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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa This sofa is a great addition to any space. The leather upholstery is buttery soft. vegan leather couch love its simple design and top-quality, genuine leather upholstery. But recognizing real leather from fake leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six tips to help you distinguish between the two: 1. Rough edges. 1. Look at the label Genuine leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in feel and look. It is also durable, easy to clean and doesn't absorb excessive body oils. This makes it ideal for people suffering from allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some sellers have been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather. Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between full grain and top grain leather, as well as evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information So don't hesitate inquire! The first step in identifying the genuine leather sofa is to look at the label. The label should clearly identify the kind of leather used to cover the sofa and any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event 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 examine the texture of the leather and see whether it has any flaws or bumps since these are indicators that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather. You can also test the integrity of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather is soft and smooth in texture. The faux leather, also known as bonded, is coarser and feels more like suede. In addition, you will feel a difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather. A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than a imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an important family heirloom with time. You can minimize the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by putting your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. You can also use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and sturdy. 2. Check out the back If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get up close and personal with it. The scent, the texture and the backing will be clear indicators of authenticity. When you get a feel of genuine leather, it will not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different shaped pores which allow them to breathe. A leather product that is completely smooth may be fake leather. Another thing to look out for is unevenness or bumps on the surface. The process of making genuine leather involves buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the leather used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it will still have some bumps. You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's real, the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes. Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This can be seen in scratches, creases and scuffs. A genuine leather sofa is soft and a bit stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if it is conditioned regularly with a special leather protection cream. Some furniture makers mix real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The areas that are 'contact like seats and armrests as well as backs, are made of real leather, whereas the non-contact parts like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a standard practice and even if the couch has a genuine leather label You should examine carefully to determine what the backing is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather. Labels and pricing can help determine if a sofa is genuine leather, but it is important to inspect it up close. Take a whiff, rub 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 indication of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a rich, natural smell. These are the characteristics that distinguish genuine leather from imitations or cheap leather. Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. This is common with faux leather but if it's on real top-grain and you are looking for a sofa, avoid the sofa. The label and price may provide an idea however the only reliable way to know is to touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be perfect and not feel uneven. It will also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. The softness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether it's constructed using genuine materials. A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. Additionally, it's easy to clean and resists liquid spills, making it a smart option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in different prices. Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. Although this two-seater is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-grain leather and has an elegant design that won't date quickly. It's a great choice for those with a limited space as it comes in three sizes and can fit in the majority of rooms. This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something more modern. This couch is a mid-century modern design with a sleek, angular frame and asymmetrical pillows that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The frame is made from plywood, composite and plastic, this sofa is made of genuine leather in the seating area which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather sofa that won CHOICE's “Shonky” award in 2015. 4. Look at the smell Genuine leather has a distinctive smell – a natural, organic skin scent that can't be duplicated. If the sofa you are trying to purchase has a strong synthetic scent it's a sign that it's not authentic. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can linger on the furniture even after it's been manufactured. You can check the quality of the leather by gently moving your fingers across the surface. Real leather will have bumps and lumps just like the skin of a human. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonded. You can also remove one of the cushions to inspect the backing. Faux and bonded hides will include a polyurethane back that will support the manufactured upholstery. Genuine leather has an untreated back, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an indication that the sofa isn't real leather. Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is real is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The scratches on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the surface will stretch and wrinkle slightly. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch. The sofa's back and inspecting the upholstery will also let you know if the sofa is genuine. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic coated faux or bonded leather. When you are deciding on the type of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you want it to last. The more you use your couch the more attention it will require. Peter suggests regular, gentle cleaning with a conditioner for leather. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.