No one likes to be hoodwinked, especially when it comes to their furniture. Faux leather and bonded leather have been known to cause some confusion amongst shoppers looking for an affordable alternative to the real deal.

So, if you want to get the lowdown on faux leather and bonded leather and make sure you don’t get hoodwinked, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll be exploring the differences between bonded and faux leather, so you can avoid any buyer’s remorse.

What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather is a synthetic material made from layers of plastic and textile that are combined to create a look and feel similar to real leather.

Faux leather is also known as ‘artificial’, ‘synthetic’ and ‘vegan’ leather. Faux leather typically comes in three constructions: polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC or ‘Vinyl’), and silicone. Faux leather is often used to make furniture, shoes, clothing and accessories.

Faux leather is designed to look, feel, and even smell like genuine leather. Faux leather is not made from animal hide, making it a great cruelty-free choice for those looking for an ethical alternative to real leather.

And, unlike real leather, faux leather is easy to maintain – simply wipe it with a damp cloth to keep it looking its best.

However, Faux leather does tend to be less durable than real leather and can crack and flake over time. It is also more prone to fading when exposed to sunlight. Plus, Faux leather does not ‘breathe’ like real leather and can become hot and sticky during warm weather.

What is Bonded Leather?

Bonded leather is a man-made material created by combining pieces of leftover leather with binding agents. This composite material is then embossed with a grain to make it look like real leather.

It’s a mixture of polyurethane, polyester and genuine leather scraps that are bonded together. The amount of real leather present in bonded leather can vary from 10-90%, depending on the manufacturer. Bonded leather is typically used for furniture and upholstery, as well as other applications such as car interiors.

Bonded leather is a great choice for those looking for an affordable alternative to real leather. Bonded leather also offers good durability, although not as good as real leather.

With bonded leather, you get the look and feel of real leather without being overly expensive. However, bonded leather is not as durable as Real leather and is prone to cracking and fading.

What are the differences Between Faux Leather and Bonded Leather?

The main difference between faux leather and bonded leather is in the material they are made from. Faux leather is not made from animal hide, while bonded leather is a mix of genuine leather scraps and synthetic material. Faux leather is often cheaper than bonded leather, but not always.

Faux leather is also easier to maintain, while bonded leather requires more care. Making sure you keep your bonded leather clean and conditioned can help to ensure its longevity. Faux leather is also more resistant to fading than bonded leather when exposed to sunlight.

In terms of look and feel, faux leather usually looks just like real leather, while bonded leather can be harder to distinguish from genuine leather. Faux leather is also typically more durable than bonded leather. Plus, Faux leather is a great cruelty-free choice for those looking for an ethical alternative to real leather.

Moreover, Faux leather is nonporous, which means it doesn’t need to be conditioned like real leather. Bonded leather may require conditioning with a leather conditioner such as Leather Honey.

Which is Better, Faux Leather or Bonded Leather?

The answer to this question really depends on what you are looking for. Faux leather is typically more durable and easier to maintain than bonded leather, but bonded leather can be a more affordable option.

Faux leather is also a great cruelty-free choice for those looking for an ethical alternative to real leather. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you need from your furniture or upholstery.

How to identify Faux Leather and Bonded Leather?

It can be hard to tell Faux leather and Bonded leather apart, as they both look and feel like real leather.

However, here are a few tips to help you distinguish Faux leather from Bonded leather:

Read The Tags:

Faux leather and Bonded leather are usually labelled as such, making it easier to identify them. The material used to make Faux leather will usually be clearly listed on the label.

The Smell:

Faux leather often has a strong chemical smell which can be identified as synthetic. Bonded leather has a stronger aroma that smells much like genuine leather. And also, Faux leather tends to be stiffer than Bonded leather.

The Feel:

Faux leather is usually stiffer to the touch, while Bonded leather is softer and more pliable. Faux leather may also feel slightly rougher than Bonded leather. And Faux leather may be cooler to the touch than Bonded leather.

The Price:

Faux leather is usually more affordable than Bonded leather, so you can use price as a guide to identifying Faux leather.

How to Care for Faux Leather and Bonded Leather?

Faux leather is usually easy to clean, while Bonded leather may require special care. Faux leather can be wiped down with a damp cloth, while Bonded leather should be conditioned with a leather conditioner such as Leather Honey. Faux leather is also nonporous, so it doesn’t need to be conditioned like Bonded leather.

Plus, Faux leather doesn’t need to be protected from UV rays, while Bonded leather should always be kept away from direct sunlight.

Final Take

Overall, Faux leather and Bonded leather are both good options for furniture and upholstery, but Faux leather is typically more durable and easier to maintain than Bonded leather. Faux leather is also a great ethical choice for those looking for an animal-friendly alternative to real leather.

Regardless of which type of material you choose, make sure to read the labels and follow all care instructions to ensure the longevity of your furniture or upholstery. Good luck!