Time for a magic trick.
Picture the most comfortable chair of all time. Now, imagine that, with the press of a lever, this chair can recline. We’ll give you a second to really sink into it.
Key question: What’s the name of that chair?
Got it? Now, put your chair back into the deck, and give it a shuffle.
Was your chair...La-Z-Boy?
Whether that’s your chair, or whether we’re way off, there's no denying that "La-Z-Boy" is a name that instantly springs to mind when we think of ultimate comfort and relaxation. But like any magic trick, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
At the Furniture Mall, we believe in helping our guests make informed decisions about their home furnishings. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of La-Z-Boy furniture and explain the magic behind this storied brand to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
Let’s pull back the curtain, shall we?
La-Z-Boy Furniture Review: Is It the Best Choice for You?
Pros of La-Z-Boy Furniture
La-Z-Boy has earned its reputation as a leading brand in the furniture industry. When evaluating whether La-Z-Boy has earned your purchase, it's essential to consider the advantages it offers. From unparalleled comfort to a wide variety of styles, here are some of the key benefits of choosing La-Z-Boy furniture.
Edwin J. Shoemaker and Edward M. Knabusch with their reclining wood-slat chair
1. Exceptional Comfort
La-Z-Boy is synonymous with comfort. Their recliners offer features like three leg recliner positions and a hand-push recline system, ensuring a relaxing experience every time you sit down. It's easy to find your perfect lounging position in these chairs. And not just for today—for years down the road. The ergonomic design and plush cushioning make La-Z-Boy a standout choice for those prioritizing comfort.
2. Durability & Longevity
Compared to competitors like Ashley and Barcalounger, La-Z-Boy furniture tends to be more durable and long-lasting. Consider their production process. According to their website, tons of care and concern go into every piece:
- The lumber that forms the main structure of the chair or sofa is received and cut to size.
- It is then hand-assembled by the framer.
- The patented reclining mechanism is carefully handled by the metalworks department.
- Fabric kits are then created by the cut and sew center, at which point the cut foam is placed in the fabric casing.
- The upholsterer attaches the fabric to the frame.
- The validator gives a final inspection, in which they test the mechanism/motors and perform other quality assurances.
The concern for quality is evident in the La-Z-Boy brand. Their chairs have always offered long-lasting comfort.
3. Customization of Comfort Features
When it comes to comfort, it’s nice to have options. With a wide range of fabric, leather, and motion options—including customizable handles and swivel features—your La-Z-Boy furniture can be truly yours. Consider the robust filter function on their website: this flexibility makes it easy to get exactly what you want. Particularly for individuals with mobility concerns, the customization of La-Z-Boy furniture can justify the price.
4. Variety of Price Points
One of the most consumer-friendly features of La-Z-Boy recliners is their variety of price points. It’s clear that no matter your budget, if you’re in the market for comfort, La-Z-Boy is a good option. Prices for La-Z-Boy reclining furniture range anywhere from $500 to $3,000 and beyond—so we bet that you’ll be able to find something that fits your pocketbook (if the style of La-Z-Boy suits you, of course). And keep in mind that La-Z-Boy offers more than just recliners. Even though they specialize in reclining furniture, they also offer loveseats, sofas, sectionals, accents chairs, and more.
Cons of La-Z-Boy Furniture
While La-Z-Boy is well-regarded for its comfort, wide variety of comfort feature options, and varied price points, it’s essential to consider some of the potential drawbacks before making a purchase. Like any brand, La-Z-Boy has its limitations and some of them might be deal-breakers. Here are some three potential cons associated with La-Z-Boy furniture.
1. Outdated Perception and Style
Despite the brand's efforts to modernize, La-Z-Boy is what it is: the chair no one gets to sit in but Grandad. The brand still battles the perception of being “dad’s chair” or “grandpa’s chair.” These types of chairs aren’t typically seen as the trendiest options available—even though beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder.
2. Decline in Craftsmanship
While La-Z-Boy is still well-made, some of its newer models have frames made of composite materials instead of solid wood. This may affect durability. And for what it’s worth, not all La-Z-Boy products are manufactured in the USA—some manufacturing has been outsourced to Mexico and Asia. This may not necessarily correspond with a decline in craftsmanship, but some consumers do prioritize “Made in USA” products. That being said, La-Z-Boy still employs thousands of people across the USA at multiple manufacturing and distribution plants.
3. Extra Features, Extra Cost
One of the drawbacks we’ve noticed with La-Z-Boy furniture is that you can't get exactly what you want right away. You'll have to pay a bit more for extra features. For instance, recliners with advanced features like power recline, added lumbar support, and customizable positions command higher prices. This isn't a turn-key solution for a chair. That's like most furniture pieces, though: you get what you pay for.
4. Potential Delivery Time
Customizable options are a major plus, but they can also lead to longer delivery times. If you’re in a hurry to furnish your home, be prepared for potential wait times when ordering custom La-Z-Boy pieces.
When La-Z-Boy Might Be Worth the Price
La-Z-Boy is not budget furniture. So when might it be worth the price for you and your family?
For Comfort Seekers
If you need a comfortable recliner with excellent features that will last for years—especially if you're starting a family or are an empty nester—La-Z-Boy is a solid investment. These pieces are reliable.
For Comfort Feature Enthusiasts
For those looking for a recliner with more comfort feature options compared to competitors, La-Z-Boy delivers. A variety of enhancements provide extra comfort and convenience, appealing to those willing to invest more for a better, more relaxing, experience than budget furniture.
For Those Less Concerned with Trends
If you don't mind not having the trendiest piece of furniture, La-Z-Boy’s comfort and durability are strong selling points. Being on the cutting edge of fashion may not be everyone’s priority.
When La-Z-Boy Might Not Be Worth the Price
La-Z-Boy is not for everyone. For example, do you fit one of these categories?
For Those Prioritizing Style & Space
La-Z-Boy pieces, especially their recliners, can be quite large and bulky. This might not be ideal for those with certain design preferences—or for those with smaller living spaces. Be sure to measure your space and consider your aesthetic before purchasing.
For Those Seeking All-Inclusive Comfort
You probably aren't getting everything you need out of a La-Z-Boy right out of the box. If you're not willing to spend a bit extra on the front end, you might want to look elsewhere.
For Those Who Need Durability Above All
If you want an extremely durable recliner or sofa, you might consider spending even more for brands like Flexsteel, American Furniture, or Design 2 Recline.
Is La-Z-Boy Furniture For You?
La-Z-Boy has its pros and cons. Yeah, it’s your dad’s favorite chair—but for a great reason. Whether it’s worth the money, though, depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider what you value most in furniture and make the choice that aligns best with your lifestyle.
If you're interested in exploring La-Z-Boy or other furniture options, visit a reputable furniture store. There are plenty of great options in the Kansas City area, including here at The Furniture Mall in Olathe, Topeka, or Lee’s Summit. Our team is here to help you “pull the rabbit out of the hat” and find a magical piece for your home.