How to Choose the Best Recliner: A Complete Buying Guide
How to Choose the Best Recliner: A Complete Buying Guide
Shopping for a recliner is about more than finding a comfortable chair. The right recliner should fit your body, your room, and your lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a modern leather recliner, a power recliner, or a recliner for small spaces, this guide covers everything you need to know before you buy.
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Types of Recliners
Wall Hugger
- Perfect for smaller rooms and tight floor plans
- Requires only minimal wall clearance to recline fully
- The forward-moving mechanism allows the chair to recline without moving away from the wall
- Delivers full reclining comfort while maximizing your space
High Leg
- Looks like a classic accent or club chair with a hidden reclining function
- Manual push-back mechanism for easy reclining
- Built-in footrest provides added comfort when reclined
- Ideal for those who want the comfort of a recliner without the traditional look
Swivel/Gliders
- Ideal for smaller spaces with limited room behind the chair
- The forward-moving mechanism allows a full recline near the wall
- Maximizes comfort without sacrificing valuable floor space
Zero Gravity
- Elevates your legs above your heart for a weightless feel
- Helps reduce pressure on the spine and joints
- Promotes better posture and spinal alignment
- Great for everyday relaxation and those with back pain or aches
Manual vs. Power Recliners
The first decision you'll make is how you want your recliner to function.
Manual Recliners
A manual recliner operates through a simple push-back motion. Typically, there are two main positions that a manual recline will facilitate: a partial recline for relaxation or light activities, and a deeper recline perfect for sleeping or napping. If you want the most understated recliner that still provides extreme comfort, a manual is a great way to go.
Power Recliners
A power recliner is the ultimate in commodious luxury, offering limitless adjustability at the touch of a button. These recliners do the work for you, with powerful mechanisms that fully recline at the touch of a button and an added USB-C charging port to recharge your devices.
Manual Recliner |
Power Recliner |
|
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Push back to recline | Button-controlled reclining |
| Adjustment | Fixed reclining positions | Nearly limitless reclining positions |
| Power Required | No | Yes |
| USB Charging | No | Yes, on most models |
| Ideal For | Simplicity and classic style | Customized comfort and convenience |
| Starting Price | Lower | Higher |
Quick Tip
There's no better option, only the one that's right for you. Choose a manual recliner for timeless simplicity or a power recliner for personalized comfort with effortless adjustability.
Size Guide
How to Measure for the Perfect Recliner
Choosing the right size recliner starts with four key measurements: chair width, fully reclined depth, wall clearance, and walkway clearance. Taking a few minutes to measure your space now can help ensure a comfortable fit for years to come.
1. Chair Width
Measure arm to arm
2. FULLY RECLINED DEPTH
Measure from the back of the chair to the end of the footrest.
3. WALL CLEARANCE
Measure the distance from the wall to the back of the chair.
4. WALKWAY CLEARANCE
Measure the space needed to walk comfortable around the recliner.
Upholstery Options
Leather
- Develops a rich patina over time
- Naturally durable and long-lasting
- Easy to wipe clean
- A timeless choice that only gets better with age
Fabric
- Soft, inviting comfort
- Hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures
- Warm, breathable feel year-round
- Great for creating a personalized look
Performance Leather
- Crafted for busy, everyday living
- Easy to care for without sacrificing style
- Offers the look and feel of genuine leather
- Built to withstand years of daily use
Performance Fabric
- Designed to resist everyday spills
- Family and pet friendly
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Perfect for high-traffic spaces
American Leather Samples
Rowe Samples
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of recliner?
The best recliner depends on your lifestyle and how you plan to use it. Manual recliners offer a clean, classic look with simple push-back operation, while power recliners provide customizable comfort at the touch of a button. If you're limited on space, a zero-wall recliner is an excellent choice, and if you're looking for maximum ergonomic support, a zero-gravity recliner may be the right fit.
Are power recliners worth it?
For many homeowners, yes. Power recliners allow you to adjust your seating position with precision rather than being limited to a few preset positions. Many also include convenient features like USB-C charging and optional battery packs, allowing the recliner to be placed almost anywhere in the room without relying on a nearby outlet.
How much space do I need for a recliner?
Every recliner has different dimensions, so it's important to measure before purchasing. Be sure to consider:
- Overall chair width
- Fully reclined depth
- Wall clearance required
- Walkway clearance when the footrest is extended
If space is limited, a zero-wall recliner can provide full reclining comfort while sitting just inches from the wall.
What is a zero-wall recliner?
A zero-wall (or wall-hugger) recliner is designed to recline without requiring much space behind it. Instead of simply leaning backward, the chair glides forward as it reclines, making it ideal for apartments, condos, and smaller living rooms.
What is a zero gravity recliner?
A zero gravity recliner positions your legs above your heart, helping distribute your body weight more evenly and reducing pressure on your spine. Many people choose this style for enhanced comfort, better relaxation, and relief from everyday aches and back discomfort.
Are modern recliners stylish?
Absolutely. Today's recliners are designed to blend seamlessly into contemporary homes. Many feature clean lines, slim profiles, concealed reclining mechanisms, and hundreds of leather and fabric upholstery options that look more like designer lounge chairs than traditional recliners.
What's the difference between a manual and a power recliner?
Manual recliners use a simple push-back mechanism and typically offer two primary reclining positions. Power recliners use an electric motor that allows you to stop at virtually any angle, giving you more personalized comfort and easier operation.
What is a high leg recliner?
A high leg recliner looks like a traditional accent or club chair but features a hidden reclining mechanism. It's an excellent option for homeowners who want the comfort of a recliner without the appearance of a traditional oversized recliner.
Can recliners work in small living rooms?
Yes. Many modern recliners are specifically designed for smaller spaces. Zero wall recliners, compact swivel recliners, and high leg recliners provide exceptional comfort while maintaining a smaller footprint.
Are recliners available in different sizes?
Yes. Many premium recliners are available in multiple sizes or heights to better fit different body types. Some models also offer taller backs and extended footrests for additional support, making them more comfortable for taller individuals.
What upholstery is best for a recliner?
That depends on your lifestyle.
- Leather offers timeless style, durability, and easy maintenance.
- Performance leather combines durability with everyday practicality.
- Fabric provides a soft, inviting feel with a wide variety of colors and textures.
- Performance fabric is ideal for homes with kids or pets thanks to its stain resistance and easy-care properties.
How do I choose the right recliner for my home?
Start by considering four key factors:
- The reclining mechanism (manual or power)
- The style that fits your space
- Your room dimensions and layout
- Your preferred upholstery and comfort features
Still unsure? We’re here to help.
Our design experts can help you find the perfect recliner for your space, style, and comfort needs, all at no cost to you.
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