Lazy Boy Fabrics Discontinued? Your Ultimate Action Plan

You found the perfect Lazy Boy recliner years ago. It has been a constant companion through movies, naps, and countless comfortable moments. But now, the fabric is showing its age, and you discover the original material is discontinued.

This situation can be incredibly frustrating for any homeowner. This guide offers a comprehensive action plan, turning this challenge into an opportunity to refresh and even upgrade your cherished furniture.

Why Furniture Fabrics Are Discontinued

Understanding why fabrics are phased out can provide some helpful context. Furniture and textile industries are closely linked to fashion, with trends and color palettes changing seasonally. A fabric that was popular five years ago might be replaced by newer textures and designs today.

Manufacturers also innovate with fabric technology. New materials may offer better durability, stain resistance, or eco-friendly properties, making older fabric lines obsolete. Sometimes, supply chain issues or changes with the textile mills themselves can lead to discontinuation.

First Steps: Confirming and Preparing

Before you start searching for alternatives, it’s crucial to gather all necessary information. The first step is to confirm the fabric has indeed been discontinued. Contact a local Lazy Boy dealer or their corporate customer service for official confirmation.

Next, locate your chair’s product identification tag. This tag contains vital information like the style number and cover number, which will be essential for any service or replacement parts requests. You can typically find this tag on the underside of the furniture. Knowing these details will streamline your search for a suitable replacement fabric.

Finding the Perfect Fabric Alternative

When your original fabric choice is no longer available, you have two main paths: hunt for the original or choose a new, potentially better, material. A discontinued fabric doesn’t necessarily mean your chair’s life is over; it’s an opportunity to customize.

This is also a chance to reassess your needs. Perhaps your lifestyle has changed, and a more durable or pet-friendly option is now a priority. Consider this a chance to tailor your furniture perfectly to your current home and family life.

Hunting for Original Fabric Stock

Finding leftover stock of a discontinued fabric, often called “new old stock,” requires some detective work. Start by checking with local upholsterers, as they sometimes purchase leftover bolts of fabric from manufacturers.

Online marketplaces are another excellent resource. Websites specializing in upholstery fabric remnants or even general sites like eBay can sometimes yield results. Be sure to use the exact fabric name and number in your searches for the best chance of success.

Choosing a New and Improved Fabric

Selecting a new fabric opens up a world of modern possibilities. Performance fabrics are a leading choice for active households, offering built-in resistance to stains, moisture, and fading. Brands like Sunbrella and Crypton design textiles that are both beautiful and incredibly durable.

For homes with pets, fabrics like microfiber and tightly woven canvas are excellent choices. Their construction resists snagging from claws and makes pet hair removal much easier. Leather is another durable, easy-to-clean option that develops a beautiful patina over time.

When thinking about replacements, you might find yourself looking for specific components, much like searching for IKEA screws at Home Depot. In both cases, knowing the specifications of what you need is key to finding a successful match or a superior alternative.

Fabric Type	Key Benefits	Best For	Considerations
Microfiber	Stain-resistant, durable, easy to clean, soft feel.	Families with children and pets.	Can attract static and lint.
Leather	Highly durable, easy to wipe clean, develops character.	High-traffic areas, classic decor.	Can be scratched, higher initial cost.
Performance Fabrics (e.g., Crypton)	Stain, moisture, and odor repellent.	Ultimate durability for any busy home.	Can be more expensive than standard fabrics.
Polyester	Fade and wrinkle resistant, affordable.	Sunny rooms and budget-friendly updates.	May not feel as luxurious as natural fibers.
Cotton/Linen Blends	Breathable, soft, natural look and feel.	Comfort-focused, casual living spaces.	Can wrinkle and stain more easily if not treated.

The Reupholstery Decision: DIY or Professional

Once you have a new fabric, the next step is reupholstering the chair. This project can be a rewarding do-it-yourself venture or a task best left to a professional. The complexity of a recliner’s moving parts often makes professional help a worthwhile investment.

A professional upholsterer not only guarantees a polished result but can also inspect and repair the frame and padding. This ensures your chair is comfortable and structurally sound for years to come.

Tackling DIY Reupholstery

If you have experience with sewing and basic tools, a DIY approach can be cost-effective. The process involves carefully removing the old fabric, using it as a pattern for the new material, and then attaching the new fabric with a staple gun.

Be meticulous about labeling each piece of old fabric as you remove it. This will serve as your guide for cutting and placing the new upholstery. Remember that recliner mechanisms add a layer of complexity, so work slowly and take pictures as you disassemble.

Hiring a Professional Upholsterer

For a valuable piece like a Lazy Boy, hiring a professional often makes the most sense. An experienced upholsterer has the specialized tools and skills to handle the complexities of a recliner, ensuring a perfect fit and finish. The cost to reupholster a recliner can range from $600 to $2,000, depending on the fabric and labor involved.

When vetting professionals, ask for a portfolio of their work and inquire about their experience with recliners. A good upholsterer will also advise on foam replacement or frame repairs, extending the life and comfort of your furniture. Just as an HVAC expert might find that a cold air return with no ductwork is the hidden cause of efficiency issues, an upholsterer can spot underlying problems with your chair’s structure.

A More Sustainable Choice

Choosing to reupholster your Lazy Boy chair is also a significant step toward sustainability. In a world leaning towards “fast furniture,” you are preserving a well-built piece and keeping it out of a landfill. This conscious decision reduces waste and the demand for new raw materials.

Older furniture frames are often constructed with higher quality materials than many new, mass-produced items. By giving your chair a new life with fresh fabric, you honor its original craftsmanship and contribute to a more circular economy. This approach is not just about fixing a problem; it’s about making a thoughtful, eco-friendly investment in your home.

Refreshing Your Chair Without Reupholstery

If reupholstery isn’t the right option for you right now, there are other ways to give your Lazy Boy a new look. A custom-fit slipcover can completely transform the appearance of your chair and is often a more budget-friendly choice.

Strategic use of throw blankets and pillows can also effectively hide worn areas while adding a fresh layer of style and comfort. Finally, consider a professional deep cleaning, which can often restore the color and texture of the original fabric surprisingly well.

A New Beginning for Your Favorite Chair

Discovering that your chair’s fabric is discontinued is not the end of the road. View it as a unique opportunity to breathe new life into a piece of furniture you already love. Whether you hunt down the original fabric, select a modern high-performance alternative, or opt for a stylish slipcover, you have plenty of options.

By taking a thoughtful approach, you can ensure your comfortable companion remains a beloved part of your home for many more years. Your effort will be rewarded with a refreshed piece that is perfectly tailored to your style and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does La-Z-Boy discontinue fabrics?

To keep its product line fresh, La-Z-Boy introduces new furniture styles and fabrics twice a year. Unfortunately, to make room for new inventory, some existing fabrics must be discontinued. Once a fabric is discontinued, the company can no longer produce it.

What happens if I need to make a warranty claim on a discontinued fabric?

La-Z-Boy fabrics are warranted for one year against issues like seam failure and fabric separation. In the event of a valid warranty claim, if your original fabric is discontinued and no longer available, the company will repair or replace it with a similar color and style.

Can I purchase extra yardage of a current fabric for future use?

Yes, you can purchase additional fabric by the yard through your local authorized La-Z-Boy retailer. This can be a good option if you are concerned about a fabric being discontinued in the future. The dealer will be able to provide you with the price per yard.

Can I special order a fabric that has been recently discontinued?

Once a fabric style has been officially discontinued, La-Z-Boy is no longer able to produce it for special orders. Your best option is to visit an authorized dealer who can help you find a currently available fabric that meets your needs.

Final word

The initial discovery that your Lazy Boy’s original fabric is discontinued can feel like a genuine loss, a final curtain call for an old, comfortable friend. But as this guide has shown, this is far from the end of the story—it is simply the end of the first chapter.

By carefully exploring alternative fabrics, modern materials, and professional upholstery services, you are not just repairing a chair; you are actively participating in its renewal. You are taking all the comfort, the memories, and the perfect “recline angle” you love, and clothing it in a beautiful, durable, and uniquely personal new skin.

Embrace this opportunity to design your next chapter. When the final stitch is sewn and your revitalized Lazy Boy is back in its rightful spot, it won’t just be a piece of furniture—it will be an upgraded, custom-designed heirloom, ready to provide countless more years of perfect movie nights, restorative naps, and comfortable companionsh