Review of the La-Z-Boy Joel Furniture Family: Recliner, Loveseat, Sofa

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According to Nameberry, the popular baby name website, only one popular baby name in 2022 started with the letter J. This baby's name was none other than… Jonah!

You thought it was going to be Joel, didn’t you? Although Joel isn’t a trending baby name, it is the name of a modern furniture frame at La-Z-Boy!

According to Lina Najia, a sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Kanata, “the Joel is a very comfortable furniture family that has attracted a lot of people.”

While this may sound impressive, what are some key features that help set Joel apart from other Recliners at La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston? This article will show how Joel might be right for you by looking at unique features, cost and customer reviews.

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional Comfort: The Joel Recliner is a comfortable recliner that features a comfortable appearance and single-needle topstitching on the back, seat and arms.
• Multiple Cover Options: Available in 8 select fabrics and 5 select faux leathers. Leather is also available at an extra cost.
• Adjustable Features: Includes options for power reclining and adjustable headrests,optional swivel base, and changing the recliner handles. There is also a console upgrade for the reclining loveseat.
• Durable Build: Constructed with high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
• Low-Priced Recliner: The Joel Rocking Recliner, Wall Recliner, Loveseat, and Sofa have a starting cost of $1,149, $1,219, $2,899 and $2,919, respectively.

In This Article…

1. About the Joel Furniture Family
2. Joel Furniture Family Options & Upgrades
3. Joel Furniture Family Cost
4. Joel Furniture Family Warranty
5. Joel Furniture Family Customer Reviews
6. Is the Joel Furniture Family Right For You?

About the Joel Furniture Family 

The Joel is a “very plushy and comfortable recliner,” says Lina. Because of its ultra-plush chaise seat, it has many layers of padding that keep the shape of your recliner for a long time. 

The same applies when discussing the arms and the back of the frame. Since this furniture family is more oversized in scale, it is suitable for solo reclining comfort or for story time with your little ones. Chair & a half frames can also provide this dual functionality.

When looking at the size and dimensions, the Joel furniture family is larger than most recliners at La-Z-Boy. 

According to Lina, because the Joel is big in size, it may not fit in a small living room. “This has to do with the plush seats that it carries–if the arms and seats weren’t so pouffy, maybe they could,” she says.

As for its scale, the Joel is taller than most recliners. Due to this, it can comfortably seat those around the height of 5’10” to 6’2”. To learn more about La-Z-Boy Recliners for Tall People, check out this article.

While your height can be a considerable factor, it is important to note that height guidelines are NOT set in stone. The way you sit in a furniture item can drastically affect how someone might find a seat comfortable.

Ultimately, we recommend always coming in for a sit test to see if you think the Joel is comfortable for your body type. To learn more, take a look at How to Find a Recliner That is The Best Fit For You.

The Joel is available as a Rocking Recliner, a Wall Recliner, a Reclining Loveseat, and a Reclining Sofa.

Joel Recliner Dimensions (Inches)

Joel Loveseat Dimensions (Inches)

Joel Sofa Dimensions (Inches)

Joel Furniture Family Options & Upgrades

Compared to other La-Z-Boy furniture families, Joel has plenty of customization options to choose from. Keep in mind that the cost of the Joel furniture will increase with your selection of options and upgrades.  

Upholstery Cover Options

When selecting the fabric or leather for your Joel Recliner, the cost will vary based on the grade you choose. Select fabrics will not affect the starting price of your furniture, but anything beyond that will.

This includes select leather and anything inside our leather selections at La-Z-Boy.

For a comprehensive understanding of La-Z-Boy's upholstery grades, check out this article. 

*Please note that this article's leather or fabric options may be discontinued or unavailable without prior notice. We recommend contacting your local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston La-Z-Boy store by phone or in-person to confirm availability. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by any changes to our upholstery selection.

Alongside our extensive range of covers, the Joel is also available in specialty fabrics and leathers that offer unique features and benefits…

• Stain Resistant: Innovative iClean Technology surrounds each fabric fibre, creating a barrier that repels spills before turning into stains.
• Pet Friendly: Tested and formulated to withstand the scratches and wear that a pet can cause to ensure a durable and easily washable fabric.
• Antimicrobial Fabric: Antimicrobial properties surround each fibre to protect against mould, mildew and odour-causing bacteria.
• Performance: Superior stain and fade resistance properties make fabrics easy to clean and incredibly durable.
• Eco-Friendly: Conserve Sustainable Fabrics are soft, durable and made from recycled water bottles.
• 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

At an additional cost, Joel cushions can also be upgraded to include firmer cushioning, meaning over time, your furniture will remember your unique figure and enhance the comfort of your furniture. This could be a great option for people with mobility issues, allowing you to get in and out of your furniture more comfortably. 

Handle Options

To add more style to your La-Z-Boy manual recliner, you have the option to customize the length and material of the convenient reclining handle.

At an extra cost, you can opt to elongate the handle if you find it too short for your comfort. Additionally, you can choose from a variety of materials for the handle, including wooden, brushed nickel, or matte black. The chrome handle can also be elongated, matching the wooden one in size.

What’s more, for all left-handed users, you can change your handle from the standard right side to the left. This also comes at an additional cost.

Optional Swivel Base

If you're interested, the Joel rocking recliner is available with a swivel base for an extra cost. La-Z-Boy's swivel bases provide a 360-degree rotation, allowing you to easily turn and face any direction.

You can also upgrade your swivel base into a power swivel recliner, which can swivel at the touch of a button. The power swivel base, however, only rotates 165 degrees to prevent the power cord from getting tangled within the furniture frame.

To learn more about our power swivel options, check out our review of our Swivel Power Recliners.

Power Upgrade with Adjustable Headrest & Lumbar Support

You can upgrade the Joel recliner to power. 

Unlike manual furniture that uses a handle or latch, power recliners come with a control panel or a wireless remote for easy reclining at the touch of a button. You can also adjust the headrest support with this convenient feature.

The adjustable headrest allows you to move the head of the recliner from 0-55 degrees, giving you more range of motion with your reclining positions.

You can also control the lower lumbar area of your recliner with the wireless remote. In this case, the lumbar support can expand 3 inches out or deflate to perfectly match the unique curvature of your lumbar spine.

What’s more, the recliners have USB ports next to the control panels to charge your electronic devices and two memory settings that allow you to save any of your favourite relaxing positions. This way, you can easily recline back to the position you favour quickly and accurately. 

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

All power upgrades can be cordless, thanks to our rechargeable battery pack. With this, you can place your power recliners anywhere without worrying about plugging them into an electrical outlet.

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

Console Upgrade (Loveseat)

The Joel Loveseat has the option to include a console in the middle of the seat. This handy center console adds extra storage. 

Cup holders are also included, meaning you can sit back and relax without getting up to grab a drink. Further, the console offers an interior electronic charging input instead of the ports outside the loveseat, as well as a light-up function, so you can easily see your drinks in the dark.

If the console is something that interests you, you can also add Power with Headrest and Lumbar upgrades to enhance your Joel Loveseat into a truly comfortable experience.

Joel Furniture Family Cost

Regarding cost, the Joel furniture products fall within the mid-price range at La-Z-Boy.

While the cost of the Joel furniture is considered quite standard at La-Z-Boy, it is important to note that La-Z-Boy furniture is considered more expensive on the market. This cost is reflected in the quality of materials and craftsmanship of our products. With this, the investment tends to be worthwhile if you are looking for long-lasting furniture.

*All La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change. We aim to update all cost-related articles twice per year. This article was last updated on January 22nd, 2025. Contact your local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston location by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.

If you’re wondering about the prices for each potential upgrade from La-Z-Boy, here are the ones relevant to the Joel…

Joel Furniture Family Warranty

The Joel Furniture Family is covered by La-Z-Boy’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers the repair or replacement of the frame, spring systems, and mechanism, given that they are quality-crafted and built for long-lasting comfort.

For full details of the Limited Lifetime Warranty, check out this full La-Z-Boy warranty breakdown.

While still quality-crafted, other aspects of the product, such as fabrics, leather, and cushions, are not meant to last a lifetime. However, these parts are still covered by the La-Z-Boy Manufacturer’s Warranty for a given period of time.

To further protect your purchase, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston offer an extended warranty plan at an additional cost. To learn more about the Extended Warranty Plan and if it’s right for you, take a look at this article.

La-Z-Boy also has furniture financing options available to those who may not have the full amount right away. To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Furniture Financing, take a look at this article.

Joel Furniture Family Customer Reviews

The Joel Furniture Family is loved by many customers. In fact, it currently has a 4.9/5 star average according to online reviews. 

Star ratings can only tell you so much. Here are some reviews from satisfied customers …

To see more Joel Furniture Family reviews, click here.

Is the Joel Recliner Right For You?

Now that you’ve read details about the Joel furniture family, the question may remain if the Joel is right for you.

 When talking about functionality, this recliner is tall, very plushy, and bulky in size. Lina suggests that those with a top-heavy body shape may benefit from the bulkiness of the Joel. “You can also use this furniture if you need a big chair to sit with your small children,” she says.

If you’re shorter than 5’10” and live in a small space, this piece of furniture might not be right for you.

Lastly, when discussing style, Lina says the Joel is “very stylish in leather and can go well with any modern household.”

Since the arms and seats are well-padded, this lounging chair works well for long or short sits. If you are looking for a clean look to your modern living room, this furniture piece might be right for you.

Check out our Formal Furniture Frames or our Contemporary Sofas if you want to browse other furniture styles.

What's Next?

Now that you have a better understanding of the Joel furniture family, why not discover it in person?

You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston or schedule a visit online before coming in.

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how one of the Joel furniture frames could fit in your home. 

To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s reclining furniture in general, take a look at the following furniture buyer guides:

• Recliner Buyer’s Guide
• Loveseat Buyer’s Guide
• Sofa Buyer’s Guide

Related Articles:

Best-Selling La-Z-Boy Power Recliners

Are La-Z-Boy Recliners Guaranteed for Life?

What’s That Clunking Noise In My Recliner?