Leather - it is sought by many, recognized by a few, and produced by even fewer. The furniture market is saturated with pieces made of synthetic material that are sold at a bargain due to their lower cost of production. However, furniture made of leather are a class apart from anything made of synthetic fiber thanks to their natural, rich, and elegant finish. While many manufacturers attempt to mimic the feel of genuine leather, those pieces are prone to wear and tear. Here are some tips on how to recognize genuine leather:

Sight

Observe the surface grain, the little "pebbles" and pores, for imperfections and unique features that signal genuine leather. Real leather is made from the skin of animals and each piece is as random and unique as the animal it came from. It might have scratches, creases, and wrinkles!
Monitor the edges of the furniture piece. Real leather is composed of many strands which naturally fray around the edges, giving them a rough finish. Faux leather is composed of plastic and has no such strands, meaning the edges are cleanly cut.
Drop a small amount of water on the surface of the piece. If the leather is fake, the water will simply puddle up on top, but real leather will absorb the water almost instantly.

Touch

Apply pressure by pressing into the leather. Real leather will wrinkle under the touch, just like real skin, as opposed to synthetic materials that push back against your touch, retaining their rigidity and shape.
Bend the leather, looking for a slight change of color. Real leather has a unique elasticity, changing color and wrinkling naturally when bent. Faux leather is much more rigid and will usually be difficult to bend in comparison.

Smell

Smell the leather in search of a natural, musty smell. If you smell anything resembling a plastic-like or chemical odor, you’re looking at faux leather.

Real leather goods are a little pricey but are also an excellent and long-lasting investment in your home. Among leathers, cow leather is usually the most expensive thanks to its durability and easy tanning properties. Split leather on the other hand, which uses an under-layer split from the surface layer, is less expensive than top grain or belting leather. Regardless, investing in leather goods means that, with proper care, your pieces will last decades and will age beautifully.