The La-Z-Boy name became synonymous with recliners after making the first reclining chair in 1928 in Monroe, Michigan. This was originally a wood-slat porch chair, which was later upholstered at a buyer's suggestion.
The company was a very modest operation at that time, and the name La-Z-Boy came later in an effort to find a suitable name for the new product. An employee won 25 dollars for coming up with it.
While La-Z-Boy makes upholstered furniture only, the La-Z-Boy corporation owns several other well known brands also such as American Drew, Kincaid Furniture, Hammary and Lea which also manufacture case goods.The La-Z-Boy Brand
While the company is best known for its reclining furniture, La-Z-Boy also manufactures other upholstered pieces such as sofas, loveseats, chairs and sectionals in both stationary and motion categories. Sleepers are also available in the stationary category.
You will find La-Z-Boy furniture in the mid-price point, and it is good value for the price. The quality and price points are comparable to Lane, Broyhill, Lane and Pottery Barn.
Style-wise, La-Z-Boy has stayed close to its traditional roots, but lately the company is making an effort to change that image by bringing in fresher design in response to the changing demographics. Case in point: the new BoHo Chic or Bohemian Rhapsody collection. To go with the new La-Z-Boy image targeted at younger female buyers, the company has selected Brooke Shields to become its new spokesperson.
La-Z-Boy Products
Lancer Power Loveseat
Photo (c) La-Z-Boy
Known for its upholstered seating furniture such as recliners, chairs, sofas, theater seating and sectionals, La-Z-Boy also sells sleepers in a variety of fabric and leather.
Most of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries will try to stock for immediate delivery, but the furniture can be custom ordered. Be aware that this will add to the delivery time frame up to eight to ten weeks.
At present, customization is limited to fabric only, and does not extend to other features. However there are close to a thousand fabric and leather choices in different grades. The choice of your fabric selection will impact your final price, but that is something that you should keep in mind when buying customized furniture for anywhere.
Recliners such the Anderson Rocker Recliner start at $299 in fabric, and around $599 in leather, such as the Vail. Rocker recliners are among the most affordable.
Higher end recliners such as the Maverick may cost up to $899 in fabric and $1199 in leather. Lift chairs which are usually purchased by the elderly or people with disabilities start at $999, and may go up to around $2000.
Stationary sofas, such as the Laurel, start at around $800 and higher end ones such as the Cadence may cost up to $2500 in fabric and up to $4000 in leather. Sectionals are priced between $1500 - $4000.
Power recliners and sofas is another category at La-Z-Boy. These can recline with at the touch of a button. Prices for recliners range between $800 - $2000, and between $1200 - $3000. These are alos available in leather as well as fabric.
La-Z-Boy: The Good
This is a well known brand with a reputation built up over time for affordable furniture. It offers good value for the price. La-Z-Boy furniture is widely available.
The company is also trying to become more environmentally friendly,by taking steps such as reusing or recycling most of factory scraps. Most of the furniture is made in America. The frames and many of the components for motion furniture are manufactured domestically. The Not So Good
Maybe the biggest consumer peeve is not enough variety in style, although the company is trying to address that. Also, because many La-Z-Boy Galleries are individually franchised stores, and not company owned your shopping experience may vary considerably. Guarantees may differ from store to store. One cannot buy a La-Z-Boy product in one area and have it shipped by a La-Z-Boy store in another part of the country.
Where to Buy La-Z-Boy Furniture
Daphne Sofa and Riley Chair
Photo (c) La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy products are available world wide through several different channels, such as company owned and individually franchised La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, La-Z-Boy Comfort Studios and independent retailers who carry a mix of furniture from different brands.
La-Z-Boy products can be seen and purchased online on their website, which also has a store locator to help you find your nearest store. It is best to test drive upholstered furniture before you buy.
