Euro-style leather adjusts scale, comfort
Changes broaden appeal
By Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, November 9, 2009
High Point — If European design appeals to your senses, look no further than resources of contemporary leather upholstery.
Their sleek, soft looks still can't be considered mainstream, but producers are trying to broaden their appeal by reducing the scale of selected pieces and putting strong emphasis on seating comfort. Plus, they're using leather covers with more subdued colors, which allows many pieces to be used with almost any type of home décor.
Producers say sectionals remain the statement pieces for the category because they establish the theme for a room, and allow designers to fully express themselves with the addition of decorative pillows, occasional furniture and other accessories.
Producers of European-styled reclining chairs, meanwhile, strive to make their products worthy of placement in a living room or great room. They believe the styling and comfort exceeds anything else on the market, so there's no need to relegate them to a den or other "hidden" room.
Producers say women especially like the non-Bubba look of such chairs, and they often want one of their own. That's why many models are available in small- and large-scale versions.
What's hot: The Sidney sectional from Natuzzi.
Key features: Down-filled back cushions deliver softness and the deep seating adds to the comfort. Metal legs and an armless, chaise-like design at one end of the piece add to the contemporary and transitional look."
Why it is selling: The open base structure and light, casual design allows this sectional to be used with many types of home décor, including traditional and transitional. Since it sits higher off the ground than many of its contemporary, European-designed counterparts, it has generated considerable appeal in the U.S. market, where consumers also have gravitated to its smaller-scaled design.
What's hot: The Vegas "family" of Stressless recliners from Ekornes.
Key features: Available in three sizes, this group of chairs provides a comfortable seat for nearly all body types. Each chair has a free-standing ottoman, adjustable headrest and a swivel/glide mechanism that rotates a full 360 degrees.
Why it is selling: A long-time best-seller in the Stressless collection, these chairs ooze comfort from the high-density foam seats and backs. And the rigid metal frame provides durability that makes them almost heirloom quality. That has allowed Ekornes to develop a loyal base of U.S consumers and retailers.
What's hot: The Pivot sectional from the Michael Wolk collection at Star International.
Key features: Designer Michael Wolk's sleek, contemporary look brings "a sophistication and design stability that align with our current targeted direction," says Carl Johnson, Star's vice president of product development. "We are putting our energies into original design, and not only did we find a designer who understands what our brand is about, but who also has a proven track record at the retail level."
Why it is selling: This sectional and the entire four-piece collection by Wolk was a hit at last month's High Point Market because of the distinctive, sophisticated design and comfortable seating. It appears destined to become part of the company's quick-ship inventory.
What's hot: The Time Out recliner collection from W. Schillig.
Key features: This contemporary recliner collection features chairs with adjustable headrests and integrated footrests, which means no separate ottoman is needed. The chairs are available in a variety of back, arm and base configurations.
Why it is selling: Buyers at last month's High Point Market liked the comfort, the ease of use and the contemporary styling that differentiates these chairs from the scores of other recliner offerings in the marketplace. With a starting retail price point of $1,499, the new lineup is aimed squarely at consumers who like the so-called "Euro look," but don't want to pay the upper-end prices such chairs usually command. At least one style will be kept in-stock at the company's North Carolina warehouse.
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Leather
Oct 12, 2009 -
W. Schillig re-entering recliner category
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