Recliners Buying Guide: Comfort Meets Function

A recliner is more than a lazy Sunday afternoon indulgence. For many people, it is the most-used seat in the house, serving as a spot for reading, watching television, napping, and relaxing after a long day. The right recliner combines comfort, support, durability, and style. Here is how to find yours.

Types of Recliners

Two-Position Recliners: The simplest and most affordable option. These recliners have two positions: upright and fully reclined. They operate with a manual lever or push-back mechanism. While they lack the versatility of multi-position recliners, they are reliable, easy to maintain, and budget-friendly.

Rocker Recliners: These combine reclining with a gentle rocking motion, making them popular for nurseries and relaxation spaces. The rocking motion can help soothe tension and promote relaxation. When reclined, the rocking feature typically locks in place.

Glider Recliners: Similar to rockers but with a smoother, horizontal gliding motion rather than a rocking arc. Gliders are quieter and less likely to creep across the floor than rockers. They are a popular choice for nursing mothers and anyone who finds the rocking motion soothing.

Wall-Hugger Recliners: Designed for rooms where space is limited, wall-hugger recliners need as little as three to four inches of clearance from the wall. They achieve this by moving the seat forward as the back reclines, rather than pushing backward. This makes them ideal for apartments and smaller living rooms.

Power Recliners: Electric motors control the recline position, allowing you to stop at any angle. Power recliners offer more positions than manual models and require less physical effort to operate. Many include USB charging ports and headrest and lumbar controls. The downside is that they require access to an electrical outlet and cost more than manual options.

Lift Recliners: These specialized recliners have a motorized base that tilts the entire chair forward and upward, assisting the user in standing up. Lift recliners are invaluable for elderly individuals or anyone with mobility challenges. Medicare may cover part of the cost if a doctor prescribes one.

Size and Fit

Recliners are not one-size-fits-all. A chair that is comfortable for a six-foot-two person will swallow someone who is five-foot-four. Getting the right size ensures proper support and maximum comfort.

Seat Height: When sitting upright, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees at a 90-degree angle. Most recliners have a seat height between 17 and 21 inches. Petite models with lower seat heights and taller models with elevated seats are available from many manufacturers.

Seat Width: Standard recliners offer a seat width of 19 to 21 inches. If you want more room to curl up or if you are a larger person, look for oversized recliners with seat widths of 25 inches or more.

Seat Depth: The seat should support your thighs without pressing against the backs of your knees. Too-deep seats cause you to slouch, while too-shallow seats leave your thighs unsupported. Most recliners offer seat depths between 19 and 22 inches.

Overall Dimensions: Remember that a recliner needs clearance behind it to fully recline, unless you choose a wall-hugger model. Standard recliners need 12 to 18 inches of wall clearance. Measure your intended spot carefully before purchasing.

Key Features to Consider

Lumbar Support: Good lumbar support prevents lower back pain during extended sitting. Look for recliners with built-in lumbar support or adjustable lumbar pads. Some power recliners offer powered lumbar adjustment.

Headrest: An integrated headrest supports your neck and head during reclined positions. Power headrests tilt independently of the backrest, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for television or reading.

Swivel Base: A swivel base allows the recliner to rotate, making it easy to turn toward different areas of the room. This is convenient in open floor plans where the television is not always directly in front of the chair.

Cup Holders and Storage: Many recliners include built-in cup holders, storage pockets, and side trays. While these features add convenience, they also affect the overall dimensions and style of the chair.

Massage and Heat: Some recliners include built-in massage motors and heating elements. While these features add comfort, they also increase the price and potential maintenance needs. Check warranty coverage for these components specifically.

Upholstery Options

Leather: Full-grain or top-grain leather is the most durable option for recliners. It resists wear in high-friction areas like the headrest and armrests. Leather recliners are easy to clean and develop an attractive patina over time.

Faux Leather: Polyurethane faux leather offers the look of leather at a lower price. Quality has improved significantly, and good faux leather is difficult to distinguish from genuine leather visually. However, it does not breathe as well and may peel over time.

Fabric: Fabric recliners offer the widest selection of colors and patterns. Choose tightly woven, durable fabrics for areas of heavy use. Performance fabrics that resist staining and wear are ideal for family recliners.

Microfiber: Microfiber is soft, durable, and easy to clean. It resists staining and does not attract pet hair as much as other fabrics. Microfiber is one of the most practical choices for everyday recliners.

Durability and Construction

A recliner mechanism undergoes thousands of cycles over its lifetime. Quality mechanisms are built from heavy-gauge steel and have smooth, reliable operation.

Frame: Hardwood or engineered hardwood frames provide the best durability. The frame must support not just your weight but also the stress of the recline mechanism over years of use.

Mechanism: Test the mechanism before buying if possible. It should operate smoothly without catching, squeaking, or requiring excessive force. Power mechanisms should be quiet and responsive.

Warranty: A good recliner should come with at least a five-year warranty on the frame and mechanism. Premium brands offer lifetime frame warranties. Check what the warranty covers specifically, including labor and parts.

Price Ranges

Recliners are available at every price point:

• Budget ($200-$500): Basic two-position recliners with standard features
• Mid-Range ($500-$1,200): Power recliners with multiple features and quality construction
• Premium ($1,200-$3,000+): Top brands with extensive adjustability, premium materials, and long warranties

The best time to buy a recliner is during holiday sales events. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday typically offer the deepest discounts on recliners from major retailers.

Your recliner should be a personal retreat that supports your body and relaxation. Take the time to find one that fits your body, your space, and your lifestyle perfectly.