Our Behind the Brand series continues with a name that has defined custom-built, made-to-order upholstery for more than 50 years: Lee Industries.
A Legacy Built on Craft
Lee Industries was founded in 1969 by Bill and Dottie Coley, who started the company in a modest 7,500-square-foot factory in Newton, North Carolina. What began as a 10-person operation has since grown into a four-plant manufacturing footprint — but through decades of growth, Lee Industries has never strayed from its founding mission: timelessly styled, high-quality upholstery, built specifically for the customer who ordered it.
That commitment to made-to-order craftsmanship is what continues to set Lee Industries apart in an industry increasingly driven by mass production. Every piece that leaves their North Carolina facilities is built to a specific order, by hand, using techniques the company has refined over half a century.
A Line That’s Grown Without Losing Its Roots
Today, Lee Industries offers far more than the upholstered seating that built its reputation. The collection now spans:
- Leather — rich, durable options for lasting elegance
- Machine-washable slipcovers — a practical, design-forward solution for everyday living
- Exclusive designer collections — collaborations that bring fresh perspectives to the Lee catalog
- Outdoor furniture — extending their craftsmanship beyond the living room
- naturalLEE — an eco-conscious program reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable materials and practices
Despite this expansion, every single piece is still handcrafted in North Carolina — a detail that matters as much to Lee Industries today as it did in 1969.
Why We Bring Lee Industries to Our Designers
We asked Alexis Varbero, Owner & CEO of Schwartz Design Showrooms, what makes Lee Industries a resource our designers keep coming back to:
Lee Industries brings something very specific to what we offer — their handcrafted upholstery, endless fabric and leather options, and tailor-made customization bring a level of comfort and personalization that our designers absolutely love. Handcrafted in North Carolina, they put that heritage into every single piece.
— Alexis Varbero, Owner & CEO, Schwartz Design Showrooms
Experience It Firsthand
The best way to understand what makes Lee Industries special is to see and feel it in person. Visit one of our showrooms to explore their fabric and leather library, get a feel for their construction quality, and discover firsthand why Lee Industries has remained a go-to resource for designers for decades.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our Behind the Brand series, where we continue sharing the stories behind the manufacturers shaping exceptional interiors.