Couch Comparisons

La-Z-Boy vs Hem: Who Has Better Couches?

Which brand offers the ultimate cozy couch experience – La-Z-Boy or Hem? Unveil the champion in comfort and design between these two sofa giants!
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
La-Z-Boy vs Hem

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    Let's embark on a journey through the world of comfy seating with a face-off between La-Z-Boy and Hem. These sofa powerhouses offer more than just a place to sit – they promise a lifestyle. So, who will emerge as the true champion of coziness and design?

    Side By Side

    Features
    La-Z-Boy
    Hem
    Made to Order Lead Times 8-12 weeks 1-7 Weeks
    Free Shipping Option
    White Glove Delivery Option Varies $299
    Return Option
    Warranty Included
    Financing Option La-Z-Boy Credit Card Affirm
    Assembly Required Varies Varies
    Large Fabric Selection
    Free Swatches Available
    Manufacturing Origin USA Europe
    Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price $$-$$$ $$$$

    Exploring La-Z-Boy and Hem's offerings reveals a balance between durability, style, and sustainability. La-Z-Boy champions versatility and customer focus, catering to mid-range to premium budgets, while Hem leans towards luxury with a strong emphasis on design innovation and quality craftsmanship. The choice between La-Z-Boy's American-made durability and Hem's avant-garde European flair hinges on your style, sustainability, and budget preferences, making either brand a solid pick for different sofa seekers.


    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 93%
    Durability and Quality Score 94%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 90%
    Vibe Check Score 93%
    Customer Focus Score 93%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
    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: Hem

    The image features the word "Hem" in bold, black text against a plain white background.

    Hem is a design-forward furniture company that partners with renowned designers to create modern pieces with a Scandinavian aesthetic. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium materials and focus on durable construction. Founded by Petrus Palmer, Hem aims to be a driving force in the design community, offering stylish and functional furniture that stands the test of time. Their emphasis on sustainability is also noteworthy, with a focus on responsible materials and minimizing waste in production and packaging.

    Hem | Brand Summary

    Hem nails the balance between playful design and grown-up craftsmanship. Their sofas won't fall apart after a month, and the fabrics feel surprisingly luxurious for the price point. While I have a few nitpicks (which we'll get into shortly!), I was pleasantly surprised by how well the brand walks the line between trendy and timeless. If you're looking for furniture with personality but don't want to compromise on quality, Hem is absolutely worth checking out.

    Hem | PotatoMeter Rating

    Online Shopping Experience Score 93%
    Durability and Quality Score 92%
    Shipping and Lead Time Score 93%
    Vibe Check Score 95%
    Customer Focus Score 90%
    Overall PotatoMeter Rating 93%
    Read Our Hem Brand Review

    Hem | Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Stylish, modern designs with a Scandinavian twist
    • Durable construction with quality materials
    • Transparent shipping information and multiple shipping methods
    • Financing options available through Affirm
    • Free fabric swatches
    • Strong emphasis on sustainability

    Cons

    • Limited return window
    • Expensive return shipping and repackaging fees
    • No free shipping
    • Limited customization options
    • Limited information on cushion construction and support systems

    Hem offers stylish, Scandinavian-inspired sofas that boast quality craftsmanship and durable materials. Their dedication to transparency is evident in their clear shipping information and detailed care instructions. However, the limited return window and hefty return fees could be a dealbreaker for some, and the lack of free shipping adds to the overall cost. While their customizable options are decent, they might not satisfy those seeking extensive personalization.

    Overall, Hem is a strong contender for design-conscious buyers willing to invest in quality, but potential customers should weigh the costs and limitations before committing.

    Shop Hem Now

    And the winner is...

    In the clash of La-Z-Boy versus Hem, Hem emerges as the clear winner with its cutting-edge designs, premium quality materials, and strong sustainability practices. Hem's focus on modern aesthetics and durable construction makes it the go-to choice for those looking to invest in luxurious comfort and style in their living spaces.

    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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