20 Myths About Genuine Leather Sofa: Dispelled

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 high-quality, genuine leather upholstery.

Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. Edges that are rough.

1. Labels are important

Real leather is hard to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't soak up excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are made to be the same. In fact, some sellers have been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.

Understanding the different types leather can help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the differences between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information.

The first step to identifying the genuine leather sofa is to check the label. It should clearly identify the type of leather the sofa is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as cotton or fabric. The most reliable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

If the sofa doesn't have a label you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the upholstery's fabric backing or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather to determine if there are any imperfections or bumps. These are indications that the leather is fake or has been bonded.

Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you should be able to feel a difference between the bumps and wrinkles of genuine leather as well as the printed patterns on faux leather.

A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool, cool space, away from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioners. This will reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa strong and supple.

2. Check out the back

If the label does not tell you what type of leather corner couch is present in a sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all obvious indicators.

Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow it to breathe. However, a product that feels completely smooth suggests it could be fake leather.

Another thing to be aware of is bumps or an uneven surface. The preparation of genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather, it's likely to have some bumps.

You can also test the leather by putting your fingers into it and then running it across it. If the leather is real it will stretch and wrinkle like human skin. This means that it's capable of breathing, ensuring that the leather does not become dry and cracked over time.

Faux leather is printed and therefore has a uniform pattern however genuine leather has natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A good genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out in time if it's regularly maintained with a specific leather protection cream.

Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather to save money. The areas that are 'contact such as seats and armrests as well as backs, are constructed of real leather, whereas the non-contact portions like the outside and base arms, are upholstered using a less expensive polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, examine the back to determine if the couch is genuine leather.

Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and personal with it. Look at the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which is a sign that it's not genuine leather.

3. Look at the seat

The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use different fabrics for the upholstery Genuine leather has a distinct texture that feels smooth to the touch, but isn't completely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake imitations.

Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not unusual when using faux leather, if you observe this with genuine top-grain leather, it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.

Pricing and labels may give you an idea however the only way to know for sure is to get up close with the furniture. Genuine leather shouldn't be flawless and have a rough feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made using genuine materials.

A leather sofa is a staple of interior design because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. In addition, it's easy to clean and resists spills of liquid which makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine comfy leather couch is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in different price ranges.

For a timeless leather couch that can stand the test of time, think about the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater is on the pricier side but it's made of high-end top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's an excellent choice for those who have small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.

This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice for those who want something a bit more contemporary. The couch is a mid-century modern leather couch-inspired design with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. The frame is made out of composite, plywood and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch, which was awarded CHOICE's "Shonky" award in 2015.

4. Check out the smell

Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you're considering buying has a strong synthetic smell, it is not genuine. Often this is caused by the chemicals used in the process of making the leather. They remain in the furniture after it's been constructed and even after you take it home.

A good way to test the quality of a leather sofa is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it is smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.

You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the back. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. True leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing it is not real leather.

Peter suggests that if you are trying to determine if the sofa is genuine, the best way is to put it against your body and then gently run your fingers across the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel warm to the feel.

The sofa's back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bond leather.

When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, consider how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you utilize a couch and the more you use it, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning using an exclusive leather conditioner to keep the suppleness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.