LazyBoy is an American furniture brand based in Monroe, Michigan. The brand is well known for its leading upholstered reclining chairs. It also manufactures other furniture such as sofas, loveseats, ottomans, lift chairs and occasional dining furniture. However, its revolutionary recliner rocker chair came into existence in 1960. Its reclining mechanism with a solid base and a footrest with an adjusting lever made La-Z-Boy a world-famous furniture company.
Early History of Lazyboy Furniture
La-Z-Boy emerged as a result of the common interest shared by two cousins. Cousins Edward M. Knabusch and Edwin J. Shoemaker shared immense love for creating furniture. Knabusch was already a carpenter at the Weis Manufacturing Company, currently called WoodCraft in Monroe. He is well-known for spending his evenings in the family garage doing repairs and creating custom furniture for people around. On the other hand, Shoemaker’s father was training Shoemaker to take over the family farm. But he was more interested in carpentry and thus spent his free time with his cousin at the garage.
In 1925, Knabusch left the Weis Manufacturing Company to start his own furniture business. So, his first project as a new business was to create a new bandsaw guide. Eventually, Knabusch hired Shoemaker for his engineering skills. They completed their first project successfully, which gave them more opportunities and further growth in their business. Hence in March 1927, they made a partnership under the name Kna-Shoe Manufacturing Company. Owing to their immense success, soon they built a furniture factory in Monroe, Michigan.
The Birth of Lazyboy Recliner
As the partners were highly innovative and creative, they decided to create furniture without copying other designs. Their first leading invention was Gossiper, a telephone stand with a built-in seat. And their second major invention was a wood-slat porch chair, which gave them a whopping amount of success. They designed the chair with a reclining mechanism, and their idea behind this invention was what they called “nature’s way of relaxing”. Taking help from George Welker, they upholstered the chair and marketed it as a year-round indoor chair. The chair was an immediate success. Hence, they needed a name to trademark and patent the mechanism. They held a public contest and La-Z-Boy was the winner. As a result, La-Z-Boy was born.
Evolution of Lazyboy Recliners Throughout the Years
In the late 1960s, the founders of La-Z-Boy introduced the Recliner-Rocker, a rocking chair with a footrest and seat back mechanism. The chair was a huge commercial success reflecting fine craftsmanship and passion. It offered unparalleled comfort, support and relaxation coupled with style and durability. The chair became a household favourite for reading, watching TV and even taking a nap. It also offered excellent lumbar support that relaxes the body and maintains good posture.
In 1970, the company introduced recliners with electric controls and later, they designed recliners that can move away from walls, power recliners and power-assisted lifts. In the early 1990s, the company introduced a new line of massage and heat recliners. Later in 1999, La-Z-Boy invented recliner chairs with built-in bottle coolers and motorised massage options.
One year later, the company went on to team up with Microsoft and offered recliners that have in-built WebTV internet access and tools. In this way, the company went on to more innovations and extended its venture beyond recliners. Today, La-Z-Boy recliners include nearly 180 recliner models that come as sofas, chairs, and luxury lift chairs. They also cover various seating options and sizes. You can find a perfect piece of recliner or sofa that fits your needs and complies with your interior decor at an affordable price.
Here at Valentines Furniture, we have an exclusive collection of La-Z-Boy Furniture that can leave you spoilt for choices. Contact us or visit our showroom in Bendigo to have a look at this cosy and comfy furniture.
