How to Tell a Fake Leather Couch

Identifying faux leather is as simple as understanding different textile names.

Sometimes, a fake leather sofa is preferable to the real thing. Not only is it typically less expensive, and it may be important to some people that sitting on 100 percent faux leather means you won't be sitting on a giant animal hide. Still, if you're after the real deal, you want to be able to spot a phony -- including modern blends and bonds that compromise the purity of a genuine leather couch. Fortunately, identifying a fake leather couch is easy, and in most cases requires little more than a glance at the tag.

Instructions

1. Check the label on the couch. Imitation leather goes by different names, including Naugahyde, Glaze Leather and Symphony Suede.

2. Look also for labels that read "bonded leather." This type of couch is made out of leather scraps that are glued to a fabric backing, making it only semi-authentic and inexpensive.

3. Consider the price of the couch -- if it costs less than $1,000, it's likely a faux leather or bonded leather.

4. Know your grains. For example, "Top grain" leather is a misnomer -- it is not, in fact, a particularly high quality grain. "Top grain" refers to leather with an imitation grain that is stamped onto the leather after the real grain is sanded off.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't hesitate to ask a salesman direct questions -- they understand the different textiles they are dealing with, and can explain whether a leather couch is the genuine article or simply a cheaper alternative.

References

• Robert Kanigel: FAUX REAL: Genuine Leather and 200 Years of Inspired Fakes
• Star Tribune: Playing the Name Game with Leather Furniture
• Leather Furniture Shoppe: Leather Furniture Facts