Choosing the right piece of furniture is a significant—not to mention costly—decision. A sofa, recliner, or love seat will impact your comfort, style, and your budget for years to come. With so many options on the market warring for your attention, how do you know which brand to trust?
When it comes to choosing the perfect recliner (or any other piece of furniture), two names come up time and time again: Flexsteel and La-Z-Boy. Both brands have a long-standing reputation for quality, comfort, and durability—but they each have their own unique approach to crafting the ultimate chair or sofa.
At The Furniture Mall, we understand the anxiety of trying to navigate through countless choices, especially when you want furniture that not only looks good but also stands the test of time. We've been on the 'furniture battlefield' for over 90 years now, and we hope to pass on some of our wisdom to you.
In this post, we'll break down the key differences and similarities between Flexsteel and La-Z-Boy to help you decide which brand is best for you and your family.
Flexsteel vs. La-Z-Boy: Key Differences
Many furniture shoppers are faced with a decision between Flexsteel and La-Z-Boy, especially when it comes to recliners. The decision often boils down to what you prioritize—durability and craftsmanship, or comfort and customization (at the expense of cutting-edge style)?
Here's a brief summary of La-Z-Boy and Flexsteel:
La-Z-Boy Furniture
Founded in 1927, La-Z-Boy is best known for its iconic recliners. Over the years, the brand has expanded its product line to include sofas, sectionals, and more. La-Z-Boy is a strong choice for those who prioritize comfort, particularly in seating. The brand offers a wide range of recliners and other furniture pieces designed to help you relax. Although the pieces may not be the most stylish, La-Z-Boy is ideal for customers who want comfortable furniture with a focus on recliners and other motion furniture.
One of La-Z-Boy's more contemporary recliners, the Liam Power Recliner
Flexsteel Furniture
Flexsteel is a company with a long history of producing high-quality, durable furniture. Founded in 1893, their furniture is known for its quality construction—particularly its Blue Steel Spring technology, which provides lasting support and comfort. This brand is great for those who value durability and are willing to invest in furniture that will last for years, or even decades. Flexsteel is ideal for customers who prefer sleeker, somewhat more modern, designs.
What Factors Should You Consider When choosing between La-z-Boy and Flexsteel?
Keep these key factors in mind when evaluating a head-to-head between any two furniture brands:
- Product Range: The variety of furniture available is crucial for ensuring you find the right pieces to complete your home.
- Comfort: Your furniture should provide the comfort you need, whether it's a cozy sofa for movie nights or a supportive chair for working from home.
- Durability: Furniture is an investment, so it's important to choose pieces that will last.
- Price: Your budget plays a significant role in determining which brand is the better fit for you and your family.
- Style: The aesthetics of your furniture should align with your personal style and the overall decor of your home.
- Customization Options: The ability to customize your furniture can be the difference between a piece that simply fits and one that feels truly yours.
- Target Audience: Knowing which brand caters to your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences can help narrow down your options.
Let’s take a closer look at La-Z-Boy and Flexsteel Furniture. Who will win the comfort battle? Who will emerge victorious in the War of the Recliners?
La-Z-Boy Furniture: Is it stylish enough for your home?
La-Z-Boy traditional recliner, the Dorian
Let's explore the style of La-Z-Boy, as well as these other metrics:
- Product Range: La-Z-Boy offers a broad product range, particularly excelling in the category of recliners and motion furniture. The brand also features sofas, loveseats, sectionals, and home decor items, ensuring that you can outfit most of your living spaces with their products.
- Comfort: The word ‘La-Z-Boy’ essentially means comfort. Their recliners, sofas, and sectionals are designed with total relaxation in mind.
- Durability: La-Z-Boy furniture is built to last, especially in the realm of recliners and motion furniture. However, their other products may not offer the same level of durability as Flexsteel, particularly in high-use areas.
- Price: La-Z-Boy falls into the mid-to-high price range, reflecting the brand’s focus on comfort and customization. While you may pay more for a La-Z-Boy recliner than a similar product from other brands, the comfort and customization options may justify the cost.
- Style: La-Z-Boy offers a range of styles, although the brand leans more toward traditional designs. If you're looking for a blend of comfort and classic styles, La-Z-Boy is a good fit. Be forewarned, though: the brand has battled the image of being ‘Grandpa’s Chair’ for some time now.
- Customization Options: La-Z-Boy shines in customization. You can choose from a wide array of fabrics, leathers, and finishes (and even comfort features), allowing you to tailor your furniture to your specific tastes and needs.
- Target Audience: La-Z-Boy is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and are willing to invest in a piece of furniture that offers extensive customization options. It’s especially appealing to homeowners who love the brand’s iconic recliners and want that same level of comfort in other furniture pieces.
Flexsteel Furniture: Is it worth the high price point?
Flexsteel Truman Sofa and Gemini Tables
Let's turn to Flexsteel and what it brings to the table:
- Product Range: Flexsteel offers a more limited but focused product range. While you won’t find too many 'trendy' pieces, their collection includes classic and timeless designs, particularly in the living room and bedroom categories.
- Comfort: With its Blue Steel Spring technology, Flexsteel provides superior comfort, particularly in seating. This technology ensures that your furniture retains its shape and support over time, offering consistent comfort.
- Durability: Flexsteel is renowned for its durability, thanks to high-quality materials and craftsmanship. This brand is built to last, making it a smart investment for those who want furniture that can withstand daily use without losing its appeal.
- Price: Flexsteel falls on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, the investment is often justified by the furniture's durability.
- Style: Flexsteel’s designs are classic and understated, focusing on timeless elegance rather than trends. If you prefer a more traditional, sleek look, Flexsteel will likely fit the bill.
- Customization Options: Flexsteel shines in customization, allowing you to choose from various fabrics, finishes, and configurations, ensuring your furniture meets your specific needs.
- Target Audience: Flexsteel caters to a more discerning clientele who prioritize quality, comfort, and longevity. It’s ideal for homeowners who want classic, well-made pieces.
Woman lounging and reading on a Flexsteel Zecliner
Flexsteel vs. La-Z-Boy: Which Brand is Best for You?
Now that we've explored the key differences between Flexsteel and La-Z-Boy, the question remains: which brand wins out?
You may have seen this answer coming, but...it depends.
It really does depend on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re looking for durable, long-lasting pieces or customizable, comfortable options, understanding what each brand offers can help you make a more confident decision in a showroom or shopping online.
Flexsteel is Best For You If...
If you’re someone who values longevity, comfort, and classic design, Flexsteel is probably the better choice. It’s ideal for those who may have found their forever home and are willing to invest in high-quality furniture that offers long-term value.
Maddox Power Reclining Sectional from La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy is Best For You If...
If you’re looking for customizable furniture with a strong emphasis on comfort, particularly in seating, La-Z-Boy is the way to go. It’s great for shoppers who want the ability to tailor their furniture to their exact preferences.
Your Next Steps for Choosing Between Flexsteel & La-Z-Boy
When it comes to selecting the perfect piece of furniture, the choice can feel overwhelming. One one hand, Flexsteel offers the quality, durability, and style that justify a higher price point. On the other hand, La-Z-Boy provides a range of customizable, comfortable choices that will still last you quite a while.
Whether you’re leaning toward long-lasting comfort or customizable relaxation, here at The Furniture Mall, we understand how important this decision is. No matter what you decide, we hope you come to the battlefield armed with as much information as possible!