As professionals in the high-end furniture industry and with a great deal of expertise in luxury decor, we are often asked about how to tell the quality of a leather sofa. To the untrained eye, the available choices currently flooding the market seem endless, so we don’t find it at all surprising that even the most discerning consumers are easily confused by what’s genuine and what’s not.

We’re on a mission to make sure that you have all the tools you need to ensure that you know as much as possible about the different types of leather and how to recognise them. So from the look and feel of it right down to how it smells and what the label says, here is our guide to picking out the best quality possible.

The different types of leather

Because of its durability, look, feel and status, leather is one of the most popular upholstery choices for sofas  and has been around for decades. Genuine leather furniture will last for years if properly cared for and maintained, so make sure that you invest in something high-quality right from the beginning.

Most people are unaware that, while a leather sofa may have a label claiming that it is genuine, there are several distinct varieties on the market, each with unique features. Here are six to look out for:

• Full grain leather

Produced from the top layer of the hide, full-grain leather is the most exclusive (and expensive) available. It can absorb liquids quickly and is susceptible to the sun’s harsh UV rays which can cause it to fade over time. That aside, it’s tough and durable, retains its natural blemishes or “imperfections” and is resistant to tears and splits, making it an excellent upholstery choice for any luxury sofa.

• Top grain leather

Because of its longevity, top-grain leather is another quality upholstery choice. It comprises the uncut top, and natural grain layer and has a softer texture than full-grain leather while remaining resilient and long-wearing. However, it does tend to reveal any damage that the animal has encountered during its life including scars, branding, insect bites, and stretch marks.

• Split grain leather

Often simply referred to as “genuine leather”, this 100% leather product lacks the smooth texture that full- and top-grain leathers are known for. It is made from the skin layers that remain after the top is cut away and, because of this, has a harder texture. It is most often used on the backs and sides of furniture pieces where softness is not necessarily required.

• Bonded leather

Bonded leather has the same aesthetic as other varieties of leather but is far cheaper because it is made by fusing together offcuts using an adhesive agent such as polyurethane or latex. It will never grow smoothly with age but is an excellent alternative if you cannot afford a more exclusive option.

• Nubuck

Nubuck is soft, long-lasting, and water-resistant and has a velvety texture that feels a lot like flannel. Made from the top grain of the hide, its napped surface is created by sanding and buffing it to detangle the protein fibres and align them vertically. During this process, it is treated with a liquid-repellent ingredient enabling it to withstand any oil-free spills.

• Suede

Softer than nubuck, suede has loosely intertwined fibres and is soft, pliable, porous, and difficult to clean. It is made from the splits beneath the top grain of the leather and is suitable mainly as a decorative accent on the backs and arms of sofas or for throw cushions.

How to identify good quality leather

Because there are so many different types of both genuine and synthetic leather and we as consumers are frequently subjected to misleading advertising, picking out the right option for your home can be tricky and confusing. So here is a guide to what to look for in good quality leather furniture:

• Look at the label

Step number one is to read the label. Many high-end shops, including FCI London, are proud of the exceptional quality of the leather used by our world-class suppliers, which is clearly stated on all genuine leather products.

Most leather furniture will specify the type of hide used such as “full grain leather” or “genuine leather”, so if you notice ambiguous words like “made with animal products” or “man-made” it’s likely to be synthetic.

• Search for imperfections

Natural animal hides will present visible blemishes and variations in both finish and texture that are referred to as “imperfections”. These give the leather personality and pay respect to the animal’s life. So if you see marks, bites, wrinkles and brandings you know you’re looking at the real thing.

• Check the texture

Because it’s an animal hide, genuine leather has a specific texture that is varied and slightly uneven due to its natural blemishes. Faux leather, on the other hand, will feel exceedingly smooth and silky.

• Smell it

Even after multiple tanning processes, genuine leather retains its distinct smell while its synthetic counterparts have an overpowering, unappealing plastic odour.

• Sense the warmth

Because it is a skin, genuine leather will feel warm to the touch. Fake leather, on the other hand, is cold and does not retain heat even after an extended period of time.

• Pay the price

Genuine leather is expensive. With lengthy production processes and the amount required to construct a chair or sofa, this fact is inevitable despite any attempt at negotiation. So if you see a “genuine leather” product with a surprisingly low price tag, it’s sure to be fake.

What to look for in a quality piece of leather furniture

If you’re taking the plunge and are investing in quality leather furniture, try to buy a complete set rather than getting it piece by piece, or it will age at different times. Give the following some consideration before you make a final decision:

• Size: Make sure that you measure up and find something that is in proportion to the rest of your furnishings.
• Style: Leather sofas will last you decades, so choose a style and colour you can live with.
• Type: Before you decide what type of leather you’re looking for, assess your lifestyle. If you have children and pets, opt for something that can endure spills but if it’s an occasional piece that you’ll use for sophisticated evenings with guests, go all-out and find the highest grade available in keeping with your budget. And beware of offerings that combine leather and vinyl – you’ll be replacing it far sooner than expected.

While you might be able to tell a quality finish when you see one, the internal construct of your sofa is an entirely different matter. Here are seven pointers to ensure that you find something well worth your investment:

1. Wood:
   Kiln-dried hardwoods are the top of the range if you’re looking for a frame of high quality. Oak, walnut, maple, and ash are optimal choices but will almost certainly add to the cost of the overall product.
2. Frames:
   Aside from being a stylistic element, the end design of your sofa or chair will also impact how long it lasts. World-class leather sofa manufacturers pay great attention to things like balance and support when it comes to the framework, ensuring that every element is considered.
3. Joints:
   Strong joints are imperative to longevity. Glued-and-screwed double dowels are the most enduring option and, when further strengthened with corner blocks, will add to the overall sustainability of the end product.
4. Arms, legs, and back:
   A frame that includes the integration of the arms, legs, and back is also a prime design feature. Metal brackets and other support elements should be mandatory to reinforce any bespoke structural features.
5. Suspension:
   Suspension is the part of a sofa that holds your weight and if you’re looking for the best option, choose something that has a hand-tied coil spring system.
6. Padding:
   The filling of your sofa influences its comfort levels but also has a bearing on longevity, especially when it comes to the armrests and back. High resistance (HR) foam layered with down or regular foam wrapped in Polyester batting is our top recommendation.
7. Cushions:
   Ideally, get a leather sofa with cushions that have a zip so that you can refill them whenever they get worn down. This will also help you replace the upholstery on individual elements should it get damaged beyond repair.

The benefits of investing in high-quality leather furniture

There are so many benefits to buying good quality leather furniture. Here are a few:

• If properly looked after it will last a lifetime.
• It is extremely easy to maintain
• It never goes out of fashion and adds elegance and refinement to a room.
• It is hypoallergenic and does not attract dust mites or pet hair.
• Despite a steeper initial outlay, it’s so durable that you won’t have to buy anything new for decades.

How to care for your leather furniture

Maintaining your leather furniture is much easier than you might think. Here are the basics:

• Remove dust weekly with an upholstery brush or vacuum cleaner.
• Gently wipe away stains with mild soap, some warm water, and a microfiber cloth. Then use a clean, dry one to buff the surface.
• Use a commercial leather conditioner to restore suppleness if your leather furniture is stiff or dry.
• Keep it out of the sun to prevent cracking or fading.

In conclusion

Buying leather furniture is one of the best investments you’ll ever make, but we advise that you get the best quality possible in accordance with your specific budget by asking all the right questions and making sure that you always read the label.

At FCI London, we are specialists in fine leather sofas and have a range that will blow your mind. Pop into our showroom today and let’s get shopping!