How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa<br /><br />With a soft, buttery leather upholstery the sofa looks stunning in any space. Customers love its simple styling and its high-end genuine leather upholstery.<br /><br />Untrained eyes may have difficulty identifying the difference between real and faux leather. Here are six ways to help you differentiate between the two types: 1. Edges that are rough.<br /><br />1. Check the label<br /><br />Genuine leather has a distinctive style and feel that's difficult to replicate. 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 equally. Some retailers have even been known for passing off PVC as genuine leather.<br /><br />Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being scammed. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than willing to share this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!<br /><br />The first step in identifying a genuine leather sofa is to examine the label. The label should clearly indicate the kind of leather used to cover the sofa, along with any other materials such a fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers should have clear policies on returning or exchanging items in the event you're dissatisfied with your purchase.<br /><br /><br /><br />If the sofa does not have a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see if there are any bumps or blemishes. These are signs that the leather is fake or has been bonded.<br /><br />Another method to determine the integrity of a sofa is touching its surface with your fingertips. <a href="https://output.jsbin.com/ratazucufe/">vegan leather sofa</a> will have a smooth and soft texture, while bonded or faux leather will be more coarse and feel more like suede. In addition you will be able to discern the difference between wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather as well as the patterns printed on faux leather.<br /><br />While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and can often become family heirlooms over the years. You can reduce the damage that's caused by the sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in a cool, dark area away from fireplaces, heaters and air conditioners. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa supple and strong.<br /><br />2. Take a look at the back<br /><br />If the label doesn't tell you what kind of leather a sofa is, it's essential to get close and close to it. The scent, the feel and the backing are all unmistakable indicators.<br /><br />If you touch the surface of genuine leather, it will not feel perfectly smooth. This is because animal hides have diversely shaped pores that allow them to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth may be fake leather.<br /><br />Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. Genuine leather is prepared by buffing away a portion of the rough outer layer. If the material covering your sofa is top grain leather, there will still be some bumps.<br /><br />You can also test the leather by running your fingers over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracked over time.<br /><br />Faux leather is uniform in pattern because it's printed, whereas genuine leather is prone to imperfections that enhance the beauty and durability of the leather. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather is soft and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it won't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather.<br /><br />Some furniture makers mix 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, while the non-contact parts, such as base and outside arms, are upholstered with a cheaper synthetic fabric made of polyurethane or leather. This is a common practice however, even if the couch has a genuine leather label, you should check carefully to determine what the backing is made of, since this will be a quick indicator that it's not authentic leather.<br /><br />Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to ensure that a sofa is genuine leather, it's important to meet up close and personal with it. Examine the back of the sofa for polyurethane which indicates that it's not genuine leather.<br /><br />3. Check out the seat<br /><br />The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is different from faux leather, which uses an amalgamation of materials. It has a unique texture and feels soft when touched. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong, natural scent. These characteristics distinguish real leather from cheap or fake imitations.<br /><br />Another dead giveaway is if the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon with faux leather, if you see this with real top-grain leather it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.<br /><br />Labels and pricing can provide a clue however the only way to be sure is to get up close with the furniture. The genuine leather isn't perfect, and it should feel uneven to the touch. It may also have fat wrinkles under the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather is soft and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's genuine.<br /><br />A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to liquid spills. This makes it a perfect option for families with pets or children. The best thing about genuine leather, is that it's a timeless style that will never go out of style and is available at a range of prices.<br /><br />For a timeless leather couch that will stand the test of time, consider the Pottery Barn Turner. While this two-seater model is more expensive however, it's constructed with high-end top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't age quickly. It's a great choice for those with smaller spaces, too, since it comes in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.<br /><br />This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great choice to consider if you're looking for something a bit more modern. The couch is a mid-century modern-inspired style with an elegant, angular frame and cylindrical pillows that combine functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used for the seating area. It is an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.<br /><br />4. Check out the smell<br /><br />Genuine leather has a distinct scent - a natural, organic skin scent that is unable to be duplicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong, artificial scent, it is not genuine. This is usually caused by the chemicals that were used to make leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been made.<br /><br />A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to gently rub your fingers along the surface. Real leather will feel rough and have bumps and lumps, just as human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's most likely fake or made of bonded leather.<br /><br />You can also remove one of the cushions to look at the back. False and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the manufactured upholstery, while true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If you see a woven fabric backing, this is an obvious sign that the couch isn't real leather.<br /><br />Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to gently run your fingernails over the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingernails slightly dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch.<br /><br />Another way to tell whether a sofa is authentic is to turn it on its side and examine the back of the couch. Genuine leather is a continuous piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.<br /><br />Think about how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use a sofa in a given time, the more it will need to be cared for. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special conditioner for leather to maintain the suppleness and softness of the leather and to prevent it from becoming hard and dry.<br /><br />