When imagining the ultimate piece of comfortable furniture, a recliner is top of mind. With the ability to recline, rest your head, and kick up your feet – they are designed to be as relaxing as they are functional.
Perfect for movie marathons or putting up your feet while you read, today’s recliners have come a long way from their first iterations. Modern recliner chairs offer a variety of sizes and features for every personal style and need. Read on for help finding the perfect fit for your home.
Reclining chairs are essentially upholstered armchairs that lean back with either the push of a button, the flip of a handle, or a backward push. They include a range of reclining or upright positions for ultimate comfort and the ability to glide or swivel in certain models.
Recliners come in many common materials and sizes, from small and compact to oversize. Look for reclining sofas and sectionals if you want more room to relax.
Recliner Chair Types
There are a variety of recliners to explore, depending on your budget and comfort preferences. Here are a few of the most common types of recliners.
Manual Recliner Chair
Manually pull on a built-in lever — typically on the right side of the chair — to move the seat from upright to reclined. The chair returns to its original position by pushing the footrest back down into place.
Push Back Recliner Chair
This chair is reclined by using your body weight to exert pressure upon the back of the chair, as opposed to a lever or a button. They return to their original position when you push the footrest back into place.
Power Recliner Chair
Power recliner chairs have a built-in motor that pairs with a button on the side of the chair or a separate remote for ease of use. With just one press of the electronically powered button, you can recline the chair to the angle of your choice. Some models include elements that let you adjust the headrest, back seat, and footrest. These recliners tend to be on the more expensive end of the spectrum and need to be placed near an electrical outlet.
Lift Recliner Chair
Lift recliner chairs feature a seat and back that move together as one piece. These seats eliminate gaps and offer full-body support from a seated to a standing position.
Rocking Recliner Chair
As the name implies, this style recliner is designed to rock back and forth on arc-shaped built-in tracks, making it ideal for a nursery.
Gliding Recliner Chair
Glider recliners are like rockers, except the built-in tracks are flat for a fixed back-and-forth motion. They are also available in swivel options, so you get a full range of motion.
Oversized Recliner Chair
An oversized reclining chair gives you ample space to lounge out comfortably, sit with an extra person, or leave room for your pet. They usually measure a minimum of 50” wide.
Your recliner can also come with different features and extras, such as:
- USB charging port to keep your electronics in easy reach.
- Recliner chair covers to keep your recliner mess-free and easy to clean.
- Massage features for added luxury and muscle relief.
- Wheels for easy placement and navigation between rooms.
- Adjustable headrests to help perfectly position your neck.
Common Recliner Materials
Unlike other types of furniture, recliners are often subjected to frequent movement with each use. This becomes an important consideration when deciding on material.
Leather
The sleek, sophisticated appearance of leather makes it great for complementing rooms with a modern aesthetic. Its soft, smooth feel provides an additional element of comfort.
Leather chairs blend effortlessly into a variety of rooms, with many varieties of leather suitable for different lifestyles, budgets, and aesthetic needs.
Performance fabrics are designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Its stain-resistant properties make it durable and easy to clean. Fabric types include:
Woven from other natural fibers, velvet is surprisingly durable, holds dyes very well, and is soft to the touch.
Polyester
Known for being durable, soft, and wrinkle and fade-resistant, polyester is a synthetic fabric that does not stretch or wear.
Linen
Linen is a durable natural fiber derived from the flax plant. It is a great long-term material, holds dyes well, and gets softer over time.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber that is versatile, resistant to wear, and extremely breathable.
How to Style a Recliner
While the idea of a recliner might suggest the idea of bulky eyesores, modern recliners include tons of stylish options that help elevate the look of a room.
It’s easy to style your recliner into your space. From prints and patterns, like stripes and flowers, to a multitude of colors, there’s a recliner style for every preference.
Recliners come in all design types. Find styles of tapered legs and curved arms to minimalistic, black faux leather. Try pairing them with a cute accent pillow or a plush blanket for an elevated look.
How To Choose the Right Recliner?
1.
Consider Size
Recliners come in several different sizes. Think about who will use the chair most and factor in their height. The goal is to find a fit in which your feet don’t dangle over the edge of the chair when reclined.
Standard recliner versions generally span from 39 inches – 49 inches. Oversized options measure larger than 50 inches. Decide on how much space you need and if you want to opt for a reclining sofa or sectional.
2.
Consider Material
Your material of choice depends on how often you use your chair as well as the style of the overall room. Living room chairs withstand a lot of wear and tear, so you want to choose a fabric that will hold up to your lifestyle. Consider materials like velvet or chenille if you prefer to make a more aesthetic impact.
3.
Consider Placement
Ensure your chair will not extend into walkways or doorways and cause navigation issues within your room. If you opt for a power recliner, consider nearby outlets and be aware of tripping hazards.
4.
Consider Features
You want your recliner to be the best mix of function and style. If you like an old-school look, choose a manual recliner with a swivel base. If you prefer higher tech, opt for a power recliner with USB ports and enhanced adjustability.
Enhance Your Seating Arrangements
Whether you are looking for a statement piece or an oversized recliner perfect for getting comfy, furniture.com is here to help you find your perfect fit. Browse our curated collection of recliners to meet any need and fit into any room.