Couch Comparisons

La-Z-Boy vs Ballard Designs: Who Has Better Couches?

Looking for the perfect couch companion: La-Z-Boy or Ballard Designs? Who will win your heart in the quest for the ultimate sofa?
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
La-Z-Boy vs Ballard Designs

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    Step right up to witness the clash of the couch titans: La-Z-Boy taking on Ballard Designs. Get a front-row seat to the ultimate sofa battle as we compare these brands in a duel of comfort, quality, and style.

    Side By Side

    Features
    La-Z-Boy
    Ballard Designs
    Made to Order Lead Times 8-12 weeks 10-12 weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option Varies
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option La-Z-Boy Credit Card Affirm / Ballard Designs Credit Card
    Assembly Required Varies Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA USA
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$-$$$ $$$-$$$$

    Looking for style diversity? La-Z-Boy offers comfy and chic designs, while Ballard Designs leans towards timeless elegance. In the durability department, both brands shine with sofas built to last. Sustainability? La-Z-Boy and Ballard Designs both prioritize quality materials, ensuring your couch not only looks good but is environmentally friendly and durable. When it comes to overall value, La-Z-Boy's focus on customization and comfort may tilt the scale for those seeking a long-lasting, personalized couch.


    BRAND #1: La-Z-Boy

    La-Z-Boy logo with the word "LA-Z-BOY" written in black capital letters. The "Z" is larger, bold, and enclosed in a blue oval shape. The background is white.

    Founded in 1927, La-Z-Boy has a long and storied history as a pioneer in comfortable furniture. Their innovative recliner design revolutionized the industry and they've continued to evolve, offering a wide range of stylish sofas and sectionals with a focus on customization and high-quality materials. While their prices might be higher than some competitors, La-Z-Boy's commitment to American craftsmanship, comfort, and durability has earned them a loyal following of customers who value both style and substance.

    La-Z-Boy | Brand Summary

    Imagine a sofa that's as reliable as your best friend, always there to offer comfort and support. That's the kind of relationship La-Z-Boy aims to build with its customers. Their focus on quality, craftsmanship, and American-made goodness makes their sofas and sectionals more than just furniture – they're lifelong companions. And let's be honest, who doesn't want a best friend that's also incredibly comfortable? La-Z-Boy's patented ComfortCore® cushions and innovative reclining mechanisms will make you feel like you're floating on a cloud. So, if you're looking for a sofa that will stick with you through thick and thin (and likely a few spilled snacks), La-Z-Boy is a worthy contender.

    La-Z-Boy | PotatoMeter Rating:

    Online Shopping Experience Score 88%
    Durability and Quality Score 89%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 86%
    Vibe Check Score 88%
    Customer Focus Score 88%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 88%
    Read Our La-Z-Boy Brand Review

    La-Z-Boy | Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Comfortable and stylish designs
    • Patented ComfortCore® cushions
    • Innovative reclining mechanisms
    • Lifetime warranty on reclining mechanisms
    • Made in the USA (primarily)
    • Wide range of customization options
    Cons
    • Expensive (average 3-seater sofa $1,600-$2,400)
    • Long lead times for made-to-order items (8-12 weeks)
    • Limited 3-day return window with exchanges only
    • Up to 30% restocking fee on returns
    • Some components have shorter warranties

    You can always count on your La-Z-Boy if you're looking for a comfy spot to crash. Their sofas are known for their cloud-like comfort, thanks to those patented ComfortCore® cushions and fancy reclining mechanisms. And with a lifetime warranty on those mechanisms, you know this friendship is built to last. Plus, you can customize your La-Z-Boy to match your unique style, just like picking out the perfect outfit for a night out with your bestie.

    But hey, even the best friendships have a few quirks. La-Z-Boy's sofas can be a bit pricey, so be prepared to shell out a bit more dough for that luxurious comfort. And if you're the impatient type, those made-to-order lead times might feel like forever. Plus, their return policy is a bit like a tough-love friend – only a 3-day window for exchanges and potential fees if you change your mind.

    So, if you're seeking a sofa that's more than just furniture – a true companion for movie nights, lazy Sundays, and everything in between – La-Z-Boy might just be the BFF your living room's been missing. Just remember, good things come to those who wait (and who are willing to spend a little extra).

    Shop La-Z-Boy Now

    BRAND #2: Ballard Designs

    The image shows the logo of Ballard Designs, featuring the company name "Ballard Designs" in a serif font with capitalized letters, on a white background.

    Ballard Designs, established over 35 years ago, has become a household name in the home furnishings industry. Their enduring legacy is built upon a foundation of timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and a passion for creating inspiring living spaces. The brand's dedication to sustainability and collaboration with renowned designers further solidifies their position as a leader in the market. With their commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach, Ballard Designs continues to offer furniture that stands the test of time, both in style and durability.

    Ballard Designs | Brand Summary

    When it comes to Ballard Designs' couches, my overall impression is genuinely positive. Their catalog reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and style that's hard to overlook. Each sofa feels like a tribute to both comfort and design, blending practicality with a touch of luxury. Amazingly, they manage to cater to a broad range of tastes without compromising on quality. From the plush cushions to the fine fabrics, Ballard Designs prioritizes user satisfaction and durability. Their market presence is strong, not just because of their product quality, but due to their understanding of what makes a home feel like home.

    Ballard Designs | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 87%
    Durability and Quality Score 90%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 88%
    Vibe Check Score 90%
    Customer Focus Score 86%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 88%
    Read Our Ballard Designs Brand Review

    Ballard Designs | Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Elegant and timeless designs
    • High-quality materials (top-grain leather, performance fabrics, etc.)
    • Made in the USA
    • Free shipping for smaller items
    • Free fabric swatches
    • Wide range of customization options
    Cons
    • Long lead times for custom-made pieces
    • Return shipping fees are not covered and a restocking fee may apply
    • Lack of transparency regarding warranty details
    • Assembly may be required
    • White-glove delivery is an added cost

    Ballard Designs captures the essence of refined living with its elegant and timeless sofas. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in their use of high-end materials like top-grain leather and durable fabrics, all crafted in the USA. With a wide range of customization options and a generous selection of free swatches, you can create a sofa that perfectly complements your style and space.

    The premium experience, however, comes with a few tradeoffs. The price tag for a Ballard Designs sofa can be substantial, reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. While they offer free shipping for smaller items, larger sofas may require additional delivery fees, and in-home delivery and assembly come at an extra cost. Additionally, returns, while possible, are subject to fees and certain exclusions.

    Overall, Ballard Designs caters to discerning homeowners who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. While the investment may be significant, the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainable practices makes their sofas a worthy addition to any home.

    Shop Ballard Designs Now

    And the winner is...

    In this sofa showdown, La-Z-Boy steals the spotlight as the ultimate winner. With its focus on luxurious comfort, durable materials, and unmatched customization options, La-Z-Boy takes the lead in providing the perfect couch companion. If you're seeking a sofa that combines style, comfort, and quality, La-Z-Boy stands out as the ideal choice in this showdown.

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    Alex Back
    Couch.com CEO & Founder
    Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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