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How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa With its soft leather upholstery this sofa looks fantastic in any space. Customers love its simple style and premium genuine leather upholstery. However, distinguishing genuine leather from fake leather can be a challenge for the untrained eye. Here are six ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges. 1. Check the label Real leather has a unique look and feel that's hard to replicate. It is also durable, easy-to-clean, and doesn't absorb excess body oils. This makes it a great choice for people suffering from allergies. Not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some stores have even 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 full grain and top-grain leather, and also evaluating the quality material of the upholstery. Don't hesitate to ask your favorite retailers for this information. To determine if you have a genuine leather sofa, you should first look at the label. It should clearly indicate what type of leather the sofa is covered in, as well as any other materials such as fabric or cotton. Reputable suppliers should also have clear policies regarding exchange or return in the event that you aren't satisfied with your purchase. If the sofa does not have a label, you can still verify its authenticity by looking at the fabric backing of the sofa or by opening the cushion casing. You can also check the texture of the leather and determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, as these are telltale signs that you're dealing in fake or bonded leather. You can also test the sofa's integrity by touching its surface. Genuine leather has an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be rougher and more akin to suede. In addition you should be able to feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather. A genuine leather sofa is more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but it will last longer. It could become an heirloom for the family over time. You can limit the damage caused by sun, ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space away from heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners. Additionally, you can use leather protection creams to keep your sofa in good shape and sturdy. 2. Look to the back If the label doesn't reveal what kind of leather a sofa is, you need to get close and intimate with it. The scent, the feel and backing will all be unmistakable indicators of authenticity. Genuine leather may not feel smooth when you contact it. This is because animal hides come with a variety of pores that allow it to breathe. A product that feels totally smooth could be fake leather. Another thing to look for is bumps or an uneven surface. Genuine leather is made by rubbing away the rough outer layer. But if the material used to cover your sofa is top-grain leather it's likely to have a few bumps. You can also test the leather by pressing your finger into it and running it over it. If it is real the leather will stretch and wrinkle slightly similar to human skin. This allows the leather to breathe and prevents it from becoming dry or cracked in time. Faux leather is printed, and thus has a uniform pattern, while genuine leather will have natural imperfections that enhance its beauty and durability. This includes creases and scratches. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's new. However, it shouldn't crack or dry out when you treat it regularly using a cream for protection against leather. To cut costs, some furniture manufacturers use a combination of synthetic and real leather to create their furniture. The 'contact areas', such as the arm rests, chairs and backs are made from real leather while the non-contact components, like the base and the outside arms are upholstered in polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a typical practice, and even if a couch is branded with an authentic leather label, you should check it carefully to see what the backing is made from, as this is an instant giveaway that it isn't true genuine leather. Labels and pricing can guide you in the right direction, but to be sure a sofa is genuine leather, you need to meet up close and personal with it. Examine the back of the sofa for any signs of polyurethane, which is an indication that it's not genuine leather. 3. Check out the seat The seat of a genuine leather sofa is a further sign of its high-quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is a combination of materials. It has a unique texture and feels smooth when you touch it. Look for bumps under the surface and a rich, natural smell. These features distinguish genuine leather from fake or low-quality fakes. If the leather is stitched in a single, large piece, this is another obvious sign. Although this isn't uncommon when using faux leather, if you notice this with real top-grain leather, it's most likely a sign that the sofa isn't of high-quality and should be avoided. The price and label may provide an idea, but the only sure way to know is to touch the furniture. Real leather should not be perfect and not feel uneven. deep leather couch has rough edges and fat wrinkles beneath the surface. The suppleness of genuine leather is different from synthetic materials, and the temperature of the furniture will reveal whether or not it's made with authentic materials. A leather sofa is a mainstay in interior design for a reason: It's stylish, durable and long-lasting. It's also easy to clean and resists spills of liquid making it a good option for families with children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless design that will never go out of style. It's also available in different prices. Consider the Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last a lifetime. While this two-seater model is more expensive, it's crafted with quality top-quality leather and features a timeless design that won't date quickly. This is a great option for those with a limited space, since it comes in three sizes and can fit in almost any room. If you're looking for something a little more modern, consider this All Modern Geo Genuine Leather Sofa. This couch is a mid-century modern-inspired design with an elegant, angular frame and asymmetrical cushions that are a perfect blend of functionality and form. The sofa is made from plywood as well as composite and plastic. The leather is only used in the seating area. It is an upgrade from Ikea's faux-leather sofa that won CHOICE’s “Shonky Award” in 2015. 4. Take a look at the smell Real leather has a distinctive smell. It's an organic, natural scent that can't be replicated. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong synthetic smell it's not authentic. This is often caused by the chemicals that were used to treat leather. These chemicals can linger on furniture long after it's been constructed. You can test the quality of the leather by running your fingers along the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and show bumps and lumps, just like human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it is most likely fake or made of bonded leather. Alternately, you can open one of the cushions and look at the backing. Faux and bonded leather will have a polyurethane backing to support the upholstery that is manufactured, whereas true leather has an untreated back that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch has a woven backing that is not genuine leather. Peter says that the best way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather should cause your fingers to become dull and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a bit. It will also feel soft and warm to the touch. Another way to tell whether a sofa is genuine is to turn it on its side and check the back of the sofa. The faux leather and bonded leather will have a plastic coating on the back of the sofa while genuine leather is a single piece of leather that covers the entire back of the couch. Consider how much you will use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before deciding on the best. The more you utilize 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 softness and keep it from drying out and becoming hard.