How to Choose the Perfect Recliner Chair

You’ve decided that a reclining chair is needed in your life. It will enhance your comfort and relaxation at the end of a long day, plus there are compelling health benefits to enjoy. Increased circulation. Reduced pressure on the spine. More room for the lungs and diaphragm to expand so you can breathe more easily.

But furniture is an investment, so you want to be sure you’re choosing the perfect rise and recliner chair. After all, you’ll miss out on some of the advantages if you opt for the wrong product, as one size does not necessarily fit all.

Here’s how to choose the perfect recliner chair:

1.    Find a size that fits your body shape and living space

Riser recliner chairs come in different shapes and sizes and can be made-to-measure, so they fit your precise shape, weight, health needs and living space. Having a seat that is the perfect height, width and depth, plus bespoke arms and back, means that you can enjoy the full benefits. To find out how a recliner should fit your body, check out our comprehensive Chair Comfort Guide.

You can take the measurements yourself and buy a rise and recline chair over the phone. Or you can ask a qualified company representative to bring relevant rise and recline chairs to your home for you to try out and take measurements at the same time.

If the seat is too high, and your feet don’t touch the floor, your legs feel uncomfortable and pressure is put on the back. Likewise, if the seat is too low, the legs aren’t supported enough, and the back of the thighs may ache.

The seat needs to be the ideal width as well. Too narrow and it’s a bit of a squeeze; too wide and the torso is not adequately supported.

Seat depth is important too when it comes to back support.

The answer? Made-to-measure, every time.

2.    Choose the right type of recliner chair

There are many different types of recliner chairs, and each is developed to serve a specific purpose. Some are useful for medical problems such as people who have limited mobility and/or back pain. Recliners for elderly people should be able to help them stand up easily, so in this context, go for an electric rise-and-recline chair.

Other people may want a relaxing treat at the end of a long day – choose a model that relaxes your back and legs. Bliss!

Create a shortlist of your primary concerns and then find a product that meets them.

3.    Don’t be cheap when looking at recliner chairs

Considering the high prices of recliners, you may be tempted to go for a product of lower quality. But don’t. Lower quality products do not last as long and will not offer you the advantages that a higher quality product will: greater levels of comfort, increased health benefits, durable materials and a more stylish item of furniture.

4.    Decide on your most important features

Lay flat recliners come with many different features… so make a list of what is essential (and extra luxuries you’d like too) when you’re working out how to pick a reclining chair.

Some elements may be essential for people with medical issues, such as a massage feature to reduce pressure sores, easy care fabric or wheels so the chair can be moved easily between rooms.

Wooden knuckles offer additional support when getting in and out of the chair (plus they look great). Choose the back style with your own body shape and any health issues in mind.

Built-in USB chargers for mobile phones and tablets can make life a lot easier.  Perhaps you’d like a heating feature? Or maybe the most important factor for you is that the chair comes in leather.

At the Mobility Furniture Company, we are always adding new products, fabric and upholsteries to our extensive collections of furniture.

Trying out your recliner chair

The consumer choice company, Which? recently asked a panel of testers aged over 65 years old to try out and rate recliner chairs. Users sat in each chair for one hour, used its controls and experienced its range of movements and positions.

We advise you follow suit. Will your recliner chair be comfortable? Will it be reliable and will the back-up battery work? Will you be able to use the chair easily? Should you buy it?

There’s no real way of knowing unless you try before you buy. Get in touch and we will arrange for a senior demonstrator to bring items to your home, and you can take it from there.

The bottom line

The perfect recliner chair can provide very high levels of assistance, relaxation and comfort. There is an abundance of choice.

Begin by making a list of what you want from your chair and added luxuries you might like to explore. Learn about the different types of recliner chair and their vital features and feel free to call us to talk through the options.

Make sure you pick a reclining chair that fits your body shape and living space. Try before you buy.

And most importantly of all, enjoy the end product!