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Review of La-Z-Boy’s James Furniture Family: Recliner, Loveseat, Sofa & Sectional

Written by Nicholas Carchidi | Apr 3, 2026 1:00:00 PM

Est. Reading Time: 8 Mins

 

Some furniture collections stay popular because they offer something simple and dependable. Others stand out for providing flexibility when designing a living room.

The La-Z-Boy James Furniture Family manages to do both.

With several reclining seating options, the James collection allows homeowners to create a coordinated reclining setup while maintaining a comfortable, approachable design.

Whether someone is starting with a single recliner or furnishing an entire living room, the James family provides multiple configurations that can work together.

To better understand what makes the James such a flexible option, we spoke with Racha Pharaon, Sales Consultant at La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston.

A lot of people gravitate toward the James because it’s adaptable,” Racha explains. “You can start with a recliner and later expand into a loveseat or sofa from the same family.”

But with several pieces available, what should customers expect from the James?

In this review, we’ll explore the features, customization options, pricing and customer feedback to help determine whether the James Furniture Family is the right fit for your home.

Key Takeaways

  • The James Furniture Family features a tall back, a supportive seat, and a clean, transitional design that provides comfortable everyday reclining.
  • Available as a rocking recliner, wall recliner, reclining loveseat, reclining sofa and sectional, allowing homeowners to build a coordinated reclining seating arrangement.
  • Designed to accommodate a wide range of body types, it typically works well for average and taller users who prefer a supportive back and relaxed reclining position.
  • Offers customization through power reclining, adjustable headrest upgrades, swivel functionality, console upgrades and customizable handle options.
  • Available in 2 textures with 10 select fabrics and 3 select faux leathers. There are also 2 select leathers available.
  • Starting at $1,369 for the Rocking Recliner, $1,429 for the Wall Recliner, $2,599 for the Loveseat, $2,779 for the Sofa, and approximately $6,739 for the Sectional, depending on configuration, the James sits in the lower to mid-price range within the La-Z-Boy lineup.

In This Article…

  1. About the James Furniture Family
  2. James Furniture Family Options & Upgrades
  3. James Furniture Family Cost
  4. James Furniture Family Warranty
  5. James Furniture Family Customer Reviews
  6. Is the James Furniture Family Right For You?
 

 


About the James Furniture Family

One of the defining features of the James Furniture Family is its flexibility.

Unlike some La-Z-Boy frames that focus on one or two pieces, the James collection offers several reclining configurations, allowing homeowners to build a coordinated seating arrangement.

Visually, the James features a tall, supportive back, smooth seat cushions, and padded arms, creating a relaxed, approachable design. The overall look leans toward a transitional style that works well in both casual and contemporary spaces.

The seat includes a chaise-style legrest, meaning the seat cushion and footrest form a continuous padded surface when reclined. This helps support the legs more evenly and contributes to the chair's overall comfort.

Racha notes that James is often chosen by customers who want the flexibility to expand their seating setup over time.

“Some people start with a recliner and later add the loveseat or sofa,” she explains. “It makes it easy to keep the same look throughout the room.”

Another feature that stands out is the backrest height. Compared to smaller recliners, the James offers more support for the upper back and shoulders. The James also works well for average and taller users who prefer a supportive backrest and comfortable reclining position.

While your height can be a considerable factor, it is important to note that height guidelines are NOT set in stone. The way you sit in a piece of furniture can drastically affect how comfortable someone finds a seat.

Ultimately, we recommend always coming in for a sit test to see whether the James is comfortable for your body type. To learn more, take a look at How to Find a Recliner That is The Best Fit For You.

The James is available as a Rocking Recliner, Wall Recliner, Reclining Loveseat, Reclining Sofa, and Sectional.

James Recliner Dimensions (Inches)

Rocking/Wall Recliner Weight: 73/80 lbs.

Body Depth: 38” (39.5” w/ Power Lift Recliner)


Body Height: 42.5” (43.5” w/ Power Lift Recliner)


Body Width: 39” (40” w/ Power Lift Recliner)

Seat Depth: 21”


Seat Height: 20” (22” w/ Power Lift Recliner)


Seat Width: 21.5”

James Loveseat Dimensions (Inches)

Loveseat Weight: 152 lbs.

Body Depth: 39”


Body Height: 41.5”


Body Width: 64” (79” w/ Console)

Seat Depth: 21”


Seat Height: 20.5”


Seat Width: 46” (61” w/ Console)

James Sofa Dimensions (Inches)

Sofa Weight: 190 lbs.

Body Depth: 39”


Body Height: 41.5”


Body Width: 87”

Seat Depth: 21”


Seat Height: 20.5”


Seat Width: 69”

James Sectional Dimensions (Inches)

James Armless Chair/Recliner (Weight: 45/72 lbs.)

Body Depth: 39.5”


Body Height: 41.5”


Body Width: 23.5”

Seat Depth: 21”


Seat Height: 20.5”


Seat Width: 23.5”

James Left/Right Arm Sitting Recliner (Weight: 77 lbs.)

Body Depth: 39.5”


Body Height: 41.5”


Body Width: 33”

Seat Depth: 21”


Seat Height: 20.5”


Seat Width: 23”

James Left/Right Arm Sitting Reclining Chaise (Weight: 95 lbs.)

Body Depth: 68”


Body Height: 41.5”


Body Width: 37.5”

Seat Depth: 48.5”


Seat Height: 20.5”


Seat Width: 27.5”

James Left/Right Arm Sitting Reclining Loveseat (Weight: 134 lbs.)

Body Depth: 39.5”


Body Height: 41.5”


Body Width: 56.5”

Seat Depth: 21”


Seat Height: 20.5”


Seat Width: 46.5”

James Rounded Corner (Weight: 65 lbs.)

Body Depth: 39”


Body Height: 41.5”


Body Width: 61”

Seat Depth: 24”


Seat Height: 22.5”


Seat Width: N/A

 

 

James Furniture Family Options & Upgrades

Compared with other La-Z-Boy furniture families, James offers plenty of customization options. Keep in mind that the cost of the James furniture will increase with the options and upgrades you select.

Upholstery Cover Options

When selecting the fabric or leather for your James Recliner, the cost will vary based on the grade you choose. Select fabrics will not affect the starting price of your furniture, but anything beyond that will.

This includes select leather and anything inside our leather selections at La-Z-Boy.

For a comprehensive understanding of La-Z-Boy's upholstery grades, check out this article.

*Please note that this article's leather or fabric options may be discontinued or unavailable without prior notice. We recommend contacting your local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston La-Z-Boy store by phone or in person to confirm availability. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by any changes to our upholstery selection.

Alongside our extensive range of covers, the James is also available in specialty fabrics and leathers that offer unique features and benefits…

    • Stain Resistant: Innovative iClean Technology surrounds each fabric fibre, creating a barrier that repels spills before turning into stains.
    • Pet Friendly: Tested and formulated to withstand the scratches and wear that a pet can cause to ensure a durable and easily washable fabric.
    • Antimicrobial Fabric: Antimicrobial properties surround each fibre to protect against mould, mildew and odour-causing bacteria.
    • Performance: Superior stain and fade resistance properties make fabrics easy to clean and incredibly durable.
    • Eco-Friendly: Conserve Sustainable Fabrics are soft, durable and made from recycled water bottles.
    • Energy Restoration: Restore by Nanobionic® features a mineral-based fabric coating that harnesses natural body heat to generate energy via infrared technology.
    • Bleach Cleanable: These comfortable, resilient fabrics can withstand diluted bleach for the toughest stains.

Additional Upgrades

  • Contour Cushion: This cushion upgrade offers a more relaxing seat, made from a durable, temperature-resistant foam that contours to your body and your comfort needs. Made for more support and long-term seating.
  • Custom Recliner Handles: Manual recliners are available in wood, brushed nickel, matte black, or chrome finishes. The handle can be elongated for easier reach, and left-handed users can request a left-side configuration.
  • Swivel Base: The rocking recliner can be upgraded with a swivel base that allows full 360-degree rotation, making it easy to turn and face different areas of your room.
  • Power Swivel: A powered swivel option is also available, rotating up to 165 degrees to prevent cord tangling while maintaining smooth functionality.
  • Power Reclining: Upgrade to power reclining with push-button control via a control panel or optional wireless remote for added convenience.
  • Adjustable Headrest & Lumbar Support: The headrest tilts up to 55 degrees, providing better positioning for reading or watching television, while the lumbar feature extends up to 3 inches to better support your lower back's natural curve.
  • USB Charging Ports: Built-in USB charging ports let you charge electronic devices while you relax.
  • Memory Settings: Save up to 2 preferred reclining positions for quick access to your ideal comfort setting.
  • Rechargeable Battery Pack: A battery pack option allows cordless operation, giving you more flexibility in furniture placement without needing to be near an outlet.
  • Loveseat Console Upgrade: Adds storage, cup holders, interior charging input and lighting functionality. Can also be upgraded to power with headrest & lumbar support.

 

James Furniture Family Cost

In terms of cost, the James furniture products fall within the mid-price range at La-Z-Boy.

While the cost of the James furniture is considered quite standard at La-Z-Boy, it is important to note that La-Z-Boy furniture is considered more expensive on the market. This cost is reflected in the quality of materials and craftsmanship of our products. With this, the investment is likely worthwhile if you are looking for long-lasting furniture.

Please note that La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change without notice. Information is current as of March 13th, 2026. Contact your local La-Z-Boy stores in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.

James Rocking Recliner

James Wall Recliner

James Loveseat

James Sofa

James Sectional

Manual

Starting at


$1,369

Starting at


$1,429

Starting at


$2,599

Starting at


$2,779

Starting at

$6,739

Power

Starting at


$2,699

Starting at


$2,779

Starting at


$4,329

Starting at


$4,499

If you’re wondering about the prices for each potential upgrade from La-Z-Boy, here are the ones relevant to the James…

Options:

Cost:

Recliner Handle Options

$70-$200

Wireless Remote

$200/Remote

Console Upgrade

$300-$600

Swivel Base & Power Swivel

$250-$300

Contour Cushion Upgrade

$600/$400/$200 (Sofa/Loveseat/Chair)

Battery Pack

$300



James Furniture Family Warranty & Financing

The James Furniture Family is covered by La-Z-Boy’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers the repair or replacement of the frame, spring systems, and mechanism, provided they are high-quality and built for long-lasting comfort.

For full details of the Limited Lifetime Warranty, check out this full La-Z-Boy warranty breakdown.

While the product is still quality-crafted, other aspects, such as fabrics, leather, and cushions, are not meant to last a lifetime. However, these parts are still covered by the La-Z-Boy Manufacturer’s Warranty for a specified period.

To further protect your purchase, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston offers an extended warranty plan at an additional cost. To learn more about the Extended Warranty Plan and if it’s right for you, take a look at this article.

La-Z-Boy also offers furniture financing for those who may not have the full amount available right away. To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Furniture Financing, take a look at this article.

 

James Furniture Family Customer Reviews

The James Furniture Family is loved by many customers. In fact, it currently has a 4.8/5-star average rating according to online reviews.

Star ratings can only tell you so much. Here are some of the many customer reviews you can find online.

To see more James Furniture Family reviews, click here.

 

Should You Buy the James Furniture Family?

Pros

Cons

Wide variety of seating configurations

Sectional configuration can be expensive

Supportive tall back

Design may feel simple compared to newer frames

Good value within the La-Z-Boy lineup

Larger configurations require more space

Easy to build a matching seating layout

Fewer decorative styling elements

The James Furniture Family is often recommended for homeowners seeking flexibility in designing their living room seating. Because the collection includes recliners, loveseats, sofas and sectionals, it allows customers to build a coordinated setup that can grow with their space.

Racha explains that this flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of the James collection. “It’s a great option for people who want a matching set but don’t want to commit to everything at once,” she says.

The supportive back height and comfortable seating also make the James a reliable option for everyday relaxation, especially for customers who prefer a higher backrest and a balanced reclining position.

However, shoppers looking for bold styling details or oversized seating may find other La-Z-Boy frames better suited to their preferences.

For homeowners who want dependable reclining furniture for the family with flexible configuration options, the James provides a practical solution that easily adapts to a variety of living spaces.

What’s Next?

Now that you have a better understanding of the James furniture family, why not discover it in person?

You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms in Ottawa, Gatineau, or Kingston, or by scheduling a visit online before coming in.

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how one of the James furniture frames could fit in your home.

To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s reclining furniture in general, take a look at the following furniture buyer guides:

Related Articles:

Best-Selling La-Z-Boy Power Recliners

Are La-Z-Boy Recliners Guaranteed for Life?

What’s That Clunking Noise In My Recliner?