Choosing a La-Z-Boy Sectional: The Ultimate Guide to Comfortable Family Seating

Main Question: What Should I Know Before Buying a Sectional Sofa?

When people start shopping for a sectional, the most common question is simply: Where do I begin? 

The answer is to think about three things before anything else: the size of your room, how you plan to use the sectional, and what style fits your home. Getting these answers right helps narrow down the overwhelming choices and ensures you focus on sectionals that truly work for your lifestyle.

Nancy Boggis notes that most customers are surprised at how much the details matter. “Two sectionals may look similar on the surface, but once you sit down, you quickly notice differences in depth, height, and cushion support. That is why testing in-store and working with a consultant makes such a big difference.”

Assessing Your Space: How to Measure for a Sectional

Before you fall in love with a sectional in the showroom or online, the most important step is to make sure it will actually fit in your home. A sectional is larger and more complex than a standard sofa, so the way it interacts with your room’s layout, pathways, and existing furniture matters much more.

Room Evaluation

Start by thinking about how the sectional will function in your space. Is it for a family room where everyone gathers for movie nights, or a formal living room for entertaining guests? Will it sit in the middle of an open-concept space or be tucked against a wall?

Nancy Boggis, Sales Consultant at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, recommends walking through your space as if the sectional is already there. “Think about how people will move through the room. You want a sectional that invites people in, not one that blocks the natural flow of traffic.”

Accurate Measurements

Measuring properly is the difference between a sectional that fits perfectly and one that overwhelms your space.

 Begin by recording the overall length and width of your room, then sketch or tape out the footprint of the sectional on your floor. This simple step shows how much room the furniture will take up and whether it leaves enough space for side tables, walking paths, or a coffee table.

It is equally important to measure the path the sectional will take during delivery. Doorways, hallways, staircases, and elevators can all create obstacles, especially with larger or reclining pieces.

A good rule of thumb is to measure the narrowest point along the delivery route and confirm that each sectional piece can clear it comfortably.

To learn more about How to Measure Your Space, read this article.

Additonal Considerations

• Harmonize with Wall Colours: Make sure the sectional complements your paint or wallpaper for a cohesive look.
• Mind Windows and Doors: Place the sectional so it does not block natural light, pathways, or sightlines.
• Balance with Other Furniture: Think about how it interacts with your existing coffee tables, chairs, or rugs.
• Protect Your Floors: Use felt pads or area rugs to avoid scratches on hardwood or laminate surfaces.

If you are considering a larger redesign, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston also offer complimentary interior design services. Their design consultants can create a 3D plan of your room, showing exactly how different sectional layouts will look before you make a purchase.

To learn more about our services, take a look at this step-by-step guide.

Choosing Your Ideal Sectional Shape and Configuration

One of the biggest advantages of a sectional sofa is the ability to choose a shape and layout that works perfectly for your room. The right configuration not only determines how much seating you get, but also how the sectional interacts with your space, whether it’s a small condo living room or a large open basement.

To learn more about How to Arrange a Sectional in your Living Room, take a look at this article.

Popular Sectional Shapes

• L-Shaped Sectionals: One of the most common layouts, offering a classic sofa plus a chaise or extended seating arm. Perfect for small to medium spaces.
• U-Shaped Sectionals: Sometimes referred to as C-shaped, these wrap around a central table or ottoman, making them ideal for large families or open-concept living.
• Chaise Sectionals: A simple sofa paired with a chaise lounge, providing a spot for stretching out without taking up too much space.
• Curved Sectionals: A softer, rounded silhouette that works well for conversation-friendly spaces.
• Modular Sectionals: Built from individual pieces, you can reconfigure over time, giving you flexibility if you move or redesign your room.

Nancy often reminds customers to think ahead. “Your sectional doesn’t have to be permanent in one layout. Choosing a modular design gives you flexibility for future moves or lifestyle changes.”

Match the Layout to Your Household

Your household’s needs should guide the layout you choose. 

Families who gather for movie nights or casual lounging may benefit from an L-shaped sectional with a chaise, while large households or frequent entertainers might prefer a U-shaped design with ample seating. 

If you have children or pets, performance fabrics and durable cushions become essential for long-term comfort and maintenance. Guests are another factor to consider, as a sleeper sectional can easily turn your living room into an extra bedroom. 

Storage also plays a role. Some sectionals come with hidden compartments or storage chaises that help keep blankets, remotes, and games close at hand.

Matching Shape to Your Room

• Small Spaces: L-shaped or chaise sectionals make the most of limited square footage without overwhelming the room.
• Medium Spaces: L-shaped and smaller U-shaped sectionals provide plenty of seating while keeping the room open.
• Large Spaces: U-shaped, modular, and curved sectionals can anchor an open-concept area or a large basement.

Beyond width, La-Z-Boy also matches sectional comfort to your height:

• Petite: For individuals under 5’4”
• Medium: For those between 5’4” and 5’9”
• Large: For individuals between 5’10” and 6’2”
• Extra Tall: For anyone taller than 6’2”

Proper fit matters. Your feet should touch the floor, and your back should rest comfortably against the cushion without slouching. 

When in doubt, tape out the sectional footprint on the floor with painter’s tape. This simple step helps you visualize how the sectional will look and whether it leaves enough room for tables, walkways, and doors. To get a better idea, take a look at this article on How to Find the Right Fit for Your Sofa.

What is the Most Versatile Sectional Configuration?

A modular sectional is the most versatile option because it allows you to add or remove pieces as your needs change. It’s especially helpful for people who may move in the future or like to redesign their space often.

Style Preferences

Whether your taste leans toward traditional, contemporary, or modern, La-Z-Boy offers a variety of styles to complement your existing decor. Our extensive range ensures you'll find the perfect match for your home.

Our furniture is categorized into four main collections:

• Classics Revisited: This collection features elegant designs that pay homage to the past while remaining timeless.
• Modern Retreat: Characterized by sleek silhouettes and geometric prints, this collection offers a chic and sophisticated look.
• Family Favourites: Designed for functionality and style, this collection caters to family needs without compromising on aesthetics.
• Comfortably Casual: This collection creates inviting spaces that are both stylish and livable.

Each style is crafted to blend seamlessly into any decor. To explore more about our Furniture Styles at La-Z-Boy, and for examples, take a look at this article.

How to Customize Your Sectional

Customization is everything. After all, how can a furniture frame be truly personalized without some unique touches? Before we see what kind of customizable options there are for La-Z-Boy, there are many types of sectional sofas to choose from. 

Customizing Your Sectional Sofa with Modular Pieces

Sectional sofas provide unmatched flexibility and comfort, allowing you to tailor your seating to fit your space and lifestyle perfectly. At La-Z-Boy, we offer a wide array of modular sectional pieces, ensuring you can design a sectional that meets your specific needs.

Stationary Sectionals

Our stationary sectionals offer a classic, elegant look, perfect for any living room. They are designed to provide comfort and durability without the need for reclining mechanisms. Here are some of the modular pieces available for stationary sectionals:

Reclining Sectionals

For those who prioritize comfort and functionality, our reclining sectionals provide both. With the addition of power reclining mechanisms, these pieces offer ultimate relaxation:

Duo Collection

The Duo Collection offers the look of a standard sofa or chair with the added benefit of reclining, allowing you to save space while retaining style. Unlike other power recliners, these pieces resemble regular chairs and are designed exclusively with power reclining features.

To learn more about the Duo Collection, read this article.

Zero Gravity Reclining Sectionals

Zero gravity recliners are a newer addition to the La-Z-Boy lineup and are designed to recline into a fully horizontal position. This posture evenly distributes your weight, reducing spinal pressure and promoting circulation, which can lead to deeper relaxation. 

Models like the Armitage are part of this collection and come exclusively in power with features like adjustable headrests and USB charging. 

While these recliners do require more clearance behind the chair, they offer an advanced level of comfort ideal for those seeking both support and luxury.

Selecting the Right Upholstery

Now that we know what types of recliners there are, let’s see what custom options you can make for a La-Z-Boy recliner.

Fabric vs Leather

Your choice between fabric and leather will depend on comfort, appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. Leather offers a luxurious look and is easy to clean, while fabric provides more colour and pattern options.

At La-Z-Boy, we offer over 800 different kinds of upholstery options, with a fabric and leather grading system that affects pricing depending on which cover grade you choose. To learn more about our Fabric Upholstery or our Leather Selections, take a look at these articles.

If you’re still unsure about whether to choose fabric vs leather, learn more with this comparison article.

Specialized Covers (Available both in Fabric and Leather)

• Performance Fabrics: Durable and easy to clean, perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Like La-Z-Boy’s iClean, it is designed to repel spills and stains, providing peace of mind in busy households.
• Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Made from recycled materials, such as La-Z-Boy’s conserve™ Sustainable Fabrics, offering an environmentally friendly option.
• Antimicrobial Covers: Protect against mould, mildew, and bacteria, ensuring a healthier living environment.
• Pet-Friendly Fabrics: Designed to withstand scratches and wear from pets, making them durable and easy to clean.
• Energy Restoration: Restore by Nanobionic® features a mineral-based fabric coating that transforms natural body heat into energy using infrared technology.
• Bleach Cleanable: These comfortable and resilient fabrics can withstand diluted bleach products for the toughest stains.

Cushion Upgrade

For added comfort and support, you can opt for firmer cushions that conform to your body shape, making them especially beneficial for those with mobility issues.

Pillow Options (Stationary Frames)

Many stationary sectional pieces come with pillows that you can customize. Add an accent colour, contrasting welt, cording, or fringe for a personalized touch. If you prefer, you can also choose feather padding instead of the standard foam.

Sectional Sofa Bed Upgrade

Transform your stationary sectional into a sectional sofa bed, available in Full or Queen sizes. This allows you to easily convert your living room into a guest room. These sleeper sofas feature a 5.5” thick quilted innerspring mattress for supreme comfort. You can upgrade the mattress to a Slumber Air model for extra adjustability or a firmer mattress for a more solid sleeping surface.

To view more about our Sofa Bed Mattress Upgrade, read this article.

Power Upgrade with Adjustable Headrest and Lumbar Support

Upgrade your La-Z-Boy reclining sectional sofa to power for easy reclining with a control panel or wireless remote. Adjust the headrest from 0-55 degrees and control the lower lumbar support to match your spine's curvature. Enjoy added convenience with built-in USB ports and memory settings for your favourite positions. All power upgrades can be cordless, thanks to our rechargeable battery pack. 

If you need help with learning about the controls, check out La-Z-Boy Power Furniture: How to Use the Control Panel & Remote. 

To learn more about the headrest & lumbar upgrade, check out the Review of La-Z-Boy Power Recliners with the Headrest & Lumbar Feature.

Understanding Sectional Costs

Factors Influencing Cost

The price of a sectional can vary widely based on the quality of materials used, the level of configuration, and any additional features you choose. 

Higher-end sectionals often come with advanced features such as power reclining mechanisms, premium upholstery, and enhanced support structures, which can significantly increase the overall cost. Additionally, the craftsmanship involved in producing a high-quality sectional can also justify a higher price point, ensuring longevity and durability.

Comparison with Other Brands

La-Z-Boy sectionals typically start around $3,000, positioning them in the mid to high-end market. This also doesn't take into consideration any sales prices that may be ongoing.

This price reflects the brand's commitment to quality and customization options. For those with tighter budgets, big-box stores offer more affordable alternatives, although these may lack the durability, customization options, and advanced features found in La-Z-Boy models. 

It’s essential to weigh the long-term benefits and potential cost savings of investing in a high-quality sectional against the initial higher expenditure. To learn more about the Quality of Furniture at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Furniture Fianncing at La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy partners with Flexiti Financing to make sofas more affordable. Customers can take advantage of 0% interest for up to 36 months with equal monthly payments, plus quick approval and reusable credit for future purchases. This makes it easier to upgrade to premium fabrics or power features without feeling limited by upfront cost.

Nancy often sees this option help families: “Financing takes the pressure off. People can choose the sofa they love and spread the cost out over time.”

To learn more about What to Expect with Furniture Financing at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Delivery and Pick-Up Options

Once you’ve chosen the right sectional, the next step is deciding how to bring it home. Sectionals are larger and heavier than standard sofas, so delivery logistics are especially important. La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston offer both white glove delivery services and local warehouse pick-up, giving you flexibility based on your budget and comfort level.

White Glove Delivery

For most customers, professional delivery is the best choice. White glove service is available for $129.99 within Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, with out-of-town delivery available for $169.99. The delivery team does more than drop off your sectional: they bring it into your home, place it in the room of your choice, and assemble it if needed.

Additional services are also available. For $25 per furniture piece, the team can move existing furniture within your home or bring it to the curb. If you want old furniture removed completely, disposal is available for $50 per seat, with items taken to a local landfill.

Nancy Boggis, Sales Consultant at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, often encourages customers to choose delivery for peace of mind. “A sectional isn’t something you want to wrestle with on your own. Our team makes sure it gets into your home safely and set up correctly so you can enjoy it right away.”

Pick-Up Options

If you’d prefer to save on delivery costs, you can pick up your sectional from La-Z-Boy’s warehouses at Cyrville in Ottawa or Kingston. Many sectional pieces are designed to come apart for easier transport, but you’ll need a vehicle large enough to handle the load, proper tie-downs, and protective padding. While staff will help load your sectional at the warehouse, safe transport and unloading at home are your responsibility.

Which Option is Right For You?

Pick-up is the more affordable option, but it requires preparation and physical effort. Delivery, on the other hand, offers convenience and reduces the risk of damaging your new furniture or your home during the move. For most households, the small extra cost of white glove service is worth the assurance that everything will be handled properly.

To learn more about our delivery services, read this article.

Sectional Purchasing Checklist

Remember, buying a high-quality, comfortable, and stylish sectional is only half the battle. To begin shopping for that perfect sectional, you must first evaluate various sofa brands and retailers. The furniture company that you do business with is responsible not only for the product itself but also for the successful delivery and installation of your new sectional.

Moreover, the furniture company you decide to do business with may or may not offer supplementary services such as design and post-purchase support that will ultimately impact your overall experience.

Key Considerations

Helping You Find the Perfect Furniture for 25 Years

For over 25 years, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston have been proudly Canadian-owned and operated, helping over 200,000 families find the perfect furniture for their homes. Our experienced sales consultants are ready to guide you through the purchasing process, ensuring you choose a recliner, sofa, or sectional that meets all your needs.

We are deeply committed to our local communities, and if you're interested in learning more about our Community Involvement or the story behind La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, visit our About Us page.

What to Expect When You Visit

Upon entering our showroom, one of our sales consultants will welcome you and start by asking a few key questions: “Are you looking for fabric or leather?” or “What style of furniture suits your home?” If you're unsure, that’s okay! Our team will guide you through the selection process, considering factors like comfort, design, and even your height to ensure the perfect fit.

After trying out a few options, you’ll start to recognize the details that matter most. Whether it's the firmness of a cushion, the stitching on a recliner, or the overall design. If you're torn between multiple options or looking for accessories to complete your space, our sales consultants can collaborate with our interior designers to bring your vision to life. 

Learn more about our complimentary design services here.

What's Next?

You now have all the knowledge necessary to make a more informed decision when shopping for a La-Z-Boy sectional. Now, it is up to you to decide whether La-Z-Boy is right for you.

If you’d like to browse our furniture selection in person, visit one of our La-Z Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston stores today or schedule a visit online before coming in. 

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Not only are they trained in knowing the large variety of furniture offered at La-Z-Boy, but they are also experts in furniture fitting and design.

You can also take advantage of our complimentary interior design services to see how our living room furniture could fit in your home. To see our Best-Selling Sectionals, take a look at this article.

Related Articles:

How to Separate Your Sectional For Moving 

Cuddler vs Chaise: Which Sectional Piece is Right For You?

Top La-Z-Boy Sectionals for Small Spaces