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When searching for the perfect recliner, most shoppers eventually narrow their options down to two iconic names: Stressless and La-Z-Boy. These two brands are recognized for quality seating and comfort-first design, but which one is the better fit for your space, style, and budget?
This article compares Stressless and La-Z-Boy recliners across multiple key categories to help you confidently decide which recliner brand is right for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Stressless recliners are Scandinavian-designed, minimalist, and ergonomically advanced, often paired with ottomans.
- La-Z-Boy recliners offer a wide range of styles, customizations, and price points, with manual and power functionality.
- Stressless chairs are made in Norway, while most La-Z-Boy recliners are made in North America.
- La-Z-Boy’s new Modern Pedestal Chair Collection is a direct alternative to Stressless, offering similar aesthetics and comfort at a comparable price.
- Both brands offer premium leather options, with La-Z-Boy providing more extensive customization and shorter delivery times.
- La-Z-Boy has multiple showroom locations in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston, while Stressless is sold through partner retailers.
Brief Descriptions of Each Retailer
Let’s get to know each furniture store by their brief history and their furniture selection.
About Stressless
Stressless, designed by Ekornes and manufactured in Norway, is known for its minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic and ergonomic comfort. The signature recliner and ottoman offer a clean, open look with a sleek swivel base, ideal for modern interiors.
The brand features around 30 recliner models, each available in three sizes; small, medium, and large. Depending on the style, recliners may come with separate ottomans or built-in leg rests. Their patented Glide and Plus systems allow smooth manual reclining, lumbar support, and adjustable headrests that lock in place for customized comfort.
Each chair features plush cushioning, full 360-degree swivel, and a wide range of fabric and leather covers for personalization. The design is highly functional and tailored for ergonomic support, especially for those prioritizing posture and fit.
While Stressless also offers sofas, ottomans, and stationary chairs, its collection leans heavily into modern styling. Traditional aesthetics or ornate detailing are limited, making it a better fit for those with contemporary tastes.
About La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy is a trusted American brand with over 90 years of experience, locally operated in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston by the Maxwell family since 2011. The company is best known for its reclining furniture, combining comfort, customization, and style.
La-Z-Boy offers over 40 recliner styles, from classic high-back chairs to sleek, modern profiles. Options include manual, power, and lift recliners, with features like adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and various size configurations for individual needs.
To directly compete with modern European brands, La-Z-Boy launched the Modern Pedestal Chair Series, including models like the Orta and Aura. These feature leather upholstery, stationary ottomans, and sleek pedestal bases that echo the clean lines seen in Stressless designs.
Beyond recliners, La-Z-Boy provides coordinated living room sets, occasional tables from Hammary, American Drew and Kincaid, and home accessories. With extensive customization and in-store design services, customers can fully furnish and personalize their living spaces with ease.
Where it's Made?
The origin of a retailer's furniture can provide insight into the quality and sustainability practices of the company.
Where is Stressless Furniture Made?
Stressless furniture from Canada is primarily manufactured in Norway by Ekornes ASA, the company behind the Stressless brand. Ekornes has been producing furniture since 1934 and is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
While some components of Stressless furniture may be sourced from other countries, such as leather from Italy, the assembly and production processes primarily take place in Norway. This ensures that Stressless maintains its reputation for quality and reliability, with a focus on Scandinavian design principles and craftsmanship.
Where is La-Z-Boy Furniture Made?
La-Z-Boy takes pride in manufacturing its furniture, with most products for the North American market being produced in North America.
While most La-Z-Boy recliners are made in North America, the Modern Pedestal Chairs, however, are internationally manufactured, which aligns with Stressless production.
To find out more about Where La-Z-Boy Furniture is Made, take a look at this article..
Customization Options
Customization can be significant for customers looking to create a personalized living space.
Stressless Customization Options
Just like La-Z-Boy, Stressless recliner chairs offer a good level of customization. While Stressless may not have as many fabric or leather options as La-Z-Boy, there is still a wide enough selection to personalize your chair.
Stressless recliners can also be customized by choosing from up to seven different base styles, allowing for significant changes to the chair’s structure, or something La-Z-Boy does not offer.
Both recliner and office chair options provide strong ergonomic and back support, though each offers a different feel that should be tested by the customer.
Additionally, Stressless chairs can be upgraded with power functions and adjustable headrest and lumbar support, although these features come at an added cost.
La-Z-Boy Customization Options
In contrast, La-Z-Boy offers extensive customization options, especially for upholstered furniture. With over 800 fabrics and leathers to choose from, customers can create a personalized look that fits their style.
Additionally, La-Z-Boy offers various upgrades, including cushion density, leg styles, wood finishes, nailhead trim, and reclining options with power upgrades. These customizable features come at an additional cost, but they allow for a more tailored and unique product.
To learn more about Custom Furniture at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.
Cost Comparison
The furniture cost can vary significantly depending on the quality of materials and craftsmanship.
Stressless offers a more expensive price range compared to La-Z-Boy, with products in the higher price points. Conversely, La-Z-Boy furniture is generally positioned in the mid to high price range, reflecting its focus on quality and durability.
The reason behind the big price difference between these chairs is that La-Z-Boy has created a more streamlined version for delivery so that it doesn’t cost as much to ship to product internationally.
For more information, check out the article explaining the Cost of a La-Z-Boy Recliner.
|
Recliner Model |
Stressless Price Range |
La-Z-Boy Price Range |
|
Manual Recliner + Ottoman |
$2,400 – $7,000+ |
$1,310 – $3,000+ |
|
Power Recliner + Upgrades |
$3,500 – $7,500+ |
$2,000 – $4,500+ |
|
Pedestal Recliner Chair |
$3,600 – $6,000 |
$2,400 – $3,000 |
Please note that La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change without notice. Information is current as of April 29th, 2025. Contact your local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston location by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.
Warranty Coverage
A robust warranty can provide peace of mind, ensuring the longevity of your furniture investment.
Stressless Warranty
Service plans for Stressless chairs in Eastern Ontario will depend on the dealer from whom you purchase.
The manufacturer’s warranty covers ten years on the internal mechanism. There are five years of coverage on the base, two years on LegComfort Battery and a year on leather and fabric upholstery.
La-Z-Boy Warranty
La-Z-Boy is known for the quality and durability of its furniture, which is reflected in its warranty offerings. All La-Z-Boy furniture comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty covering the frame, springs, and mechanical parts for life, with additional coverage for other components lasting 1-3 years. An Extended Protection Plan is available for up to five years of accidental damage at an additional cost.
Delivery Services
La-Z-Boy and Stressless Canada both have different delivery services available for an additional cost. To learn more about these delivery fees, contact either retailer.
Stressless Delivery
Stressless chairs take about six weeks for specific colours. Otherwise, it will take 14 weeks to ship from Norway.
Once your Stressless recliner chair has been shipped, it will be delivered to any retail store which you purchased from. Because Stressless doesn't have a physical store, it must rely on other furniture retailers to do so for them.
For example, if you purchase Stressless Chairs in Ottawa, you can find it either from Ormes or from any Upper Room location.
La-Z-Boy Delivery
La-Z-Boy offers a comprehensive white glove delivery service that includes setup, assembly, and disposal of old furniture at an additional cost. Local delivery within Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston costs $129.99, with out-of-town delivery at $169.99.
For an additional fee of $25 per furniture piece, we can assist with either moving out old furniture from different rooms or bringing it to the curb.
Additionally, we offer the option to dispose of any old furniture in a local landfill at an extra charge of $50 / per furniture seat.
To learn more about delivery at La-Z-Boy, check out our delivery service page: La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston Furniture Delivery Service.
Where to Buy (Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston)
Stressless recliners are sold through third-party furniture retailers in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston, including:
- Ormes Furniture – 5470 Bank St., Ottawa/Gatineau
- Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses – 2376 Princess St., Kingston
These stores offer various Stressless models for sit tests and ordering, though availability may vary by location.
La-Z-Boy Locations
La-Z-Boy recliners are available at any of the four La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries across Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston:
- 8231-A Campeau Drive, Ottawa
- 290 West Hunt Club Road, Ottawa
- 1750 Cyrville Road, Ottawa
- 770 Gardiners Road, Kingston
- 920 Maloney Blvd, Gatineau
Each location offers a full showroom experience, interior design consultations, and access to La-Z-Boy’s complete recliner lineup.
What's Next?
La-Z-Boy has over 90 years of experience in furniture. There’s a reason La-Z-Boy is the number one selling recliner in North America. The quality and variety of La-Z-Boy recliners will ensure you find the perfect match for your needs.
If you’re still not sure which one to choose, you can check out our recliners or contact us today. We’re happy to answer your recliner pricing questions at any one of our La-Z-Boy furniture stores in Ottawa or Kingston.
We know that functionality is essential in building a comfortable life, not just a stylish one. That is why we offer a complimentary in-home design service should you need help designing the room of your dreams!
To learn more about La-Z-Boy recliners, take a look at our comprehensive Recliner Buyer’s Guide.
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