La-Z-Boy History

The History of La-Z-Boy

From cozy recliners to luxurious sofas, La-Z-Boy’s wide range of collections never fails to deliver the most functional pieces in a contemporary style that stands the test of time.
But how did this iconic brand begin? And what has driven its continued success since the 1920s?

Today, for the first time, we explore the inspiring story of La-Z-Boy — from a humble garage in Monroe, Michigan, to becoming a global name in comfort.

Humble Beginnings with a Big Dream

In the spirit of youthful creativity and right after finishing high school, Edward Knabusch and his friend Edwin Shoemaker came up with an innovative idea focused on effortless comfort.
This idea gave birth to the La-Z-Boy brand and the creation of the first reclining chair that adjusted automatically as soon as someone sat down.
This revolutionary piece was named the "La-Z-Boy Recliner", and it redefined home comfort in American living rooms at the time.

A Concept That Changed Comfort Forever

By 1931, La-Z-Boy had patented its reclining mechanism after further developing the first adjustable chair that allowed users to sit in multiple relaxing positions.
This major step became the cornerstone of the brand’s global journey, paving the way for popular models like:

• La-Z-Lounger

• La-Z-Rocker

Both were known for their advanced reclining systems and elegant designs.

Expansion and Global Growth

In the 1970s, La-Z-Boy expanded beyond recliners into a broader range of home and office furniture with lines such as:

• La-Z-Boy Residential

• La-Z-Office

This era saw significant growth, including the opening of stores worldwide and a major milestone when the company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, solidifying its global presence.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

In 2010, La-Z-Boy launched the EcoComfort program as a serious step toward sustainability, focusing on using eco-friendly materials and reducing its carbon footprint.
The company also became involved in community support efforts such as:

• Donating furniture to homeless shelters

• Helping build homes for those in need through charitable partnerships
  
  

Looking to the Future

La-Z-Boy remains committed to innovation by:

• Investing in modern technologies

• Integrating artificial intelligence

• Enhancing recliner systems for optimal support and comfort

All aimed at improving the overall relaxation experience for every customer.

In Conclusion

From a small-town garage in Monroe, Michigan, to becoming one of the most respected names in global furniture, La-Z-Boy has written a remarkable story of innovation, quality, and sustainability.
It continues to deliver exceptional comfort products that meet the highest standards of elegance and functionality — enriching everyday life and shaping a more comfortable world for all.