As experts in the luxury sofa business, we frequently get asked: Is a genuine leather sofa made from real leather? And although the answer may seem pretty obvious, it’s actually far more complicated than you might think.

Because of its timeless appeal and ability to last for decades, leather is one of the most sought-after upholstery materials out there. But not all types are made equal.

And although a beautiful-looking sofa might state “genuine leather” on the label, it does not mean that it’s a top-quality product or that it is, in fact, made entirely from leather. Confusing, right?

To help you shop smart and decipher deceptive labels, our experts have put together some guidelines on how to make sure the leather sofa you’re eying is the real deal.

What is genuine leather and where does it come from?

If you’ve been roped into buying a “genuine leather” product, whatever it might be, it doesn’t mean that it’s fake. It just means that there is some ambiguity about its composition and that it is certainly not top-quality.

Often, genuine leather is what the professionals called “split”, which means that it comes from the lower layers of the hide rather than the higher or “top-grain” section.

Genuine leather is also sometimes mixed with leather scraps, artificial materials and bonding agents, so it has become a general term for pretty much anything that isn’t high-end.

And while many purses, shoes, bags, briefcases and even sofas carry the label, they will all be found in cheap department stores rather than outlets that specialise in something more superior.

Our bottom line? Although its price tag may seem appealing, we recommend that you stay strictly away from genuine leather sofas if you’re looking for something that will last.

What type of leather is used in a high-quality leather sofa?

If you’re investing in a high-quality leather sofa, “grains” are an important thing to consider and refer to its composition and texture. Getting to know the difference between them will stand you in good stead when you go on that all-important shopping spree.

During the leather-making process, the animal hide is divided into two portions:

1. The top grain or upper part contains all the fibres and makes it hard-wearing and durable.
2. The “splits” get processed into various leather applications for low-end products.

From the top-grain portion, three types of leather are created, all of which are highly recommended for sofa manufacturing. These are:

• Full-grain: This is the most exclusive of all and is made from the very top of the hide. It is unprocessed and bears all the natural markings that the animal has born during its lifetime.
• Top-grain: Another excellent product, this type of leather is sanded and buffed to eradicate any imperfections before being uniformly imprinted with a grain pattern.
• Nubuck: This is “napped” to straighten out the natural fibres and give it a soft appearance that resembles suede. Durable and water-resistant, it is an excellent choice if you have a household of children and pets.

To find out more, read our article on which is the best grain for a luxury leather sofa.

What type of leather do you get from splits?

While we would never endorse a sofa made from leather splits, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with their composition to avoid making any undue mistakes:

Bonded leather:

Bonded leather is the cheapest form of "real" leather on the market because it is combined with multiple synthetics and artificial fibres through a bonding process, making it between 10% and 20% “genuine”. It has a short lifespan and is highly sensitive to sunlight.

Bi-cast leather:

Though bi-cast leather has a more authentic look and comes from a cut of the hide below the top grain, it has a polyurethane layer attached that makes it uncomfortable and less durable.

Split-grain leather:

Split grain leather sofas are made of 100% split leather sourced from the lower layers of the animal hide. They are highly processed and lack the same qualities as top-grain skins.

How long do top-grain leather sofas last?

While low-end sofas typically last up to five years, which is on par with the average fabric sofa, top-grain leather is an investment that’s worth every penny, giving you a shelf life of three decades and upwards.

If well looked after, full-grain leather sofas can endure even longer than that, often becoming family heirlooms.

Therefore, it stands to reason that when it comes to purchasing any leather sofa, a lower price tag will incur some much larger costs in the long run when you factor in either repair or replacement fees.

Any interior designer worth their salt will urge you to buy the best quality sofa your budget will allow for, so take their advice – it will be worth it in the long run.

Top tips for buying a luxury leather sofa

We live in an age of information overload, making it easy to be conned into buying products that aren’t what they seem. Here are some tips that will help you make the best decision possible when buying a luxury leather sofa.

• Be prepared to pay: Quality comes at a price, but it’s worth it.
• Read the label: Discerning retailers take pride in their offerings and will tell you exactly what type of leather their sofas are made of.
• Trust your instincts: No two hides are the same, so check for those must-have imperfections because that’s a sure sign of a high-end purchase.
• Rely on your senses: The smell and feel of leather are unique. It should be slightly rough, surprisingly warm, comfortable to the touch and have a distinctive, natural smell. If any of the above are missing, beware.

In conclusion

While genuine leather is certainly not the ideal choice in a quality leather sofa, there are plenty of top-grain options that will transform any living space into something timeless, stylish and refined.

If you’re looking for the best offerings available, give us a call or pop into the FCI London showroom today. Our expert designers can’t wait to show you our outstanding range.