How to Test for Faux Leather

Faux leather is a great way to create a sophisticated look in your home for an affordable price. If you have an existing sofa in your home or are considering purchasing one second-hand, you'll want to know whether it's faux or genuine leather. If you're thinking of buying a handbag and want to know if it's worth the price, understanding the difference between faux leather and genuine leather will be the key. While the novice eye cannot always detect the difference, there are easy ways to test for faux leather.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Check the label. Look under the cushions of a sofa or on the bottom of a recliner for a tag that concludes your furniture is genuine leather or faux leather. Look inside a purse or suitcase for this same information.

   • 2

     Touch it. Note that real leather will be a little rough and faux leather will feel more like plastic or foam.

   • 3

     Examine it. Notice whether they're slightly jagged or if they're smooth. Remember that faux leather will have smooth seams.

   • 4

     Smell it. Sniff the material in search of a leather scent. If it is absent, you're dealing with faux leather.