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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With a soft, buttery leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple styling and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery. Untrained eyes might have trouble identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Rough edges. 1. Look at the label Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable 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. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather. Understanding the different types leather will help you to avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information. To identify a genuine leather sofa first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is covered in, as well as any other materials like fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers will also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you are not satisfied with the purchase. If the sofa doesn't have an identifier, you can still work out its authenticity by examining the fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing to look for synthetic materials. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if it has any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or the leather is bonded. Another method to determine the quality of a sofa is feeling its surface using your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is coarser and feels more like suede. You should also be able feel the difference between bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather. While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than a faux counterpart, it's an investment that will last longer and will be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat and Ozone. Additionally, you can 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 used in a sofa, it is crucial to look it up close. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity. Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. A product that feels completely smooth may be fake leather. Another thing to look out for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away some of the rough outer layer. If the leather covering your sofa is top grain leather, there'll still be some bumps. You can also test leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If the leather is real, it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked over time. Faux leather has a uniform pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a little stiff when it's brand new. But, it should not dry out or crack when you regularly condition it with a leather protection cream. Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs, are constructed from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice, and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check it closely to see what the backing is made of, since it is a clear indication that it isn't true genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather It is however important to look it over. Smell it, touch it and check its back for a backing of polyurethane, which is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather. 3. Take a look at the seat A genuine leather sofa's seat is also an indicator of its quality. While the majority of faux leather couches utilize various materials for upholstery authentic leather has a unique texture that is soft to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a distinct natural, fresh scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather. Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you see this with genuine top-grain leather it's likely to indicate that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided. Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It also has large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will tell whether or not it's built using genuine materials. A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart choice for families with 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. Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater is priced higher, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't age quickly. This is a great choice for those with limited space as it comes in with three sizes and will fit in the majority of rooms. If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and an elegant frame. While the frame is crafted out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa features genuine leather only in the seating area, which is a step up from Ikea's faux-leather couch, which was awarded the CHOICE's “Shonky” award in 2015. 4. Look at the smell Genuine leather has a distinct smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If in the know considering buying has a strong synthetic smell it's not real. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been made. A good way to test the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely faux or the leather is bonded. You can also take one of the cushions and examine the back. False and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather. Peter advises that if you are trying to decide whether a sofa is genuine the best way to determine authenticity is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers along the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch. Reversing the sofa to its back and checking the upholstery will tell you if it is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or the bonded leather. When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, take into consideration how much use it will receive and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your couch and the more you use it, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and prevent it from becoming hard and dry.