Stationary vs. Reclining Furniture: Which is Better for Your Living Room?

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When most people think of La-Z-Boy, the first word that comes to mind is recliner. The brand has become so synonymous with reclining chairs that many overlook the wide range of stationary sofas, loveseats, and chairs we also offer.

But when choosing between stationary vs. reclining furniture, the decision isn’t as simple as style or comfort. Both categories offer unique advantages, depending on your space, lifestyle, and budget.

Mary Lee Smyth, an interior designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston, says, “Although our stationary furniture isn't at the forefront of people’s minds when they think of La-Z-Boy, we still have exceptional furniture pieces for everyone and anyone.”

This guide compares stationary vs. reclining furniture, breaking down style, size, functionality, and cost so you can decide which is right for your living room.

Key Takeaways:

• Stationary furniture is stylish, versatile in design, and fits well in smaller living rooms.
• Reclining furniture offers superior comfort, adjustable positions, and luxury upgrades like power lumbar and massage.
• Recliners typically cost more than stationary sofas or chairs, due to built-in mechanisms and add-ons.
• Stationary sofas offer wider fabric and leather options since they don’t require specialized upholstery.
• La-Z-Boy’s Duo® Collection combines the look of stationary furniture with the hidden comfort of recliners.
• The right choice depends on your lifestyle, room size, and seating preferences.

In This Article...

1. What is Stationary vs. Reclining Furniture?
2. Key Differences Between Stationary and Reclining Furniture
3. Stationary vs Reclining Furniture: Pros and Cons Breakdown
4. Best of Both Worlds: La-Z-Boy's Duo Collection

What is Stationary vs Reclining Furniture?

Stationary Furniture

Stationary furniture includes sofas, loveseats, and chairs that remain fixed in position. These pieces do not contain reclining or gliding mechanisms, which makes them simpler in design and easier to place in almost any living room. 

Because they don’t have mechanical parts inside, stationary sofas are generally lighter, sleeker, and customizable with more fabrics and leathers. They’re an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics, want to save space, or prefer a more traditional setup.

Reclining Furniture

Reclining furniture includes sofas, sectionals, loveseats, and chairs designed with motion. Recliners adjust into multiple positions with either manual levers or power buttons, offering enhanced comfort for lounging or even sleeping. 

Today’s reclining furniture has evolved beyond the bulky “dad chair” stereotype. Many recliners now feature slim profiles and hidden power panels. Some even come with USB ports, power headrests, and lift features that support mobility needs.

Mary Lee emphasizes, “No matter which furniture you get, you should always check to see if the furniture compliments your space and home design.”

Key Differences Between Stationary & Reclining Furniture

1. Size & Shape

The first consideration when comparing stationary vs. reclining furniture is size.

Reclining Furniture: Recliners require more room to fully extend. Even compact wall recliners need space between the chair and the wall to operate. Additionally, power recliners may require outlets for charging, though cordless battery packs are available for flexible placement. Recliners also weigh more due to internal metal frames and mechanisms, making them harder to move.

Stationary Furniture: Stationary sofas and chairs are generally more compact and lightweight. They can be placed flush against a wall without worrying about motion clearance, making them an ideal choice for smaller living rooms, apartments, or condos. Because they don’t require outlets or charging stations, they are easier to arrange in flexible layouts.

Mary Lee explains, “Because reclining furniture needs more room to fully recline, it is gonna take up more space.”

To learn more about How to Arrange Your Living Room Furniture In Your Living Room, take a look at this article.

2. Style & Upholstery Options

When it comes to style, stationary furniture has the advantage.

Stationary: Stationary pieces are highly versatile and available in nearly every style, from traditional to modern. At La-Z-Boy, you can choose from over 800 fabric and leather options, including bold prints and textured fabrics that can completely transform a living space. Whether you want a Chesterfield-inspired sofa, a sleek minimalist couch, or a colourful, patterned loveseat, stationary furniture provides almost unlimited design flexibility.

Reclining: Reclining furniture typically has a more contemporary look, with plush cushions and larger frames. Because motion furniture requires specialized fabrics and leathers that can withstand frequent movement, customization is more limited. Still, La-Z-Boy offers hundreds of durable performance fabrics designed for recliners, including iClean® stain-resistant fabrics, pet-friendly covers, and eco-friendly materials.

Mary Lee notes, “Reclining furniture will always have a more contemporary style, whereas stationary furniture can have almost any kind of style.”

To learn more about Leather Selections and Fabric Upholstery, take a look at these informational guides.

3. Functionality & Versatility

Functionality is where reclining furniture shines, but stationary still has its strengths.

Stationary: Stationary sofas are valued for their simplicity and timelessness. They can be upgraded with features such as firmer cushions, sofa bed conversions, or wooden leg finishes. Many customers also choose stationary pieces for formal living rooms where entertaining is the priority.

Reclining: Recliners deliver unmatched comfort and personalization. With upgrades such as power recline, adjustable headrest and lumbar support, heat & massage, and USB ports, reclining furniture can be customized to fit your lifestyle. Some models also include console storage for remotes and beverages, making them perfect for family movie nights or game days.

Mary Lee explains, “Stationary furniture is meant for those who aren’t looking for all the bells and whistles. Not everyone needs to recline with furniture that acts as a personal masseuse.”

4. Cost Comparison

Cost is another deciding factor. Reclining furniture is generally more expensive than stationary furniture because of the added mechanisms and features. Even entry-level recliners cost more than stationary chairs, while advanced models with power, lumbar, and heat functions are at the higher end of the spectrum.

At La-Z-Boy:

*Please note that La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change without notice. Information is current as of August 29th, 2025. Contact your local La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston stores by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.

Stationary vs Reclining Furniture: Pros and Cons Breakdown

Best of Both Worlds: La-Z-Boy Duo Collection

If you’re struggling to decide, La-Z-Boy offers the Duo® Collection, which blends the elegance of stationary furniture with the hidden comfort of a recliner.

These sofas and chairs look like stationary pieces but contain discreet reclining mechanisms, allowing you to maintain a sophisticated style while enjoying motion comfort.

Mary Lee highlights, “They don’t have the puffy headrest like you would see a recliner have, but it still gives you the experience of laying back in your seat.”

This makes the Duo® line perfect for those who want formal living room furniture with the flexibility to recline after a long day.

To learn more about the Duo Collection, take a look at this article.

What's Next?

You now have a clearer idea of the differences between stationary and reclining furniture. We hope that this article will guide you in making the right choice for you! 

As you begin shopping, take a look at some of our best sellers:

• Top 5 Sofas at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston
• Top 5 Sectionals at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston
• Top 5 Reclining Sofas at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston
• Top 5 Reclining Sectionals at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston

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

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

To learn more about La-Z-Boy Stationary and Reclining Furniture, take a look at our comprehensive Living Room Buyer’s Guide. 

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How to Disassemble a La-Z-Boy Recliner