Lay Back and Relax in the Best Lazy Boy Recliner

If you’re in the market for a recliner, you must have heard of the biggest name-brand manufacturer – La-Z-Boy. Their recliners are known and loved far and wide, but few know that they invented and patented the recliner chair – no wonder they’re the best in class!

But how do you choose the best La-Z-Boy recliner for you? Check out our reviews and buyer’s guide for all the info you need to pick the perfect model. Then, it’s time to put your feet up, lay back, and relax in the unmatched comfort of a Lazy Boy recliner!

Best-Rated Lazy Boy Recliners

Other Recommendations

• Super Tall: Neal Rocking Recliner
• Best Style: Kimberly High Leg Reclining Chair
• Best Loveseat: Trouper Reclining Loveseat

Table of Contents

• Best-Rated Lazy Boy Recliners
• Other Recommendations
• Why La-Z-Boy?
• Reviews of the Best Lazy Boy Recliner Models
• How To Pick the Perfect La-Z-Boy Recliner
• Features to Factor In (aka Best Lazy Boy Recliner Buyer’s Guide)
  • Your Height
  • Build Quality 
  • Upholstery Material
  • Quality-of-life Upgrades
• Wrap Up

Why La-Z-Boy?

Any recliner can be comfy, as long as you choose one that suits you well – the brand is less important. 

But there are plenty of reasons La-Z-Boy got the name recognition they have today. After almost 100 years of existence, La-Z-Boy continues to provide customers with long-lasting, super comfortable recliners that few others can match.

• Unmatched longevity: Unlike other brands, their recliners come with sturdy 4-sided frames that don’t get wobbly over time.
• Recline and rock: Lazy boy recliners are the only ones on the market that let you lay back and rock at the same time. They achieved this through a mechanism that lets you control the back and the footrest separately.
• No floppy footrests: The way they build their footrests is unique. Controlled with a rod mechanism rather than springs, your footrest won’t flop over time. As a bonus, you get to lock the footrest in place and choose between three leg rest positions.
• Be unique: The company lets you choose the model you like, then fully customize it. 
• Help from the pros: All La-Z-Boy stores employ professional interior designers, who are there to help you find that one recliner that fits your living room perfectly. Don’t worry – their help comes free of charge!

Reviews of the Best Lazy Boy Recliner Models

How To Pick the Perfect La-Z-Boy Recliner

Most recliners out there are pretty comfy – for as long as they’re well made and the right size for you. However, just like any other piece of furniture, recliners deteriorate and, over time, become harder on your back and neck. 

With La-Z-Boy recliners, you invest in a durable product that can stay in great shape for decades. So, if you’ll be watching TV from the same recliner for years and years to come, you might as well take the time to get the one that suits you perfectly! 

Features to Factor In (aka Best Lazy Boy Recliner Buyer’s Guide)

Not all recliners are made equal. While they can all seem comfy at first, the wrong model may leave you with back pain in the long run. Picking one that’s made of quality materials and suits your body type is paramount – so here’s what you need to look out for.

Your Height

Just like your shoes need to be the right size to be comfy, so does your recliner. When I (a 5’5” woman) sit in my uncle Tom’s recliner, I simply sink into it, my head pushed forward and my feet hardly reaching the floor. Of course that my neck starts to ache right after. Not a pleasant feeling at all.

Avoid this issue by getting a recliner that’s the right size for you. If you get the chance to try it out in the store, that’s perfect (and in a moment, I’ll get to some factors to consider).

Buying Online

Those that prefer to make their purchase online are in luck because La-Z-Boy has a handy guide that rates each recliner to a particular body height. Every chair they sell comes with a specified height rating:

Recliner Rating	Body Height
Petite	5’4″ & shorter
Small	5’5″ – 5’9″
Tall	5’10” – 6’2″
Extra Tall	6’3″ & taller

Hands-On Testing

In a store, you get the chance to try out some recliner models before making your pick. Don’t be fooled – even if a recliner feels comfortable when you first sit in it, it may end up being a pain in the neck after a few hours in front of the TV. These tell-tale signs show that you came across as a good fit:

• The depth of the seat matches your upper legs. Your feet should touch the floor and your legs are comfortably bent at the knee at a 90° angle.
• The footrest fully supports your ankles but lets your heels droop slightly. Shift around to make sure the recliner provides good leg support everywhere.
• Lumbar support feels just right. A well-fitted recliner comes with great lower back support both in the sitting and the reclining positions. Look out for gaps between your bottom and lower back in the lying position – that’s a big no-no! 
• Keeps your neck in a natural position. If the headrest is too tall for you, the top cushion will put pressure at the wrong spot, pushing your head forward. The crest of the headrest should support the back of your neck, with your head resting on the upper part of the cushion. If your head tilts backward, it’s too short.

Build Quality

You don’t need to worry too much about the quality of any Lazy Boy reclining chair. However, when you look underneath the recliner, look for these tell-tale signs of a high-quality build: 

• Four-sided frame: Most cheap recliners only have three sides to their frames, usually lacking the side to the back of the chair. Over time, these frames lose stability and become wobbly. La-Z-Boy recliners retain their structural integrity for years thanks to their so-called “uni-body” frame construction. If you are looking for something more accustomed to more weight, consider extra-large recliners, aka big man recliners.
• Hardwood base: The base should be made out of hardwood. Plastic frames spell trouble.
• A layer of mesh: Even though it may seem insignificant at first, a layer of mesh between the springs and the cushion is a lifesaver. In essence, it helps distribute weight evenly and prevents tearing, making your cushion cushy for longer. 

Upholstery Material

Most recliners on the market are upholstered with real leather, fabric, or PU leather. Each material choice comes with both pros and cons: 

Genuine leather

Some love it and some hate it, but the fact is that leather is the most durable upholstery material. If you want your recliner to look just as good as new in 15 years, pick real leather. 

This material provides high-quality heat insulation yet it’s very breathable. Also, it’s elastic and resists tearing and abrasion well. 

Of course, leather comes in different quality grades, stemming from its origin, tanning methods, and the fillers and additives used. 

The negative sides – it’s the most expensive upholstery material out there, it requires special care, and it comes from animals.

PU Leather

Polyurethane and other artificial leathers provide the look and the feel of real leather – and that’s where the similarities end. PU leather is more affordable, but it also wears and tears more easily than genuine leather. 

Besides being the animal-friendly alternative, the benefits of PU leather are its low price and the huge choice of colors, patterns, and textures.

Fabric

Many people claim nothing beats fabric when it comes to comfort. Besides being soft and cozy, the fabric doesn’t absorb heat quickly. That means you won’t get all sticky in the summer or have to endure the initial icy touch of leather in the winter. 

However, textile is the hardest upholstery material to clean as it absorbs fluids very quickly, possibly collecting more and more permanent stains over the years. In general, it has lower durability, so it’s important to get a high-quality, tightly woven fabric that can withstand wear and tear.

Quality-of-life Upgrades

With La-Z-Boy, you don’t have to settle for pre-made models. Once you choose the ideal recliner chair, you can opt for additional options and upgrades like:

• Electrical mechanism: Powered recliners have a remote control, so there’s no need to use arm or leg strength to operate the recliner chair. 

Powered recliners may also come with massaging and heating, a higher number of footrest and back locking positions, and even headrest and lumbar position adjustment.

• Base type –  swivel, gliding (wall recliners), or a rocker recliner: If you’d like to turn your recliner from the TV towards the window, get a swivel base that can turn easily. Wall recliners are ideal for smaller rooms – instead of simply reclining back, they glide forwards, so that you don’t need to have a lot of space behind. Finally, a rocking recliner does just what a rocking chair does – gentle rocking is enough to put anyone to peaceful sleep. Every La-Z-Boy model comes with these base options – adjust your recliner to the way you love to relax.
• Handle adaptation: Choose whether the handle is on the left or the right, make it shorter or longer, and pick the material it’s made of.
• Upholstery materials, colors and design, along with cushion options. For reference, the best recliners for sleeping are known for the comfiest materials.

Wrap Up

There are few things as relaxing as just lounging away in a recliner – and few manufacturers can provide as much comfort and advanced options as La-Z-Boy!

Over here at The Home Dweller, we do our best to deliver tangible information in easy-to-read chunks. If this article helped you pick that perfectly cozy recliner chair for idyllic afternoons, consider sharing it with your friends on social media!