Z-Line Designs adds leather upholstery line

Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, April 11, 2012

Z-Line Designs’ Roma seating group features a bonded leather cover with extensive stitching details.

HIGH POINT — Z-Line Designs, best known for its contemporary ready-to-assemble furniture, is making its debut in leather upholstery at this month's High Point Market.

The company will feature about 15 leather seating groups at a wide range of retail price points, using bonded leather covers on its entry-level products and eight-way, hand-tied construction with top-grain leather on upper-end goods.

Styling ranges from contemporary to traditional, and the lineup includes both motion and stationary pieces.

"The Z-Line name is synonymous with great style, and our leather furniture collection
takes that style to a whole new level," said Jim Sexton, president and CEO. "With styles that
feature motion, such as tilt-up backs and reclining seats, and unique detailing, including chrome
accents and iPod docking stations, our new leather line offers a ‘coolness' and allure that
consumers will be eager to show off in their home."

Retail price points for sofas will range from $399 for models with bonded leather covers to $1,699 for models with eight-way, hand-tied construction.

Sexton said the eight-way, hand-tied products will carry a lifetime warranty, products with semi-aniline leather covers will have a 10-year warranty, and products in bonded leather will have a 5-year warranty.

To oversee the new program, the company has hired Justin Smith, who has spent 15 years in the leather upholstery business, as vice president of sales for the leather furniture division.

Smith most recently was vice president of Le Noir Leather, where he was involved with product development, sourcing design and sales. He earlier held posts with Natuzzi and Leather Trend.

"He is very knowledgeable in leather furniture and is well-respected in the industry," Sexton said. "We are delighted to have him on the team to help launch what we believe is one of the most innovative lines of leather furniture to hit the market."