A Guide for Choosing the Perfect Recliner Chair

At the end of a hard day, there is not much else that beats taking a load off by plopping into a nice, comfortable recliner. Whether it is a leather recliner or fabric recliner, sinking into that luxurious material of your choice and taking the weight off of your feet after having been on them all day is one of the best feelings in the world.

And to that end, choosing the right recliner becomes not only another furniture shopping expedition, but one of slightly greater import. In fact, recliners are specifically designed to offer maximum support and comfort to their users, and depending on the model selected, various perks and options such as additional storage, range of motion, and electric lifts.

The benefits of using recliners are numerous, and include:

• improved blood flow
• reduced back/neck/shoulder pain
• lower stress levels

If you work in a profession where you either stand on your feet all day or sit at a desk, the near-constant rush of blood to your lower extremities and pressure on your arches can also lead to health problems such as gout or plantar fasciitis. If you find yourself struggling with any of these or other work-related health problems, a recliner may just be the thing you are looking for to improve your livelihood.

Types of Recliners

Typically, when people think of recliners, they think of a single-seating reclining chair. In truth, recliners can come in a variety of different models and types to suit a variety of needs, sensibilities, and tastes.

For example, a recliner sofa and a recliner sectional offers multiple users the option to elevate their feet and drop the back portion of their part of the sofa or sectional, whereas a recliner chair essentially performs the same functions, but only seats one person.

A reclining loveseat or double recliner is another option for those who would like to seat multiple people, but who may not necessarily have the space to accommodate a full-size sofa. Either of these two would also be a good choice for those who are looking for more intimate seating for two, and some models even feature a dividing island or console between seating areas that can serve as a shared armrest, cupholder, or storage.

Rocker recliners are a good option for those who pine for the classic cozy image of rocking quietly with their feet up in front of a warm hearth on a cold winter’s night. With these models, you not only get the inherent benefits of a standard recliner, but also the relaxing motion of a rocking chair. Other recliner models that offer motion aside from reclining are the swivel and glide recliners, which spin 360-degrees and slide forward and backwards, respectively.

Lift chair recliners are another type of recliner that uses motorized lifts to gently assist users into either a sitting or standing position. These types of recliners are generally targeted towards senior citizens and those with mobility issues who may have difficulty getting in and out of chairs. Whether you are recovering from a short-term injury or dealing with something more long-term, a lift chair recliner is a great way to take the weight off of your feet and improve blood circulation while removing the pain of entering/exiting an oversized recliner.

Another model that is aimed towards those with mobility issues are wall hugger recliners. Due to their design that implements a forward gliding mechanism that moves the seating portion forward while keeping the base stationary, these recliners do not take up as much space as traditional recliners. Thus, less effort from the user is required to enter and exit wall hugger recliners.

And finally, for those looking to add a luxurious touch to their reclining chair experience may want to consider a massage recliner. These can come in either single or double seat models, and some may include a partial or full body massage. These models have their own spatial and power requirements, so be sure to confirm all specifications and available features before purchase.

Rocker Recliners

Rocker recliners, also known as glider recliners, incorporate the relaxing back-and-forth motion of rocking chairs directly into the design, whatever that may look like depending on the model in question. While these are designed for maximum comfort, they do require about as much clearance as a standard recliner when fully open, so plan accordingly.

Rocker recliners come in a variety of different models and may or may not come with an integrated footrest. Other models may also include additional features such as extra storage and cup holders.

Lift Chair Recliners

As previously mentioned, lift chair recliners are an excellent choice for seniors/elderly users and those with mobility issues. Electric recliners are specifically designed to gently assist users with getting into a sitting or standing position via powered lifts located under the recliner that the user manually operates. The recliner is built upon a sturdy base that rises under the power of these hydraulic lifts, thus making it easier for users to enter and exit the chair.

Even better, some of these power lift recliners may come with additional storage options like side pockets, cup holders, and liftable arms with handy hidden storage compartments. For those who simply cannot get up every time they need something, power recliners with both ease of use, accessibility, and plenty of storage can make all the difference in the world.

Swivel Recliners

Unlike standard recliners, swivel recliner chairs are designed atop a circular base that also affords 360-degree motion, allowing users to spin around on a central pivot point. Most swivel rocker recliner models have the footrest integrated into the design, which affords users full motion without sacrificing full usability or comfort.

Do bear in mind that other modern swivel recliner models do come with a separate ottoman, but they may also offer additional features, such as extra storage. While shopping for swivel recliners, be sure to consider the square footage of the room it will be going in, any current and/or future needs, and desired materials and/or colors before making a decision.

Wall Hugger Recliners

For those who may have a small room or a tight space to furnish/work with, wall hugger recliners are a great way to go. Where standard recliners require about a foot of clearance both in front and behind, wall away recliners only require about half of that, if not less. This is due to the reclining portion of the chair sliding forward separate from the base before locking into place in the reclining position.

As the name implies, this feature means that wall hugger recliners are perfect for placing next to walls or otherwise out of the middle of a room, where a standard recliner may be placed due to spatial constraints. Some models even come with other features, such as rocking motion and extra storage.

Wall hugger recliners are also another excellent option for seniors and those with limited mobility, as the effort required to enter and exit the chair is minimal. And with some models offering the previously mentioned extra storage, there is plenty of incentive to consider a wall hugger recliner for your next minimalist/accessible interior design project.