How to Choose the Right Recliner for Your Home
Choosing a recliner is about more than finding a chair that looks good. The right recliner should fit the person using it, fit comfortably in the room, and provide the type of support and reclining experience you want. Since recliners come in many different sizes and styles, taking a little time to compare them can make a big difference.
If you are shopping for a new recliner, start by thinking about how you will use the chair, how much space you have, and which features are most important to you.
How You Plan to Use the Recliner
The best recliner for one person may not be the best choice for someone else. Think about what you normally do while sitting in your recliner and how many hours you expect to spend in it.
Reading and Relaxing
If you primarily want a comfortable chair for reading, relaxing or taking an afternoon nap, look for a recliner that provides good back and leg support. Pay attention to the position of the headrest, the angle of the back and how well the footrest supports your legs.
Watching Television
If the recliner will be used primarily for watching television, consider where the chair will be positioned in relation to the television. A recliner with an adjustable back and footrest can make it easier to find a comfortable position for longer periods of time.
You should also consider how much space the chair needs when it is fully reclined. Some recliners can be placed relatively close to a wall, while others require additional space behind or in front of the chair.
Everyday Comfort
If the recliner will be used every day, comfort and durability become especially important. Look at the construction of the chair, the quality of the cushioning and how easy it is to operate.
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For an everyday chair, it is also helpful to consider who will be using it. A smaller person may prefer a different seat size and depth than a taller or larger person.
Choose the Right Recliner Size
Recliners are not one-size-fits-all chairs. The size of the person using the recliner should be one of the first things you consider.
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When sitting in a recliner, your feet should rest comfortably on the footrest and your back should be supported without feeling cramped. Your head should also be positioned comfortably against the back or headrest.
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If possible, sit in several different sizes of recliners before deciding. Compare the seat width, seat depth, back height and leg support rather than choosing a chair based only on its appearance.
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You should also measure the area where the recliner will be placed. Remember that the chair may extend farther into the room when it is reclined.
Decide Which Reclining Features Matter to You
Recliners are available with different operating systems and features. Think about which features you will actually use rather than paying for features that are not important to you.
Manual Recliners
Manual recliners use a lever, handle or other mechanical mechanism to operate the reclining function. They can be a good choice for someone who prefers a straightforward reclining chair without an electric motor.
Power Recliners
Power recliners use an electric motor to move the chair into a reclining position. Depending on the model, power controls can make it easier to adjust the chair gradually until you find the position that feels most comfortable.
Lift Chairs
Lift chairs are designed to help a person move between a seated position and a standing position. The powered mechanism raises and tilts the chair to make getting in and out easier.
If a lift chair is something you are considering, pay close attention to the size and weight capacity of the individual model as well as how the chair feels when you are sitting in it.
Think About Where the Recliner Will Go
Before purchasing a recliner, measure the space where you plan to put it.
Measure the available width and depth and consider nearby furniture, walls, tables and walkways.
You should also determine how much room is required for the chair to recline.
Doorways and hallways are another consideration. A recliner may fit comfortably in the room but still be difficult to move through a narrow doorway or hallway.
Measuring these areas ahead of time can prevent problems when the chair is delivered.
Why Trying a Recliner in Person Matters
Pictures and measurements can tell you a lot about a recliner, but they cannot tell you exactly how the chair will feel when you sit in it to relax.
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Two recliners can have similar dimensions and still feel very different. The cushioning, seat depth, back angle, armrest position and overall support can all affect comfort.
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Trying several chairs in person allows you to compare them side by side. Sit normally, recline the chair, try several different positions and make sure the chair feels comfortable before making your decision.
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This is especially important if the recliner will be used every day.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Recliner
Before choosing a recliner, consider these questions:
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Does the chair fit my height and body size?
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Is the seat comfortable when I sit for an extended period?
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Does the footrest support my legs properly?
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How far does the chair extend when reclined?
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Will it fit comfortably in the room?
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Does it fit through my home's doors and hallways?
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Do I want a manual or power reclining mechanism?
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Would a lift chair be useful for the person using it?
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Are the controls easy for me to operate?
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Have I compared several different chairs before making my decision?
Taking the time to answer these questions can help you narrow down your choices and find a recliner that works well for your home and your everyday needs.
Visit Recliners of Arizona
The easiest way to compare recliners is to sit in them yourself. At Recliners of Arizona, you can visit our showroom and try different recliners to see how they fit and feel before making a decision.
Our showroom offers a variety of recliners and other furniture, including power recliners, lift chairs, rocking chairs swivel gliding recliners and curio cabinets.
If you are shopping for a recliner in the Phoenix area, stop by Recliners of Arizona and take the time to find a chair that feels right for you.