent, this is an indication that it's not genuine. It is usually due to the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed. A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and include bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding. You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing that supports the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather. Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The roughness of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch. Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and look at the back of the couch. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the sofa. Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize your couch, the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help maintain the leather's suppleness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.