Looking to upgrade your living room decor with top-tier comfort and style? Delve into the clash between La-Z-Boy and West Elm to find out which brand reigns supreme in the world of luxury couches.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
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Ready to discover the heavyweight clash of couches? La-Z-Boy and West Elm are entering the ring for a style and comfort showdown. Curious about which brand will steal the show in your home decor game? Let the rivalry begin!
Side By Side
Features
La-Z-Boy
West Elm
Made to Order Lead Times
8-12 weeks
8+ weeks
Free Shipping Option
White Glove Delivery Option
Varies
$279-$429
Return Option
Warranty Included
Financing Option
La-Z-Boy Credit Card
Affirm
Assembly Required
Varies
Large Fabric Selection
Free Swatches Available
Manufacturing Origin
USA
Import
Avg. 3-Seat Couch Price
$$-$$$
$$-$$$
Exploring La-Z-Boy and West Elm reveals unique selling points for each brand. La-Z-Boy's sofas emphasize classic comfort and durability, with patented features like ComfortCore® cushions and American craftsmanship setting them apart in the market. In contrast, West Elm focuses on stylish design versatility and sustainability, offering a wide range of trendy options for environmentally conscious consumers. While La-Z-Boy excels in traditional comfort and quality materials, West Elm appeals to those looking for modern styles and eco-friendly practices. The comparison showcases how each brand caters to different preferences, providing buyers with a choice based on their specific lifestyle and design needs.
BRAND #1: La-Z-Boy
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.
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).
West Elm launched in 2002 and opened its first storefront in 2003. They're owned and operated by Williams-Sonoma who also owns Pottery Barn. Despite their corporate nature, West Elm actually has a great emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives.
West Elm | Brand Summary
West Elm has stylish, modern furniture with the quality and backing of the Williams-Sonoma brand. They have surprisingly competitive prices considering their selection and their quality. They also get some points for focusing on sustainability and supporting a worldwide community of artisans.
But operating under the umbrella of Williams-Sonoma does have downsides. Most of West Elm's couches are imported from overseas, they don't have any meaningful warranty program, and the lead times could be better than they are. West Elm's prices are more affordable than other brands with similar styles, but there's also not a strong reason why you should choose West Elm over another brand that has better lead times and a stronger customer focus.
Competitive pricing, especially on their leather options
3rd party warranty option
Strong sustainability initiatives
Has brick-and-mortar locations
Cons
Couches are all imported
No standard warranty
Can't return made to order couches
7 day return window may not apply even to In-Stock options
Shockingly low 1.1 star rating on TrustPilot
Is West Elm good quality? The brand has become a go-to brand for stylish sofas at surprisingly affordable prices. But those lower prices come at a cost. There’s no standard warranty on their couches, made-to-order couches can’t be returned, and their 7-day return window may not apply to their In-Stock or Quick Ship couches. That could make them an expensive gamble. Additionally, West Elm has a very low 1.1-star rating on Trustpilot, which could give you pause. But one saving grace is that you can purchase a 3-year Allstate Protection warranty for your sofa. This covers accidents, stains, material damage, and more.
On the positive side, West Elm has a huge number of glamorous couches to choose from. They’re also generally available in a wide range of luxury fabrics. So you can really design a couch that you love. The pricing is wonderfully competitive for their quality and the number of sofa styles available. West Elm also has plenty of brick-and-mortar locations where you can test out their couches in person. And if sustainability is important to you, West Elm has some impressive initiatives on that front. However, they are part of a big corporate umbrella, which might negatively affect some shoppers.
In the battle of couch titans, La-Z-Boy steals the spotlight with its unbeatable classic comfort and durability. With patented features like ComfortCore® cushions and a strong focus on quality, La-Z-Boy stands out for buyers seeking long-lasting luxury and timeless style.
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.
