Understanding the quality of a leather sofa can be done by assessing various factors, which include the following:
1) The type of leather: full grain leather is the highest quality and most durable. Top-grain and split-grain leather are the lower form leather used in cheaper sofas.
2) Thickness: 1.4 - 1.6mm is generally considered the most durable type of leather.
3) Smell: genuine, top-leather has a distinct smell that cheaper forms do not have.
4) Stitching: consistent and tight stitching is generally considered top-of-the-range leather.