The Ultimate Sofa’s Buyers Guide: How to Find the Perfect La-Z-Boy Sofa

Main Question: How Do I Choose the Right La-Z-Boy Sofa?

Choosing the right sofa is one of the most important furniture decisions you can make for your home. A sofa is more than seating; it sets the tone for your living room, provides comfort for everyday use, and creates a welcoming space for family and guests. With so many options in size, style, and features, the process can feel overwhelming at first.

The best place to begin is with the basics: the size of your room, how you plan to use the sofa, and the comfort features that matter most to you. From there, you can narrow down choices in upholstery, frame type, and design until you find a piece that feels like it was made for your space and lifestyle.

With guidance from La-Z-Boy’s experienced consultants, choosing a sofa becomes less about guessing and more about creating a piece that truly feels at home.

Assessing Your Space: How to Measure For a Sofa

Choosing a sofa is one of the most important furniture decisions you can make for your home. Unlike accent chairs or coffee tables, a sofa is a major investment that influences the entire look and function of a room. It is also a piece of furniture that will likely stay with you for years, which is why comfort, size, and durability all matter as much as style.

According to Lisa, the decision often comes down to three questions: “Where will the sofa go, who will be using it, and how do you want it to feel when you sit down?” With those answers in mind, the process of finding the perfect sofa becomes much easier.

Evaluate Your Space

Before purchasing a sofa, it is crucial to measure your space to ensure it fits seamlessly into the room. This step may seem obvious, but many homeowners fall in love with a piece in the showroom only to discover later that it is too big or awkward for their home.

Room Assessment

Start by considering the dimensions and layout of the room where your sofa will live. Is it a family room for gatherings or a formal living room for entertaining? Placement matters: a sofa in front of a fireplace or window can affect the flow of natural light, while one tucked against a wall might make a small space feel even smaller.

Lisa recommends picturing how the sofa will interact with daily life: “Think about where the traffic flow is in your room. You want your sofa to invite people in, not block the way.”

Accurate Measurements

Always take detailed measurements of both the room and the path to get there. Bring a sketch, photos, or even a floor plan with you to the store. This allows your sales consultant to quickly narrow down which models will fit.

Do not forget to measure doorways, hallways, staircases, and elevators if you live in a condo. Even a standard-sized sofa can be tricky to maneuver through tight turns. Delivery teams can work wonders, but it helps to know in advance what is possible.

Lisa explains, “If you have pets or kids, the fabric choice becomes just as important as the frame. You want something that not only looks good but can hold up to everyday life.”

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

Additional Factors

• Home Décor: What is the style of the room? Traditional, modern, or somewhere in between? Your sofa should harmonize with the overall look, whether it blends in or becomes the centrepiece.
• Wall Colour: Consider how upholstery choices will play against your wall colour. Bringing in a paint sample can help match or contrast fabrics effectively.
• Flooring: Hardwood, tile, and carpet can all influence the look and practicality of your sofa. Add felt pads to protect hardwood or laminate floors from scratches.
• Existing Pieces: Think about the furniture that will remain in the room. Will it coordinate with your new sofa, or will you eventually replace other pieces, too?
• Furniture Placement: Take note of doors, windows, and radiators. A sofa blocking a doorway or cutting off natural light may not be ideal, even if it technically fits.

If you are planning a bigger redesign, consider using La-Z-Boy’s complimentary interior design services. Designers can create a 3D plan of your room and show you how different sofa options will look, taking the guesswork out of your decision.

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

Personal and Household Needs

The right sofa is the one that works for your lifestyle. Ask yourself: Who will use this sofa most often? How will it be used day to day?

• Families with kids or pets: Look for performance fabrics, stain-resistant options, or leather that is easy to clean.
• Frequent entertainers: Sleeper sofas or sectionals with ample seating are practical choices.
• Couples or singles: Comfort and scale may take priority, especially if the sofa is used mainly for lounging.

Lisa explains, “If you have pets or kids, the fabric choice becomes just as important as the frame. You want something that not only looks good but can hold up to everyday life.”

Sofa Sizes

La-Z-Boy offers sofas in several size categories, making it easier to find one that works for your home and body type:

• Apartment Sofas: Perfect for small living spaces or as secondary seating, usually around 67–70 inches wide.
• Standard Sofas: Ideal for medium-sized living rooms, typically around 80–82 inches in length.
• Extra Long Sofas: Designed for large rooms, offering plenty of seating with lengths up to 92 inches.

In addition to length, La-Z-Boy categorizes sofas by height recommendations:

• Petite: Best for individuals 5’4” and under
• Medium: Fits those between 5’4” and 5’9”
• Large: Designed for heights between 5’10” and 6’2”
• Extra Tall: For individuals over 6’2”

Testing in-store is always best. Sitting down lets you feel whether the depth, cushion, and back height support your posture properly. To get a better idea, take a look at this article on How to Find the Right Fit for Your Sofa.

Style Preferences

Once you know what size works for your space, style becomes the next deciding factor. La-Z-Boy organizes its collections into four broad categories:

• Classics Revisited: Timeless pieces inspired by traditional elegance.
• Modern Retreat: Clean silhouettes and bold geometric accents for a chic, modern vibe.
• Family Favourites: Functional designs built for active households without sacrificing style.
• Comfortably Casual: Relaxed looks that feel inviting and lived-in.

While each style has unique touches, Lisa reminds customers that most La-Z-Boy pieces are versatile. “People are often surprised by how easily one style can blend into different homes. The right fabric or leather can completely transform the look.”

To learn more about our Furniture Styles at La-Z-Boy and for examples, take a look at this article.

Final Thoughts On Choosing a Sofa

Choosing the right sofa is about balancing size, comfort, and design. Start with measurements, think about lifestyle needs, and then narrow down fabrics and finishes that make the sofa your own. By combining practical planning with expert advice, you can be confident that your new sofa will feel at home in your space.

Lisa sums it up simply: “A sofa is more than a place to sit. It becomes part of your home’s story. When it’s the right one, you’ll notice how it makes the whole room come together.”

Personalizing Your Sofa

One of the advantages of shopping at La-Z-Boy is that your sofa is not just something you pick off the floor. Almost every model can be personalized to reflect your taste, your household needs, and your budget. From frame type to fabric and even cushion fill, customization ensures your sofa feels like it was designed just for you.

According to Lisa, customization is where many customers get excited. “When people realize they can choose the fabric, the pillows, the cushion firmness, and even add power features, that’s when the sofa really starts to feel like theirs,” she explains.

Types of Sofas

Extra Long Sofas

Extra long sofas are just like regular sofas, but are longer in width, giving more seating options. They are ideal for larger rooms and can accommodate more people.

Sleeper Sofas

Sleeper sofas are perfect for those who need a multifunctional piece of furniture. These sofas easily convert into a bed, providing a comfortable sleeping option for guests. Whether you’re looking for a twin, a full or a queen sleeper size, La-Z-Boy has it! Remember to measure both the regular sofa and the pull-out sofa to avoid a cramped living space.

To learn more about our Top-Selling Sofa Beds at La-Z-Boy, read this article.

Reclining Sofas

Reclining sofas offer the ultimate in relaxation, making them perfect for movie nights or simply unwinding after a long day. Simply pull on the latch on either side and recline with ease. If you’re in a small space but still want a reclining sofa in your room, La-Z-Boy also has wall reclining sofas. These reclining sofas can recline mere inches away from a wall, for that spacing-saving design.

To see some Top Reclining Sofas at La-Z-Boy, read this article.

Apartment-Sized Sofas

Apartment-sized sofas are designed to fit smaller spaces without sacrificing style or comfort. These compact sofas are ideal for apartments, studios, or any room with limited space, offering the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

To see some La-Z-Boy Sofas for Small Spaces, read this article.

Leather Sofas

Leather sofas add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any room. They are durable, easy to clean, and become more comfortable over time. Leather sofas are perfect for those looking for a timeless, stylish piece that also offers longevity and ease of maintenance.

To learn more about our Top Leather Sofas at La-Z-Boy, read this article.

Duo Collection

The Duo Collection combines the appearance of a standard sofa or chair with the ability to recline, saving space and maintaining style. These products are different from other power recliners because they look like regular chairs, and they are exclusively made with power. 

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

Zero Gravity Reclining Sofas

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 Acadia, Quinault, and Armitage are all 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.

What Upholstery is Right For Me?

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

Fabric vs. Leather

Your choice between fabric and leather will depend on several factors, including comfort, appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. Leather offers a distinctive look and is easier to clean, while fabric provides a broader range of colours and patterns. 

Lisa often guides customers through this choice by asking about their lifestyle: “If you have pets, kids, or a busy household, performance fabric or leather can be a game-changer. If style variety is your top priority, fabric gives you far more 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 in fabric & 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 an additional cost, upgrade to firmer cushions that conform to your unique shape, enhancing comfort and ease of use, especially for those with mobility issues.

Pillow Options (Stationary Frames)

Stationary sofas come with pillows, which means you can customize those as well. You can accessorize your pillows by adding an accent colour to them, as well as contrasting welt, cording or fringe. 

If you want to get specific, you can also request feather padding for your pillows instead of the usual foam padding.

Sofa Bed Upgrade

Stationary sofas can come as a sofa bed. Customers have the option to choose between the Twin Sleep Chair, the Full Sleep Sofa or the Queen Sleep Sofa. 

With either of these options, you can easily turn your living room into a sleepable guest room.

Along with the unique features of the original sofa, full and queen sleepers offer overnight guests a full/queen-size supreme comfort quilted innerspring mattress that measures 5.5” thick.

The sleeper mattresses can be upgraded to include either a Slumber Air mattress, which is an inflatable air mattress for extra adjustability, or a firmer mattress that provides a more solid sleeping surface, similar to the firm cushion upgrade.

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

Power Upgrade with Adjustable Headrest & Lumbar Support

Upgrade your La-Z-Boy reclining 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.

How Much Does a Sofa Cost?

One of the most common questions shoppers ask is: “How much should I expect to spend on a sofa?” The answer depends on several factors, including the type of sofa, customization options, and the materials used.

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Kingston, and Gatineau, most sofas start around $2,000. This places them in the mid-to-higher end of the market, reflecting the quality of construction, customization, and long-term durability. While big-box stores may advertise cheaper prices, they often use lower-grade materials that wear out faster, meaning you may end up replacing the sofa sooner.

As Lisa Kemp, Sales Consultant at La-Z-Boy Kanata, explains, “The biggest difference in cost comes from what’s inside the sofa. Hardwood frames, top-grain leather, and performance fabrics all add to the price, but they also mean your sofa will last for years instead of just a few seasons.”

To learn more about the Cost of a Sofa, take a look at this article.

Factors that Influence Cost

Several elements affect the final price of a sofa:

• Materials: Solid hardwood frames, high-resiliency foam cushions, and top-grain leather all raise the price but offer superior comfort and longevity.
• Customization: Premium fabrics, leather upgrades, power features, and cushion upgrades add to the overall cost.
• Design Complexity: Sofas with advanced mechanisms like zero gravity reclining or sleeper mattresses are priced higher due to engineering and labour.
• Size: Larger sectionals or extra-long sofas use more materials and labour, increasing the price compared to standard or apartment-sized models.

La-Z-Boy also uses Premier Construction for all of our stationary and Duo collections. To learn more about Premier Construction, read this article.

Comparing La-Z-Boy to Other Brands

La-Z-Boy sofas typically start at $2,000 and up, while many big-box retailers advertise sofas under $1,000. The difference is usually in the construction: La-Z-Boy uses hardwood frames, reinforced joints, and high-resiliency cushions, compared to particleboard and low-density foam found in cheaper models. This means a La-Z-Boy sofa can last a decade or longer, while bargain options may need replacing in just a few years.

Lisa explains, “It’s easy to get caught up in a low price tag, but when you sit on a sofa every day, the difference in comfort and support becomes obvious within the first year.”

To see more about La-Z-Boy Furniture Compared to Other Furniture Brands, take a look at this article.

Sofa Financing Options

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.

Lisa 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.

Why Invest in a Quality Sofa?

A sofa is the centrepiece of most living rooms and one of the most-used items in a home. While cheaper models may save money upfront, they often sag, wear, or break within a few years. Investing in a higher-quality sofa provides better comfort, longer durability, and fewer replacement costs down the road.

As Lisa puts it, “Customers are always happier when they invest in the sofa they love, not just the sofa that’s on sale. A quality sofa becomes part of your home’s story for years.”

To learn more about the Quality of La-Z-Boy Furniture, take a look at this article.

Delivery or Pick-Up Options

Once you have chosen your new sofa, the next step is deciding how to get it home. At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Kingston, and Gatineau, customers can either pick up their purchase from our warehouse locations or opt for professional white glove delivery.

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

White Glove Delivery

For most customers, delivery is the easiest option. La-Z-Boy offers white glove delivery for $129.99 within Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston. Out-of-town deliveries are available for $169.99.

Our delivery team does more than drop off your furniture. They bring it inside, assemble it if needed, and place it in the room of your choice. For an additional $25 per furniture piece, they can move existing furniture to another room or out to the curb. If you would like old furniture disposed of, removal services are available for $50 per seat, which ensures items are properly taken to a local landfill.

As Lisa Kemp points out, “Delivery takes the stress off customers. You don’t have to worry about scratching walls, figuring out how to assemble the sofa, or moving heavy pieces around. Our team handles everything for you.”

Pick-Up Options

If you prefer to save on delivery costs, you can arrange to pick up your sofa from our warehouse at either our Cyrville or Kingston locations. Some models, such as sectionals and recliners, can be disassembled for easier transport.

Before picking up, make sure you have the right size vehicle, proper tie-downs, and protective padding. Our staff will help load your furniture, but safe transportation to your home is your responsibility.

Which Option is Right For You?

If you have the right equipment and are comfortable moving large furniture, pick-up is the more affordable choice. However, if you want the peace of mind of having everything handled from start to finish, delivery is well worth the cost.

Lisa often recommends delivery for larger purchases: “A sofa isn’t something you want to wrestle with on your own. Having professionals bring it in and set it up is the best way to start enjoying it right away.”

Sofa Shopping Checklist

Now that you know everything you need to purchase a La-Z-Boy sofa, here are some additional things to consider beforehand:

Must-Haves

When shopping for a quality sofa, it’s essential to consider several key factors:

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 sofa. 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 and 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 Sofas, take a look at this article.

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