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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. People love its simple design and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing real leather from fake leather can be difficult to the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough. 1. Labels are important Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to duplicate. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also doesn't absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However there are many different leather sofas that are made equal. Some retailers are even recognized for presenting PVC as genuine Leather. Understanding the different types leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information. The first step in identifying authentic leather sofas is to examine the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, and any other materials, such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers must also have clear guidelines regarding return or exchange if you are not happy with the purchase. If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still check its authenticity by examining the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather and see whether it has any bumps or imperfections, because these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather. Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is by the surface of the sofa by rubbing your fingers. Genuine leather will have a smooth and soft texture, while faux leather or bonded leather will be more coarse and more akin to suede. You should also be able feel the difference between the bumps, wrinkles, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather. A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its faux counterpart, but it's going to last longer. It could end up becoming a family heirloom over time. Place your leather sofa in a bright cool and cool room, far from heaters, fireplaces, and air conditioning units. This will minimize the damage caused by humidity, heat, and ozone. 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 tell you what type of leather is in a sofa, it's important to inspect it up close. The smell, the feel and the back are all obvious indicators. When you get a feel of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and perfect. This is due to the fact that animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. However, leather couch set that feels completely smooth suggests that it may be fake leather. Be leather modular sofa of bumps and uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away the rough outer layer. If the material that covers your sofa is top grain leather, there'll 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 like human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked over time. Faux leather has a consistent pattern because it is printed, however genuine leather is prone to imperfections that add to the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it is new. But, it should not crack or dry out when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather. Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The contact areas, like the seats, arm rests and backs are constructed of genuine leather, while non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms, are covered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or a synthetic leather. Even if the couch is advertised as genuine leather, it is best to take a close look at the backing to determine if it is genuine leather. Labels and pricing can help you determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Examine the back of the sofa for traces of polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather. 3. Look at the seat A genuine leather sofa's seating is a good indicator of quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps under the surface and a strong natural scent. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial fakes. Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. This is typical with faux leather but if it is seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa. Labels and pricing can give you a hint however the only way to determine is to get up close to the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect, and it will be a bit uneven to the feel. It will also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different than synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made of genuine materials. Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design for good reason. They're elegant, durable, and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it an ideal choice for families who have pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, however it's that it's a classic design that will never be trendy and is available at a range of price points. Think about Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for years. While this two-seater model is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features an elegant design that won't fade away. It's an excellent choice for those with small rooms, too, because it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into most rooms. If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, look at this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and asymmetrical pillows that blend design and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area, which is a nice step up from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE's “Shonky” award in the year 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Real leather has a distinctive smell – a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be replicated. If the sofa you're trying to buy has a strong smell of synthetic it's a sign that it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used in the process of making the leather, which remain in the furniture after it's been manufactured and even after you bring it home. You can check the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will have lumps and bumps just like the skin of a human. If leather couch set feels smooth and cold it's likely fake or bonding. Alternately, you can open up one of the cushions and inspect the backing. False and bonded hides feature a polyurethane backing to help support the upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back and is similar to coarse suede. If the sofa has a woven backing that is not genuine leather. Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather will make your fingernails slightly dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It should also feel warm and supple to the touch. Another way to determine if a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. 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 couch. Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it will last before deciding on the best. The more you use a couch and the more you use it, the more it will require to be taken care of. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a conditioner for leather. This will help keep the leather's softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.