![\"genuine](\"https:\/\/www.midipy.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/pexels-cottonbro-4910834-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nGenuine leather comes from animal hide, which is transformed by tanning to make it resistant and durable. This process preserves the natural structure of the material: its fibers, irregularities and suppleness.
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- resistance over time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- skating ability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- soft, warm touch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/p>\n\n
In the world of interior decoration, leather is found in objects that accompany everyday gestures: placemats, desk blotters, paper trays or magazine racks.
What is faux leather?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Imitation leather is a synthetic material, generally consisting of a textile base covered with a plastic layer (PVC or polyurethane).<\/p>\n\n
Its aim is to imitate the appearance of leather.<\/p>\n\n
It offers a number of advantages:<\/p>\n\n
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- lower cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- uniform appearance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ease of maintenance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/p>\n\n
But it does not have the fibrous structure of natural leather, which influences :<\/p>\n\n
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- how it feels to the touch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- its durability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- aging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
1. Touch: a living material or a smooth surface<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
![\"genuine](\"https:\/\/www.midipy.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/pexels-cottonbro-6653222-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThe first clue is often touch.<\/p>\n\n
Genuine leather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Natural leather has a slightly irregular texture. In the hand, it feels : <\/p>\n\n
- \n
- hot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- flexible<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- organic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/p>\n\n
Each piece has slight variations, as the skin retains the memory of its origin.<\/p>\n\n
On an object such as a placemat or desk pad, this contact contributes to the feeling of authentic material.<\/p>\n\n
A Midipy leather placemat, for example, immediately reveals this natural suppleness.<\/p>\n\n
Faux leather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Imitation leather generally offers a :<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- smoother<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- more uniform<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- sometimes slightly plastic-coated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/p>\n\n
The touch may seem colder or more rigid.<\/p>\n\n
Over time, this surface can also crack.<\/p>\n\n
2. Smell: an often revealing clue<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.midipy.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/bru-no-christmas-2918569_1280-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nSmell is a simple but very reliable indicator.<\/p>\n\n
Genuine leather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Natural leather has a characteristic smell, often described as :<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- hot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- slightly woody<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- deep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/p>\n\n
Faux leather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Faux leather gives off :<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- a neutral odor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- or plastic smell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/p>\n\n
Some imitations try to add an artificial fragrance, but it often remains superficial.<\/p>\n\n
3. Ageing: patina or wear<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.midipy.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/pexels-boots-1853964_1280-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis is perhaps the most important criterion.<\/p>\n\n
Genuine leather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Leather evolves over time.<\/p>\n\n
It develops what is known as a patina, i.e. a slight darkening and softening of the material.<\/p>\n\n
The object gradually becomes unique.<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.midipy.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/valentinsimon0-paris-846873_1280-1024x628.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n