Cheap Recliner vs Expensive Recliner

La-Z-Boy Southeast | October 16, 2026

Cheap La-Z-Boy Recliner vs Expensive La-Z-Boy Recliner

When you compare a cheap recliner vs an expensive recliner, the price gap usually comes down to five things. Those are the chair’s size, its reclining mechanism, the fabric, the type of leather, and any added upgrades. In other words, a higher price rarely reflects a better frame alone. Instead, it reflects how much material goes into the chair and how many features come with it.

Knowing these factors helps you spend money where it matters most to you. After all, a recliner that fits your body and your habits will feel better for years than one loaded with extras you never use.

Size and material cost

Recliners come in a wide range of sizes because people come in many different heights and builds. A smaller chair simply uses less foam, wood, and fabric than a larger one. As a result, petite recliners usually sit at the lower end of the price range. Roomier chairs designed for taller frames, meanwhile, cost more to build.

Fit matters more than price here, though. A chair that’s too big can leave your feet hanging past the legrest. On the other hand, one that’s too small can strain your back and neck during a long movie night. So before you compare price tags, it helps to read up on recliners for smaller body types and recliners for taller body types.

Manual or power reclining

The way a recliner moves is another major price factor. A manual recliner opens with a side handle or a gentle push against the arms. In contrast, a power recliner relies on a motor, wiring, and electronic controls. Those extra parts add to the cost of building the chair. Because of that, power versions typically cost a few hundred dollars more than manual ones.

That said, power reclining is more than a luxury. For example, it lets you stop at any position along the way. It’s also much easier for anyone with limited strength or mobility. Our guide to manual vs power recliners walks through the tradeoffs in more detail.

Everyday fabrics or custom covers

Fabric can move the price more than many shoppers expect. Manufacturers often upholster recliners in their most popular covers in larger batches. That efficiency keeps those options more affordable. Less common fabrics, however, usually mean the chair is built to order just for you.

Custom orders cost more and take a little longer to arrive. Even so, they give you a chair in exactly the color and texture you want. If durability is your top concern, our look at the most durable furniture fabrics can help you narrow down your choices.

Bonded leather or genuine leather

Leather is where price differences can get especially wide. Bonded leather blends leftover scraps of genuine leather into a material that looks like the real thing. As a result, it gives you a leather look at a much lower cost.

Genuine leather, on the other hand, contains far more real hide. It’s soft, breathable, and long-lasting, and it tends to gain character with age. Because the raw material costs more, genuine leather recliners land at the higher end of the range. Our comparison of bonded leather vs genuine leather explains how the two hold up in daily use.

Comfort upgrades and added features

Finally, upgrades can turn a simple recliner into a premium one. Heat and massage, power headrests, lumbar support, USB charging, and wireless remotes each add to the price. On their own, they may seem like small additions. Together, though, they can account for a large share of the gap between a basic chair and a fully loaded one.

The smartest approach is to choose upgrades based on how you’ll actually use the chair. For instance, a power headrest makes a real difference if you read or watch TV for hours. A massage feature, by contrast, may matter less if you mostly use your recliner for naps.

Finding the right recliner for your budget

A cheap recliner and an expensive recliner can both be smart choices. The real difference lies in size, mechanism, cover, and features. Therefore, the best value is simply the chair that fits your body and your routine. At La-Z-Boy, every recliner shares the same patented features and signature comfort, whatever its price. If you’d like help comparing options, stop by any of our locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.