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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With a buttery-soft leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery. Untrained eyes may be unable to identifying the difference between real and fake leather. Here are six helpful ways to tell the difference between real and faux: 1. Edges that are rough. 1. Look at the label Real leather has a distinct look and feel that's hard to replicate. It's also durable, easy to clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it perfect for allergy sufferers. However, not all leather sofas are made to be the same. In fact, some stores have even been known to misrepresent PVC as genuine leather. To help you avoid getting scammed, it's essential to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the full grain and top-grain leather, as well evaluating the quality of the upholstery. Do not hesitate to ask discerning retailers for this information. To determine if you've got a genuine leather sofa, first glance at the label. It should clearly identify the kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable suppliers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase. If the sofa doesn't come with any label but you can figure out its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing or opening up a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also examine the texture of the leather to determine whether it's got any flaws or bumps as these are telltale signs that you're dealing with fake or bonded leather. Another way to check the integrity of a sofa is the surface of the sofa with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a smooth, soft texture. Faux leather or bonded leather is more coarse and feels like suede. Additionally, you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather. While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in a light cool and cool room, far from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will reduce the damage caused by heat, humidity, and ozone. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and strong. 2. Take a look at the back If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather sofa is, it's essential to get close and personal with it. The smell, feel and backing will all be clear indicators of authenticity. When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel smooth and silky. This is due to the fact that animal hides have different pores which allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth could be fake leather. Be aware of bumps and uneven surfaces. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. However, if the material you use to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still be bumpy. You can also test the leather by putting your finger into it and running it over it. If it's real the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and keeps it from becoming dry or cracked as time passes. Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches and creases. A genuine leather sofa will be supple and a bit stiff when new, but it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream. To cut costs, some furniture makers make use of a mixture of synthetic and real leather for their products. The 'contact areas' like the arm rests, seats and backs are constructed of real leather while the non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with the less expensive polyurethane or synthetic leather. This is a common practice however, even if the couch has an authentic leather label be sure to examine it closely to see what the backing is made of, as it is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather. Pricing and labels can point you in the right direction, but to truly be sure a sofa is genuine leather it's essential to get up close and personal with it. Feel it, smell it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane that is a clear indication that it's not genuine leather. 3. Take a look at the seat The seat of a genuine leather sofa is an additional sign of its high-quality. While many faux leather couches use a mixture of materials for the upholstery Genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch. It isn't totally uniform in color or shade. Look for bumps under the surface, and a strong natural scent. These characteristics differentiate real leather from fakes and low-grade leather. If the leather is stitched in a continuous, huge piece, that's another obvious sign. This is common with faux leather but when it's seen on genuine top-grain leather it is best to stay clear of the sofa. Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to be in close proximity to the furniture. Real leather is not perfect, and it should feel rough to the feel. It also has rough edges and fat wrinkles under the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather also feels different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will indicate whether it's constructed with authentic materials. A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design because it's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to wipe clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good choice for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of prices. Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner for a leather couch that will last for a lifetime. The two-seater might be expensive, but it is made using top-quality leather that will last for a long time. It's a great choice for those with small spaces, too, as it's available in three sizes and is compact enough to fit into the majority of rooms. If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This sofa is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an angular, sleek frame and cylindrical pillows that are a perfect blend of form and function. While the frame is crafted from plywood, composite and plastic, the sofa has genuine leather in the seating area, which is a welcome upgrade from Ikea's faux leather couch that earned the CHOICE's “Shonky” award in 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa you are looking to purchase has a strong smell of synthetic it is a sign that it's not genuine. This is often caused by the chemicals used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on the furniture even after it's been constructed. A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently run your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather. You can also open one of the cushions and examine the back. Faux and bonded leather may have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while genuine leather has a natural back that resembles in appearance to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, it's an obvious sign that the couch isn't genuine leather. Peter says that the best method to determine if a sofa is real is to lightly run your fingernails across the surface. The grit of the leather will cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch. Another method to determine whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the sofa. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa while genuine leather will be a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch. When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, take into consideration the amount of use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use a sofa, the more it will need to be maintained. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning using a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather's suppleness intact and prevent it from drying out and becoming hard.