Sponsored by La-Z-Boy
Most living rooms take shape the same way: television first, sofa opposite, and the seating question defaults to whatever was already there. For a room built around watching, that is a strange thing to leave unresolved.
The recliner has long been the unfashionable answer to that problem. The range from La-Z-Boy, the brand that invented the reclining chair in 1927, is worth another look. Read on to learn more about the design, function and what the warranty covers.
The reputation the recliner never fully deserved
That reputation is well out of date. There are a range of powered and traditional recliners in sizes that fit any room – and any person. Anyone comparing the recliner chairs available now against those from a decade ago, would barely recognise the category. You’re no longer limited to tan or brown leather, either.
There are practical covering options too, for homes where the sofa already takes a beating. iClean fabrics repel liquid without changing how the surface looks or feels, which is the kind of thing that matters when the recliner gets daily use. The covering and colour options have options for any home, whether you want bright colours, a striking pattern or rich leathers.
The models that changed the argument
The Sereno is a good example of where the category has ended up. It has a high back, timeless timber legs and a tailored silhouette designed for the room, not just the chair. A power version sits within 15cm of the wall, so it works in rooms that aren’t oversized.
The model comes in over 40 covering options. The Sereno is one of several options in the range of recliners for home theatre, each with a different mechanism and silhouette. Getting this right is easier with a consultant and the samples in the room.
Built around the home viewing session
Independent recline is the feature most worth understanding before you write the category off. If two people are watching and one wants to shift position, the other doesn’t have to move at all. A power headrest does the same for neck and shoulders, finding the right screen angle without making you readjust your whole position.
The United model takes the technology further, adding built-in speakers, NFC pairing through a companion app and USB-C charging on both armrests. If you’re setting up a proper viewing room, the media room furniture collection includes modular configurations that seat a full row. Lay-flat recline comes standard on the higher spec models, which makes a real difference for long evenings in.
A lifetime warranty on the mechanism
Before you commit, it’s worth knowing what backs the purchase. At most comparable furniture retailers, the standard mechanism warranty runs to two years. La-Z-Boy’s Rocker and Glideaway mechanisms carry a lifetime warranty, and there is a 10-year warranty on the frame, foam and workmanship. On ProductReview.com.au, the range holds 4.7 stars from approximately 1,378 reviews as of May 2026.
Where to go from here
Home theatre recliners are worth taking seriously because the design has finally caught up with the engineering. The chairs that were always comfortable are now also worth choosing for a room where you care about how it looks. That’s a real shift, and for most people, a fairly recent discovery.
The recliner finder tool on La-Z-Boy’s website narrows things down by room size and covering preference before you visit a store. Most configurations are available to try in-store, which helps when covering and comfort are both on the list. Custom pieces take 12-to-24 weeks, so it’s worth getting in early if something catches your eye.
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Looking for recliner lounge with battery plus two lounge chairs