What You Need to Know About Reclining Chairs

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There’s nothing as comfortable as a reclining chair. Also known as recliners, these types of chairs are plush, spacious, and incredibly cozy to sit in. Plus, they recline to allow you to put your feet up and lay back. If you’re looking to sit down, put your feet up, and relax, there’s no better place to do so than in a reclining chair.

While many people assume recliners are expensive, these chairs can actually be a great addition to any living space. Before you decide to purchase a reclining chair, it’s important to consider a few different factors. From the right amount of support to the recliner’s features, you should consider and compare your options.

The following are the factors you need to consider when choosing a new recliner.

You’ll Need a Little Extra Space for a Reclining Chair

When you first start shopping for reclining chairs, it’s a good idea to determine how much space you have and how much space you’ll need. While some recliners are petite in size, many are quite large.

Measure the available space in your home where you’d like to place the recliner. This will help you determine if certain chairs are too big for your living space. Width is the most important measurement.

However, you’ll also want to note or measure how much available space you have for a reclining chair to actually recline. Recliners typically need to be positioned anywhere from 250mm to 900mm away from any wall. Otherwise, the chair won’t have enough room to recline and lay back.1

Recliners Can Be Manual or Power

In order to make a reclining chair lean backward, the chair will have some kind of mechanism. It’s often as easy as pulling a lever and adjusting your bodyweight. However, many people forget to consider whether they want a recliner that reclines manually or via electrical power.

Reclining chairs are available as manual or power. When you choose a manual reclining chair, the piece of furniture will usually include either a catch or handle release along one side. To recline the chair and elevate your legs, you’ll manually pull that catch or handle release. You may also need to use your weight to adjust the chair into a comfortable position.

Power recliners work in a similar way, but there’s little for you to do beyond the push of a button. When you choose a power recliner, you’ll find buttons on either the side of the chair, arm of the chair, or a remote handset. To recline, all you need to do is push the right button. Then the chair will automatically move into the position you’ve chosen. You’ll also push a button to make the chair upright once again.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both styles of reclining chairs. If you struggle with a manual recliner, a power model can make your everyday life easier. If you worry about power functionality needing maintenance or repair, you may want to opt for a manual model.

There Are Different Types of Recliners

In addition to deciding whether you’d like a manual or power reclining chair, you’ll want to consider what specific type of recliner is best for you. Recliners are available in several different types.

The following are some of the kinds of recliners available to purchase at furniture stores or online:

Make sure to consider and compare a few different types of recliners before making a decision. Each kind can suit different needs. For instance, individuals with young children might benefit from a rocker recliner. If you want to be able to lay down, a lay-flat recliner is the perfect choice. For the most features, a high-tech or smart recliner is best.

No matter which kind of recliner you like best or find most suitable, all reclining chairs can offer comfort and relaxation.

Reclining Chairs Come in Different Fabrics

After choosing the perfect type of recliner, you’ll be ready to pick out the specifics – including the fabric. Reclining chairs can be covered in many different kinds of fabric. As such, you have the chance to make yours more stylish or perfectly paired with your home decor.

Recliners most commonly feature one of two fabrics: cloth or leather.
Cloth recliners are typically cheaper, as this fabric is more budget-friendly and affordable to produce. However, cloth may not hold up well over time. As a result, it can be prone to rips, tears, and other signs of regular use.

Leather recliners may be more expensive, but they’re also extremely durable, easy to clean, and can develop a richer appearance over time. Yet leather can scratch and may require more maintenance.

Both of these fabrics can be quite comfortable. So, it’s up to you to compare different cloth and leather reclining chair options to decide which is your favorite.3

You Should Do Your Research Before Buying a Recliner

Before ultimately buying any type of reclining chair, it’s critical that you do some research. As mentioned above, it’s important to consider size, functionality, recliner type, and even the fabric before you make a purchase. A recliner can be an investment. So, doing your research can help you find one to last for years to come.

One more area in which you can do research is on price. It’s a good idea to compare different recliners to one another, assessing the price for value and benefits. Additionally, you can search online, look at different retailers, and see if you can get lower pricing on the recliners you like.

You should also consider different reclining chairs that feature prices that are serious values. For example, the following chairs offer great value for their affordable costs:

If you’re searching for the right reclining chair, know that you can often find deals, discounts, and special pricing online. So, make sure to do your research. It could wind up saving you money.