Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying La-Z-Boy Furniture

Est. Reading Time: 8 Mins

Shopping for living room furniture can feel exciting, but it can also get overwhelming fast.

Between choosing the right sofa size, comparing sectionals and recliners, picking fabrics, measuring your room, and staying within budget, there are many decisions to make before you bring anything home.

The good news is that buying living room furniture becomes much easier when you know what to look for.

Michelle MacLellan, interior designer at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, often reminds clients that the living room is more than just another room in the house. “The living room is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather, relax, and create memories. When you choose furniture, you’re not just filling space. You’re shaping how your household lives day-to-day.”

This living room furniture buying guide will walk you through what to know before you shop, including what furniture to buy first, how much to budget, how to choose between a sofa and sectional, what makes quality furniture different, and when interior design services can help.

Whether you live in Ottawa, Gatineau, Kingston, or the surrounding area, this guide will help you make a more confident furniture decision.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with the furniture you use most, especially your sofa, sectional, or recliner.
• Measure your room, doorways, hallways, and staircases before buying.
• Choose living room furniture based on lifestyle, comfort, and long-term value.
• Quality furniture often costs more upfront but can last longer and feel better over time.
• Sofas, sectionals, recliners, loveseats, and accent chairs each serve different purposes.
• Free interior design services can help you avoid costly layout and sizing mistakes.
• Homes in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston each have different furnishing needs.

In This Article...

• Looking for Furniture Advice Specific to Your City?
• What Furniture Should You Buy First?
• How Much Should You Spend on Living Room Furniture?
• How Do You Choose the Right Living Room Furniture?
• Sofa vs Sectional: Which Is Right for You?
• What Makes Quality Furniture Different?
• What Living Room Furniture Styles Are Available?
• How Do You Choose the Right Recliner?
• Do You Need Interior Design Services?
• Delivery or Pick-Up: What Should You Know?
• What Is It Like Shopping at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for Furniture Advice Specific to Your City?

Every home is different, but location matters too.

A downtown Ottawa condo does not have the same furniture needs as a historic Kingston home or a modern Gatineau townhome. Room size, layout, storage, natural light, and lifestyle all affect what furniture will work best.

If you are looking for city-specific advice, these local furniture guides can help.

Furnishing a Home in Ottawa

Ottawa homes range from downtown condos to suburban townhomes and large family homes in areas like Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Riverside South, and Stittsville.

Read our Ottawa furniture guide to learn how to choose furniture for condos, townhomes, open-concept layouts, and family living rooms.

To learn more about How to Furnish a Home in Ottawa, take a look at this article.

Furnishing a Home in Kingston

Kingston has a unique mix of historic homes, waterfront properties, condos, and newer suburban homes.

Read our Kingston furniture guide to learn how to furnish older homes, modern spaces, and rooms with unique architectural character.

To learn more about How to Furnish a Home in Kingston, take a look at this article.

Furnishing a Home in Gatineau

Gatineau homes often feature open-concept layouts, modern family spaces, and contemporary design preferences.

Read our Gatineau furniture guide to learn how to furnish condos, townhomes, and family homes with comfort and functionality in mind.

To learn more about How to Furnish a Home in Gatineau, take a look at this article.

What Furniture Should You Buy First?

When furnishing a living room, start with the pieces you use every day.

For most people, that means the sofa, sectional, recliner, or primary seating. These pieces anchor the room and influence almost every other decision, from rug size to table placement to accent chairs.

Start With Your Sofa or Sectional

Your sofa or sectional is usually the largest piece in the living room, and it sets the scale for the entire space.

Before choosing one, think about how your household uses the room.

Do you watch movies together? Host guests? Read quietly? Need space for kids or pets? Prefer upright support or deep lounging comfort?

A busy family room may need a durable sectional with stain-resistant fabric. A condo living room may work better with a compact sofa or loveseat. A formal living room may need a sofa-and-accent-chair combination instead of oversized seating.

Michelle regularly encourages homeowners to consider more than appearance when making this decision. “A furniture item like a sofa can be a design choice, but it’ll also be the spot where you’ll spend the most time in your space.”

Consider How You Use the Room

Before shopping, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• How many people use the room daily?
• Do you entertain often?
• Do you have children or pets?
• Is the room used primarily for relaxing, socializing, or watching television?
• Do you prefer sitting upright or lounging comfortably?

Your answers will often point you toward the right furniture category long before you begin comparing fabrics or colours.

For example, a growing family may benefit from a spacious sectional with performance fabric, while a condo owner may find that a compact sofa and accent chair create a better balance between comfort and available floor space.

Once your primary seating is chosen, the rest of the room becomes significantly easier to plan. For more ideas on How to Arrange Your Living Room, take a look at this article.

How Much Should You Spend on Living Room Furniture?

The cost of living room furniture depends on size, materials, construction, customization, and delivery.

If you're furnishing a temporary apartment, your priorities may be very different from someone furnishing their forever home. Likewise, a household with children, pets, and daily use will typically place a higher value on durability than someone furnishing a formal sitting room.

Rather than thinking of furniture as a short-term purchase, consider it a long-term investment in comfort.

Michelle often encourages clients to focus on value rather than price alone: "The cheapest option isn't always the least expensive in the long run. If a piece needs replacing after a few years, you've often spent more than if you had invested in quality from the beginning."

La-Z-Boy furniture is often more expensive than mass-market alternatives, but the difference usually comes down to construction, comfort, customization, warranty coverage, and service.

If you plan to use your furniture daily for years, it may be worth investing more in the pieces that most affect your comfort.

To learn more about How to Furnish a Living Room on a Budget, take a look at this article.

How Do You Choose the Right Living Room Furniture?

Choosing furniture is easier when you start with the room itself rather than the furniture.

Many homeowners begin by browsing online or visiting showrooms before fully understanding their space. While it can be fun to explore styles, successful furniture shopping usually starts with planning.

Measure Before You Shop

Before choosing furniture, measure your room and any delivery access points, including doorways, hallways, staircases, and elevators.

Measurements help ensure furniture fits both your home and your space. A sofa that looks proportional in a showroom can easily overwhelm a smaller room.

The goal is to create a room that feels comfortable, balanced, and easy to move through.

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

Think About How You Live

Michelle often starts by asking clients how they actually use their space.

“I ask clients how they actually live in their space. Do they entertain often? Do they want everyone to have a spot to lounge? Or do they prefer a cleaner, more classic look? Their answers usually point us directly toward the right furniture.”

A family with children may need performance fabrics and deeper seating. A retired couple may care more about recliner fit and support. A condo owner may need compact furniture that does not overwhelm the room.

Good furniture should support your real lifestyle, not just your preferred design style.

Balance Comfort and Style

Great furniture should look good and feel good.

When testing furniture, pay attention to support, seat depth, and overall comfort. Since comfort is highly personal, it's important to sit in multiple pieces before making a decision.

"Photos can tell you how a sofa looks,” says Michelle, “Only sitting in it can tell you whether it's the right fit for you."

The best furniture balances both comfort and style.

Sofa vs Sectional: Which Is Right for You?

One of the biggest living room furniture decisions is whether to choose a sofa or a sectional.

Both can work beautifully, but they serve different needs. For a more in-depth comparison, take a look at our article, Sofa vs. Sectional.

When to Choose a Sofa

A sofa remains one of the most versatile pieces of furniture available.

It works well in traditional living rooms, smaller spaces, condos, apartments, and homes where flexibility is important.

Because sofas can easily be paired with accent chairs, recliners, or loveseats, they allow homeowners to adjust their layout over time without replacing an entire seating arrangement.

Many homeowners also appreciate that sofas are generally easier to move and adapt to future homes.

When to Choose a Sectional

A sectional is ideal for families and open-concept spaces.

Sectionals provide generous seating and help define the living room area in homes where the kitchen, dining room, and living room flow together.

They can be built in different configurations, including L-shaped, U-shaped, chaise, reclining, or modular layouts.

Michelle often recommends sectionals for families. “Sectionals are ideal for homes where everyone wants to gather in one spot. They help define a space and create a cozy, connected atmosphere.”

What Makes Quality Living Room Furniture Different?

Quality furniture is not only about how something looks on the showroom floor.

It is about how it performs after years of daily use.

Michelle explains why quality matters most. “Furniture is something you use every single day. It should hold its shape, feel supportive, and give you comfort year after year. That’s what separates quality furniture from the rest.”

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

Frame Construction

  The frame serves as the foundation of upholstered furniture.

A well-built frame helps furniture maintain its structure, support weight consistently, and withstand years of regular use.

At La-Z-Boy, frames are constructed using kiln-dried hardwood. The drying process removes excess moisture from the wood, helping reduce the risk of warping, splitting, or cracking over time.

While most customers never see the frame hidden beneath the upholstery, it plays a significant role in how furniture performs over the long term.

A beautiful sofa is only as good as the structure supporting it. To learn more about La-Z-Boy Wood Quality, read this article.

Cushion Support

Comfort starts with the cushions.

While lower-quality cushions may feel soft at first, they can lose support over time, leading to sagging and reduced comfort.

La-Z-Boy's ComfortCore® cushions use multiple foam layers to balance softness and support while helping maintain their shape for years.

As Michelle explains, "Most people focus on fabric colour or style first, but the cushions are what you'll experience every single day. They're one of the biggest factors in long-term comfort."

La-Z-Boy stationary frames are built with Premier Construction, which you can learn more about in this article.

Spring Systems and Support

The spring system underneath your cushions helps distribute weight evenly and contributes to the overall feel of the furniture.

Without proper support, even high-quality cushions can begin to lose their effectiveness over time.

A strong spring system helps maintain comfort, improve durability, and reduce uneven wear throughout the furniture's life.

It's one of those features that homeowners rarely think about when shopping, yet it's one of the reasons quality furniture tends to perform better over the years.

Fabric and Leather Quality

Upholstery matters, especially in busy households.

Families with kids, pets, or frequent guests may benefit from performance fabrics that resist stains and everyday wear. Leather can be a strong option for those who want a classic look and long-lasting surface, though it requires proper care.

La-Z-Boy offers hundreds of fabric and leather options, allowing customers to choose upholstery based on style, durability, texture, and lifestyle.

To learn more about the comparison between Fabric vs Leather, take a look at this article.

Safety and Certifications

Quality also extends to health and safety. Most La-Z-Boy products carry Greenguard certification, meaning they’ve been tested for low chemical emissions that improve indoor air quality. This is especially valuable for households with children, pets, or allergy sensitivities.

All La-Z-Boy pieces also meet UFAC fire safety standards and adhere to North American manufacturing guidelines, providing additional peace of mind. Choosing La-Z-Boy means choosing furniture that is not only comfortable but also safe and environmentally responsible.

To learn more about whether La-Z-Boy Furniture is Toxic, take a look at these articles.

Warranty and Long-Term Value

La-Z-Boy furniture is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers key components, including the frame, springs, and reclining mechanism.

At the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston locations, customers can also choose an extended protection plan for added peace of mind.

While quality furniture may cost more upfront, the long-term value often comes from fewer replacements, better comfort, and stronger support over time.

La-Z-Boy also carries an Extended Furniture Protection Plan, which you can learn more about in this article.

La-Z-Boy partners with Flexiti Financing to make it easier to invest in quality furniture without paying the full amount up front.

With instant approval and flexible monthly payments, Flexiti allows you to customize a payment plan that works with your budget, including 0% interest for up to 36 months with equal monthly payments. Once approved, financing can be applied to any future purchases in-store.

To learn more, visit our Furniture Financing guide.

What Living Room Furniture Styles Are Available?

La-Z-Boy is known for comfort, but many customers are surprised by the range of styles available.

Michelle explains, “When clients walk through the showroom, they’re often surprised by the variety of styles we carry. They expect recliners and sofas, but they don’t always realize how many modern, classic, and casual looks can be customized to match their home.”

La-Z-Boy furniture is available in several style collections, making it easier to find pieces that fit your home.

Classics Revisited

Traditional furniture draws inspiration from classic design elements.

You'll often find rolled arms, tailored details, rich wood finishes, and elegant silhouettes. Traditional furniture works particularly well in heritage homes, formal living rooms, and spaces where homeowners want a timeless appearance.

While traditional furniture has a long history, today's versions often feature updated fabrics and cleaner lines, making them feel more current.

Comfortably Casual

Transitional design continues to be one of the most popular furniture styles across Ottawa, Kingston, and Gatineau.

The style combines traditional comfort with contemporary simplicity.

A transitional room might pair a classic sofa shape with modern fabrics or mix clean-lined furniture with warmer textures and finishes.

For many homeowners, transitional design offers the best balance between timelessness and modern appeal.

It's also one of the easiest styles to update over time through accessories, artwork, and accent furniture.

Modern Retreat

Modern furniture emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and minimal ornamentation.

You'll often see lower-profile seating, geometric shapes, and streamlined silhouettes.

This style works especially well in contemporary homes, urban condos, and open-concept spaces where homeowners prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.

Modern furniture can also help smaller rooms feel more open because of its lighter visual footprint.

Family Favourites

Many homeowners prioritize comfort above all else.

Casual furniture styles emphasize relaxed seating, approachable design, and everyday functionality.

Deep cushions, soft fabrics, generous proportions, and inviting layouts are all common characteristics.

This style is particularly popular among families, pet owners, and anyone who wants their living room to feel comfortable and welcoming rather than formal.

Mixing Styles Successfully

One of the biggest misconceptions in furniture design is that every piece must belong to the same style category.

In reality, many of the most successful rooms blend influences from multiple styles.

A modern sofa may work beautifully alongside a traditional wood coffee table. A contemporary sectional may pair perfectly with classic accent lighting.

Michelle often reminds clients that balance matters more than strict rules: "The goal isn't to match everything perfectly. It's to create a room that feels cohesive and comfortable while reflecting your personality."

Choosing a style should feel exciting rather than restrictive.

The best rooms aren't built around trends. They're built around the people who live in them. To learn more about the Furniture Styles at La-Z-Boy, read this article.

How Do You Choose the Right Recliner?

For many homeowners, a recliner is more than just another chair.

It's often the seat they gravitate toward at the end of a long day. It's where they read, watch television, enjoy a morning coffee, or simply relax. Because of this, choosing the right recliner deserves just as much attention as choosing a sofa or sectional.

The challenge is that recliners have evolved significantly over the years.

Today's recliners come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and comfort options. Some are designed for compact condos, while others offer advanced features such as power reclining, lumbar support, adjustable headrests, heat, massage, and USB charging.

The key is finding the recliner that fits both your room and your body. To learn more about La-Z-Boy Recliners, take a look at our Recliner Buyers Guide.

Why Proper Fit Matters

A recliner may look perfect in a showroom, but if it doesn't fit your body correctly, it won't provide the support you're looking for.

Michelle often reminds customers that comfort is highly personal. "The best recliner isn't necessarily the most popular model. It's the one that supports your body properly and feels comfortable for the way you like to relax."

When sitting in a recliner, your feet should rest comfortably on the floor, your lower back should feel supported, and your head should rest naturally against the back cushion.

If a recliner is too large, your feet may dangle. If it's too small, your legs and back may not receive adequate support.

This is why trying furniture in person remains one of the most important parts of the shopping process. To learn more about How to Find the Right Recliner for You, take a look at this article.

Manual vs Power Recliners

One of the first decisions you'll make is whether you prefer a manual or power recliner.

Manual recliners use a lever or body weight to activate the reclining mechanism. They're straightforward, reliable, and often appeal to homeowners who prefer simplicity.

Power recliners offer a more customizable experience.

With the touch of a button, users can adjust their seating position with greater precision. Many models also include power headrests and lumbar support, allowing you to fine-tune comfort based on your preferences.

For homeowners who spend significant time in their recliner, these additional adjustments can make a noticeable difference.

To learn more about the difference between Manual vs Power Recliners, take a look at this article.

Wall Recliners for Smaller Spaces

Not every living room has room for a traditional recliner. In condos, apartments, and smaller family rooms, floor space is often limited.

Wall recliners are designed to solve this problem by requiring less clearance behind the chair. This allows homeowners to enjoy reclining comfort without sacrificing valuable square footage.

For smaller homes, wall recliners often provide the best balance between comfort and space efficiency.

To see our Top Selling Wall Recliners or our Top Selling Recliners for Small Spaces, take a look at these articles.

Lift Chairs and Accessibility Features

For homeowners with mobility challenges, lift chairs can provide additional independence and comfort.

These chairs gently assist users into a standing position, reducing strain on the knees, hips, and back.

While often associated with seniors, lift chairs can benefit anyone recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or seeking additional support.

Today's lift chairs are also far more stylish than many people expect, blending seamlessly into a variety of living room designs. To see our Top-Selling Lift Recliners, read this article.

Features Worth Considering

Modern recliners offer more customization than ever before.

Depending on your needs, features such as adjustable lumbar support, power headrests, heat, massage functions, and built-in USB charging may enhance your overall experience.

The goal isn't to choose every available feature. It's to identify which features will genuinely improve your comfort and daily routine.

As Michelle often tells clients, "The best furniture is furniture you'll actually use. Focus on the features that make your life easier and more comfortable, not simply the ones that sound impressive."

To learn more about the Safety Features in La-Z-Boy Furniture, take a look at this article.

Do You Need Interior Design Services?

You may not need an interior designer for every furniture purchase.

If you are replacing one recliner or buying a simple accent chair, a sales consultant may be enough.

However, design services can be extremely helpful when you are furnishing a whole room, working with an awkward layout, choosing custom furniture, or coordinating multiple pieces.

Michelle explains, “A lot of clients come in thinking they only need one piece. Once we start talking, they realize they want a room that feels complete. That’s where the design service comes in. We help them see how everything can work together.”

How La-Z-Boy Interior Design Services Work

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, complimentary interior design services are available to customers. The process is designed to make furniture shopping easier and help you feel confident in your decisions before placing an order.

To see a more in-depth step-by-step run-through of La-Z-Boy’s Interior Design Services, take a look at this article. La-Z-Boy also has an interior design contest you can enter for a chance to win up to a $400 dinner gift card. To learn more, take a look at our contest page.

Meeting With a Designer

The process usually begins with a conversation about your space, your lifestyle, and your goals for the room. After visiting the showroom, you can meet with a designer in-store or schedule an in-home consultation.

An in-home visit often provides the most valuable insights because the designer can see your room firsthand. They can assess natural lighting, traffic flow, existing furniture, and architectural features that may influence the final design plan.

Creating a Plan

Once the designer understands your space, they'll begin developing a customized plan for the room.

This may include a furniture layout, fabric recommendations, colour coordination, rug placement, and suggestions for accent furniture or décor. In many cases, a 3D room rendering can also be created, allowing you to visualize how the finished space may look before making any purchases.

Creating a room that feels balanced, functional, and tailored to your lifestyle is the interior designer’s overall goal.

Reviewing and Adjusting

After the initial plan is complete, you'll review everything with your designer.

This stage allows you to make changes, explore alternative fabrics or furniture options, and ensure every detail feels right before moving forward. Since furniture is a long-term investment, taking the time to refine the plan often leads to better results and greater confidence.

As Michelle says, "It's your home and your money, so you should love every detail before moving forward."

Placing the Order

Once you're happy with the design, the order can be finalized.

If you've selected custom furniture, production times may vary depending on the materials and options chosen. Throughout the process, the team will keep you informed and provide updates so you know exactly what to expect before delivery day.

Delivery or Pick-Up: What Should You Know?

Once you choose your furniture, the next step is getting it home.

La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston offer both delivery and pick-up options, allowing customers to choose the solution that best fits their schedule and needs.

Michelle adds, "Our customers really value that we're with them from start to finish. From choosing the right piece to making sure it's delivered and set up properly, that extra care makes a big difference."

To learn more about What To Expect from The Delivery Services at La-Z-Boy, read this article.

White-Glove Delivery

White-glove delivery is available to customers in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston.

This service includes in-home setup and placement, so you do not have to move or assemble the furniture yourself. Delivery teams will position the furniture in your chosen room and ensure everything is properly set up before they leave.

They also take care to protect floors, walls, and entryways during delivery. For larger items such as sectionals, reclining furniture, and custom pieces, white-glove delivery can provide added convenience and peace of mind.

Furniture Removal Options

If you are replacing old furniture, additional services may be available to move furniture to another room, place it curbside, or remove it for disposal.

This can be especially helpful when replacing a large sectional, sofa, or recliner. Coordinating furniture removal with delivery can make the transition smoother and eliminate the need to find a separate disposal solution.

Warehouse Pick-Up

Free warehouse pick-up may be available at select warehouse locations.

This can be a cost-saving option if you have access to a suitable vehicle and help with lifting. Many recliners come apart in sections, making them easier to transport in an SUV, van, or truck.

Before choosing warehouse pick-up, it's a good idea to confirm that your vehicle has enough space for the furniture you've purchased. The team can often provide guidance on packaging dimensions and transportation requirements so there are no surprises on pick-up day.

Why Consider La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston?

By this point, you should have a better understanding of what to look for when shopping for living room furniture. The next step is to find a retailer who can help you put those ideas into practice.

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, customers can explore a wide range of sofas, sectionals, recliners, and accent furniture while receiving guidance from experienced furniture consultants and interior designers.

With extensive customization options, complimentary design services, and a focus on long-term comfort and quality, the goal is to help homeowners create spaces that fit both their style and lifestyle.

As Michelle explains, "We want people to feel confident in their decisions. Whether they're buying one chair or furnishing an entire room, we're here to help them find the right solution for their home."

To learn more about whether La-Z-Boy is Worth the Investment, take a look at this article.

Locally Owned and Community Focused

For over 25 years, the Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston locations have been Canadian-owned and operated, serving more than 200,000 families across the region. Shopping locally means your purchase supports local jobs and local charities, strengthening the community where you live. The team is deeply involved in initiatives that give back to the community, from fundraising efforts to partnerships with regional organizations.

Being local also means the staff understands the unique needs of households in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston. They know how to work with open-concept suburban layouts, smaller downtown condos, or multigenerational family homes. That knowledge allows them to recommend furniture that suits both your lifestyle and the spaces where you live.

To learn more about Where La-Z-Boy Furniture is Made, take a look at this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Next?

You now have all the knowledge necessary to make a more informed decision when shopping for La-Z-Boy furniture. Shopping at La-Z-Boy guarantees you’ll receive high-quality products, personalized service, and a wide range of options to make your home comfortable and stylish.

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 the wide range of La-Z-Boy furniture, 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.

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