Spotting the Real Deal: How to Identify a Genuine Italian Leather Sofa
When it comes to purchasing a new sofa, there's nothing quite like the luxurious feel of genuine Italian leather. However, with so many synthetic and faux leather options on the market, it can be difficult to tell whether the Italian leather sofa you're buying is the real deal.
It’s a question we get asked here a lot at Designer Sofas 4U, ‘How can I spot a genuine leather sofa?’ so we’ve compiled our top tips on how to spot a genuine leather sofa.
Check the Price
Genuine leather is a premium material, and as such, it comes with a premium price tag. If a sofa is priced significantly lower than other leather options on the market, it may be an indication that it's not made of genuine leather.
Be sure to check around, and check whether your chosen retailer offers any sort of price match or best price guarantee if it’s the same exact product.
Look for Imperfections
Genuine leather has natural imperfections such as scars, scratches, and insect bites. These marks are a sign of the authenticity of the leather and should be visible on the surface of the sofa. If the leather looks too perfect, it's likely not genuine.
Choose a retailer with a bricks-and-mortar store, or physical showroom that you can visit and look closer at any of their Italian leather sofas and Italian leather armchairs. If it’s not possible, be sure that you arrange a virtual visit or a video call to see the items in real-life, as much as possible.
Did you know, Designer Sofas 4U offer virtual showroom visits with our friendly staff – and we’ll go into as much, or as little, detail as you require.
Smell the Leather
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is unmistakable. It should have a natural, earthy aroma that is not too overpowering. If the sofa has a chemical or plastic smell, it's likely not made of genuine leather.
Again, be sure to do this through a showroom visit to ensure you can identify any imperfections, scuffs, marks and any tell-tale signs that your new sofa isn’t a genuine Italian leather suite.
Feel the Texture
Genuine leather has a unique texture that is soft, supple, and warm to the touch. Run your hand over the surface of the sofa to feel the texture of the leather. If it feels too smooth or has a synthetic feel, it's probably not made of genuine leather.
Check the Label
Look for labels or tags that indicate the sofa is made of genuine leather. These may include terms such as "100% leather," "full-grain leather," or "top-grain leather."
Be wary of labels that include terms like "bonded leather" or "leatherette," as these are synthetic materials that mimic the look and feel of genuine leather.
Purchasing a genuine Italian leather sofa is an investment that can last for many years. We work closely with our partners in Italy to ensure only the highest quality leather and craftsmanship goes into each and every item we sell.
As well as this, we offer a generous guarantee and manufacturer’s warranty for your peace of mind. By following these tips, you can ensure that the sofa you choose is made of high-quality Italian genuine leather that will stand the test of time.
Contact us today and trust us to find you your dream genuine Italian leather sofa, suite or armchair.