How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa<br /><br />With a buttery-soft leather upholstery, this sofa looks great in any room. Customers love its simple style and the premium quality genuine leather upholstery.<br /><br />Untrained eyes may be unable to discerning the difference between genuine and fake leather. Here are six tips to help you tell the difference between real and faux: 1. The rough edges.<br /><br />1. Labels are important<br /><br />Real leather is difficult to duplicate. It's unique in appearance and feel. It is 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 created equally. Some retailers have even been famous for using PVC as genuine leather.<br /><br /><br /><br />To ensure that you don't get ripped off, it's important to understand the different types of leather. This includes determining the differences between full grain and top grain leather, and also evaluating the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!<br /><br />To identify <a href="https://posteezy.com/7-simple-changes-thatll-make-big-difference-your-modern-leather-couch">best leather couch</a> , you must first examine the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials such as fabric or cotton. A reputable supplier should also have clear policies regarding return or exchange if you are not satisfied with your purchase.<br /><br />If the sofa doesn't come with a label, you can still confirm its authenticity by checking the upholstery's fabric backing or opening the cushion casing. You can also examine the texture of the leather to see whether there are any bumps or blemishes. These are indications that the leather is fake or is bonded.<br /><br />Another method to determine the authenticity of a sofa is by feeling its surface with your fingertips. Genuine leather has a soft and smooth texture, while bonded or faux leather will be coarser and feel more like suede. You should also be in a position to discern the difference between wrinkles, bumps, and printed patterns of faux leather and genuine leather.<br /><br />While the genuine leather sofa will cost more than a imitation counterpart but it's an investment that will last longer and can be a family heirloom over the years. Place your leather sofa in an airy, cool room, away from fireplaces, heaters, and air conditioning units. This will help reduce the damage caused by humidity, heat, and Ozone. Leather protection creams can be used to keep your leather sofa sturdy and soft.<br /><br />2. Take a look at the back<br /><br />If the label does not tell you what type of leather is used in the sofa, it is essential to examine it close. The smell, the feel, and the back are all clear indicators.<br /><br />When you touch the surface of genuine leather, it may not feel perfectly smooth. This is due to the fact that animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. However, a leather product that feels smooth suggests it could be fake leather.<br /><br />Another thing to look for is uneven or bumpy surface. The process of making genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it should still have a few bumps.<br /><br />You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe, and stops it from becoming dry or cracking as time passes.<br /><br />Faux leather is printed and has a uniform pattern however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes creases, scratches and scars. A genuine leather sofa will be soft and a bit stiff when new, however it should not crack or dry out over time if it is regularly cleaned with a special leather protection cream.<br /><br />To save money, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to make their products. The 'contact' areas, such as seats and armrests, as well as backs, are made of genuine leather, while the non-contact areas like the outside and base arms are upholstered with a cheaper polyurethane- or leather-like-synthetic fabric. Even if the sofa is labelled as genuine leather, it is best to look closely at the backing to determine if the couch is genuine leather.<br /><br />Labels and pricing can guide 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. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane which is an obvious indicator that it is not genuine leather.<br /><br />3. Take a look at the seat<br /><br />The seat of a genuine leather sofa is another sign of its high-quality. While most faux leather couches make use of a mixture of materials for the upholstery, genuine leather has a unique texture that is smooth to the touch and is not entirely uniform in color and shade. Look for bumps beneath the surface and a strong natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from cheap or fake fakes.<br /><br />Another sign of a bad sofa is when the leather is stitched together in a large, continuous piece. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this with real top-grain leather it's likely a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.<br /><br />The label and price may give you an idea but the only certain way to know is to actually touch the furniture. Genuine leather will not be flawless and have a rough feel. It may also have large wrinkles on the surface and rough edges. Genuine leather feels supple and different from synthetic materials. The temperature of the furniture can also indicate whether it is made from authentic materials.<br /><br />A leather sofa is an interior design mainstay for good reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great option for families with pets or children. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in a variety of prices.<br /><br />Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner as a leather sofa that will last for a lifetime. This two-seater may be quite expensive but it's constructed of top-quality leather that can last for a lifetime. It's a great option for those with smaller spaces, too, since it's available in three sizes and is small enough to fit into most rooms.<br /><br />If you're looking for something little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. The mid-century-modern-inspired sofa has an elegant, angular style with cylindrical pillows and a sleek frame. The sofa is made from plywood, composite, and plastic. The leather is only used in 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. Look at the smell<br /><br />Genuine leather has a distinct scent. It's a natural, organic scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're considering buying has a strong artificial smell it's not authentic. Most often, this is due to the chemicals used to make the leather. They remain in the furniture after it has been made and even once you bring it home.<br /><br />A great way to determine the quality of leather sofas is to run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just like human skin. If it feels smooth and cold, it's probably faux or bonding.<br /><br />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 a back that is untreated, similar to coarse suede. If you notice a woven backing, this is a dead giveaway that the couch isn't real leather.<br /><br />Peter advises that if you are trying to determine whether the sofa is authentic the best way to determine authenticity is to hold it up against your body and run your fingers across the surface. The grit on the leather will make your fingernails duller and the leather should be stretched and wrinkled slightly. It should also feel warm to the feel.<br /><br />Reversing the sofa to its back and examining the upholstery will also determine if it's genuine. Faux and bonded leather will have a plastic covering on the back of the sofa, while genuine leather will be a single, continuous piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch.<br /><br />When deciding on the quality of your leather sofa, think about how much use it will get and how long you'd like it to last. The more you use your sofa the more care it will require. Peter suggests regular and gentle cleaning with a special leather conditioner to help keep the suppleness of the leather and keep it from becoming dry and hard.<br /><br />