La-Z-Boy's Biggest Competitor: Top Sofa Brands Battling the Iconic Recliner

Oct, 16 2025

When you think of recliners, La-Z-Boy is a U.S. furniture maker known for its reclining sofas and chairs, founded in 1927 instantly comes to mind. But the furniture world is crowded, and a few brands are closing the gap fast. If you’ve ever wondered who’s giving La‑Z‑Boy a run for its money, you’re not alone - retailers, designers, and shoppers all keep a close eye on the rivalry.

What the sofa market looks like in 2025

According to a 2024 Statista report, the U.S. upholstered furniture market was worth roughly $21billion, with sofas accounting for about 55% of sales. La‑Z‑Boy still holds the largest single‑brand share at around 12%, but the next‑largest players are closing the gap, especially in the mid‑range and premium segments.

Three forces are reshaping the arena:

• Consumer demand for versatile, space‑saving designs. Urban apartments are driving sales of modular and low‑profile sofas.
• Growth of online‑first retailers that can undercut traditional showroom pricing.
• Increasing emphasis on sustainability - brands that tout recycled fabrics and responsibly sourced wood are winning over eco‑conscious buyers.

How we determined the biggest competitor

We looked at four concrete metrics:

1. Annual U.S. sofa revenue (2023‑2024 financial statements).
2. Store footprint - both brick‑and‑mortar locations and online presence.
3. Brand awareness measured by recent Nielsen surveys.
4. Product overlap - how many recliner‑style or power‑adjusted sofas each brand offers.

The brand that consistently scored high across all four categories emerged as La‑Z‑Boy’s toughest rival.

Meet the top contenders

Below is a quick snapshot of the seven brands that regularly appear at the top of the list.

Ashley Furniture is a large U.S. retailer offering a wide range of affordable sofas, with over 800 stores nationwide. Its 2024 revenue hit $6.2billion, and the company’s "Living Room Collections" line includes a growing number of power‑reclining options.

IKEA is a Swedish multinational that dominates the flat‑pack furniture segment, operating 60 U.S. stores and a massive e‑commerce platform. While best known for budget pieces, its recent "Söderhamn" and "Smycka" collections feature recliner mechanisms and custom‑leg options.

Natuzzi is a Italian luxury brand that emphasizes handcrafted leather sofas and premium upholstery. In 2024 it captured roughly 3% of the U.S. premium sofa market and launched a line of motorized recliners aimed at high‑end buyers.

Restoration Hardware is a high‑end American home‑goods retailer known for its industrial‑style sofas and extensive showroom experience. Its "Recliner Sectionals" have become a favorite among design‑savvy customers willing to spend $3,000‑$7,000 per piece.

Room & Board is a mid‑tier American brand that blends modern design with solid‑wood construction, operating 100+ stores across the U.S. Its 2024 catalog featured a "Flex‑Fit" recliner series that rivals La‑Z‑Boy’s classic comfort.

Ethan Allen is a heritage furniture maker focusing on custom‑order sofas, with a strong presence in upscale suburban markets. Its "Signature Recliner" line offers hand‑stitched leather options and a 20‑year warranty.

Coaster Furniture is a budget‑friendly brand owned by the larger La-Z-Boy family, specializing in ready‑to‑assemble sofas that often include basic recline mechanisms. Though owned by the same parent company, Coaster competes directly in the low‑cost segment.

Comparison table - Who moves the needle?

The data makes it clear: Ashley Furniture tops the list in pure revenue and store count, making it La‑Z‑Boy’s most direct competitor in the mass‑market segment. IKEA challenges on price and design, while Natuzzi and Restoration Hardware fight for the premium niche.

Deep dive: Why Ashley Furniture is the biggest threat

Ashley’s strength lies in scale. Its 2024 financials show a 9% year‑over‑year growth, driven by aggressive online advertising and a robust supply chain that keeps costs low. The brand’s "Living Room Collections" now include a motorized recliner line that directly mirrors La‑Z‑Boy’s flagship products, but at an average price 15% lower.

Customers also love Ashley’s flexible financing - a 0% APR for 12months on select sofas - which nudges price‑sensitive buyers away from La‑Z‑Boy’s higher‑priced models. In a recent Nielsen brand‑recall survey, 42% of respondents mentioned Ashley when asked about "affordable recliners," compared to 38% for La‑Z‑Boy.

However, Ashley lags in durability perception. Warranty claims data from Consumer Reports 2024 rank La‑Z‑Boy’s mechanisms as the most reliable, while Ashley’s manual levers receive an average 3.2‑star rating (out of 5). This durability edge keeps La‑Z‑Boy relevant for long‑term buyers, especially families with kids.

Other serious players

IKEA brings a different game. Its flat‑pack recliner modules are easy to ship and assemble, appealing to renters who move often. The brand’s 2024 sustainability report claims 60% of its wood comes from certified forests - a selling point for eco‑focused shoppers. Yet IKEA’s recliners lack the plush cushioning La‑Z‑Boy is famous for, meaning they attract a distinct audience.

Natuzzi captures the luxury segment with handcrafted leather and motorized controls that feel smoother than most mass‑market options. The brand’s showroom experience emphasizes craftsmanship, drawing in design‑savvy buyers willing to invest $5,000+ for a single piece.

Restoration Hardware is the go‑to for high‑end, industrial‑style recliners. Their "Power Recline Suite" commands premium pricing but also offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, creating a niche where La‑Z‑Boy’s traditional designs rarely compete.

Room & Board hits the sweet spot between style and price. Their "Flex‑Fit" series offers modular chaise‑recliners that can be reconfigured - a feature La‑Z‑Boy has started to explore but hasn’t rolled out widely yet.

Ethan Allen leverages a custom‑order model. Their recliners are built to order, allowing customers to choose fabrics, leg finishes, and recline mechanisms. The personalized approach appeals to affluent homeowners, but the longer lead time (8‑12 weeks) limits market share.

Coaster Furniture is an interesting case because it’s owned by La‑Z‑Boy’s parent company, but it competes head‑to‑head in the budget space. Coaster’s "Classic Recline" line often undercuts La‑Z‑Boy’s entry‑level models by 20%.

What this rivalry means for shoppers

If you’re hunting for a recliner sofa, the competition gives you more choices than ever. Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:

• Best value - Ashley Furniture’s manual recliners offer solid comfort at a lower price.
• Best for small spaces - IKEA’s flat‑pack modules fit tight apartments and are easy to move.
• Best luxury experience - Natuzzi’s motorized leather sofas deliver premium feel and durability.
• Best design flexibility - Room & Board’s modular recliners let you change layout without buying a new sofa.
• Best warranty - La‑Z‑Boy still tops the market with a 10‑year limited warranty on mechanisms.

Remember, price is only one piece of the puzzle. Test the recline mechanism, check fabric durability, and read the warranty fine print before you decide.

Future trends - who might dethrone La‑Z‑Boy?

Three trends could shift the balance in the next five years:

1. Smart‑recline technology. Brands that integrate voice control, Bluetooth speakers, and health‑monitoring sensors could capture tech‑savvy buyers. La‑Z‑Boy has a pilot program, but competitors like IKEA are already experimenting with IoT‑enabled furniture.
2. Direct‑to‑consumer (DTC) models. Companies bypassing traditional showrooms can offer lower prices and faster shipping. A few start‑ups are launching subscription‑based sofa leasing - a model that could erode traditional sales.
3. Eco‑certifications. As more consumers demand carbon‑neutral products, brands with transparent supply chains (e.g., IKEA, Natuzzi) will gain a marketing edge.

Keep an eye on these developments - they’ll decide whether La‑Z‑Boy remains the market leader or becomes just another option among many.