When it comes to furniture shopping, it’s hard to miss two of the biggest names in the industry: La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture. These household names dominate the market—but their size can definitely raise some questions. Do such large brands sacrifice quality for scale? Have they become too impersonal to truly meet customer needs? And of course, the real burning question: which brand is better?
The answer: it depends.
Ok, but depends on what?
Here at The Furniture Mall, we focus on educating our guests on all aspects of the furniture buying experience so that they’ll be prepared when shopping for sofas, sectionals, bedroom furniture, and beyond. Both La-Z-Boy and Ashley offer a wide variety of furniture options that cater to different styles, budgets, and needs. But one brand may be more aligned with your goals than another.
In this article, we’ll compare La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture, focusing on their national presence, product offerings, quality, price, and other metrics to help you decide which might be the best fit for your home.
Maddox 6-Piece Power Recliner Sectional from La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy & Ashley’s National Distribution Presence
Both La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture are well-established, nationwide brands with stores across the USA. This national reach means that customers from coast to coast can access their furniture selections, whether by visiting a physical store or shopping online. In comparing their national presence, Ashley Furniture is the store with the wider reach—but that doesn’t necessarily say anything about the quality of the furniture itself.
- La-Z-Boy: Known primarily for its recliners, La-Z-Boy has been a household name for comfort and relaxation since its founding in the late 1920s. Over the years, La-Z-Boy has expanded its product line to include sofas, sectionals, chairs, and home accessories, and the brand now boasts over 300 stores nationwide. In addition to its own stores, La-Z-Boy products can also be found in other retailers.
- Ashley: As the largest furniture manufacturer in the world (!!) Ashley Furniture is a powerhouse when it comes to furniture retail. With over 1,000 Ashley stores in the U.S. alone, and a robust online presence, Ashley is often the go-to option for customers looking for affordable and diverse furniture options. From living room sets to bedroom furniture and dining room pieces, this brand has established itself as incredibly versatile.
Bayonne Loveseat from Ashley
La-Z-Boy & Ashley’s Product Offerings
Both brands offer a wide variety of furniture and home décor, but they each have their unique focus:
- La-Z-Boy: While La-Z-Boy is best known for its recliners, the brand offers a complete range of living room furniture, including sofas, sectionals, and chairs. What sets La-Z-Boy apart, though, is its focus on comfort and customization. Many of their products come with options to adjust fabric, colors, and comfort features (such as power recline). La-Z-Boy also offers a unique focus on ergonomics, making their furniture an excellent choice for those prioritizing long-term comfort and support.
- Ashley: Ashley is known for its wide selection of furniture at a variety of price points. They cover nearly every room in the home, from living rooms and bedrooms to home offices and outdoor spaces. Ashley’s strength lies in its affordability and its ability to cater to different styles—from modern to farmhouse to traditional. This diversity makes Ashley a great choice for shoppers looking to furnish multiple rooms.
Kristiland Dining Extension Table from Ashley
Comparing La-Z-Boy & Ashley in Quality & Durability
When it comes to quality (and comfort), there is one clear winner: La-Z-Boy. There’s no getting around it: the brand makes a comfortable chair. Let’s look at the details:
- La-Z-Boy: La-Z-Boy is often considered a brand that emphasizes durability and long-lasting comfort. Their furniture is typically crafted with premium materials and includes features like high-resiliency foam cushions, sturdy frames, and smooth reclining mechanisms. The brand’s focus on quality makes it a preferred choice for customers willing to invest in pieces that will last for years, especially when it comes to seating.
- Ashley: The quality of Ashley Furniture depends on the product and price range. While some of their higher-end collections feature solid wood and premium upholstery, many of their more affordable options use engineered wood and synthetic fabrics. Ashley Furniture’s appeal lies in its ability to offer functional and stylish furniture at a budget-friendly price, though some customers may find that the lower-end products don't hold up as well over time compared to La-Z-Boy's offerings.
Pinnacle Rocking Recliner from La-Z-Boy
Remember, La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture serve different niches. Ashley typically appeals to customers like early professionals or recent graduates in more transitional living situations, while La-Z-Boy is for those who have found their forever home, or empty nesters willing to invest in forever furniture.
In-Store Experience of La-Z-Boy Gallery & Ashley Furniture
Although both brands are sold in other stores (including the Furniture Mall), La-Z-Boy and Ashley also have dedicated stores with their own distinct in-store experiences:
- La-Z-Boy: Shopping at a La-Z-Boy store is often more of a personalized experience. Many stores offer design services, where customers can work with a home stylist to customize furniture pieces to their specific needs and space. La-Z-Boy also puts a strong emphasis on testing out their recliners and seating options in-store, allowing customers to experience the comfort firsthand.
- Ashley: Ashley stores are typically larger and offer a more self-guided shopping experience. With a broader range of styles, products, and price points, Ashley showrooms allow customers to explore and compare various options at their own pace. While Ashley also offers design help, their focus tends to be on providing a large volume of inventory for shoppers to browse.
Ashley sectional and pillows
Price Comparison: Ashley Furniture vs. La-Z-Boy Furniture
Your budget obviously plays a significant role in determining which brand is the better fit for you and your family. Consider the major difference between La-Z-Boy and Ashley:
- La-Z-Boy: Recliners and other furniture items are more expensive here. If long-term durability and tailored comfort are key for you, the higher price tag could be justified.
- Ashley: This furniture is more budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wider audience. If both cost and style are priorities for you, Ashley might be your best bet.
Trouper Power Reclining Loveseat from La-Z-Boy
Which Brand of Furniture is Right For You?
When choosing between La-Z-Boy and Ashley—or between any two furniture brands—the decision often comes down to budget and preferences:- If you’re looking for customization, comfort, and long-lasting furniture—especially seating like recliners—La-Z-Boy is a solid choice, albeit often at a higher price point. You may also consider a brand like Flexsteel for an even more luxurious option.
- If you’re furnishing multiple rooms, need a variety of styles, and are working within a budget, Ashley Furniture’s wide selection and affordability may be more appealing.
Drystan Dresser from Ashley
Keep in mind that both brands offer nationwide accessibility and have earned their reputation as leading names in the furniture industry. You’ll probably be in good hands with whichever option you choose.
At the Furniture Mall, we know how important your home is to you and your family. You don’t need to go into the furniture shopping experience blind. If you’re ready to learn more about Ashley, La-Z-Boy, or other brands, reach out to your local furniture specialist today.
