How Does a Wall Hugger Recliner Work?

Whether you need a reclining chair or sofa for health or mobility reasons, or because you want to put your feet up and relax at the end of a long day, don’t be put off if you have a challenging floor plan.

Wall hugger recliners are designed especially for people who are short on room. Here’s how to choose the right model for your health – and space – issues.

What is a wall hugger recliner?

Wall hugger recliners can be positioned mere inches from the wall. Users sit on the chair, press a button or pull a lever, and a gliding mechanism under the seat pushes the bottom half of the chair forwards, so the back of the chair never gets closer to the wall.

Wall hugger recliners are therefore ideal for a bedroom, smaller living room or if you need the chair to join an already busy living space.

How does a wall hugger recliner work?

While wall hugger rise and recline chairs sit snugly near the wall and therefore save space, different types are available with slightly different mechanisms:

• Electric (or power) wall huggers have one motor to control all of the electric functions on the chair, so the backrest and footrest operate through a single set of buttons. The main advantage of an electric wall hugger recliner is the wide variety of positions it allows you to get comfortable in.
• Manual Recline wall huggers do not have to be attached to a power source. Use your bodyweight to recline the backrest and pull a level to bring out the footrest. With fewer locking positions, manual wall huggers usually cost less than their powered counterparts and it is handy not having to think about where the plug is.

Get our Free Brochure in a few clicks to discover our range of wall huggers

The concept and mechanism behind a wall hugger reclining sofa is the same as for chairs. One section – or the entire sofa – can recline at the touch of a button or pull of a lever depending on if you opt for an electric or manual version. The benefit (other than sitting together)? Having a reclining chair integrated within a sofa that can be placed close to the wall.

How to choose the perfect wall hugger recliner

1. Size and placement

The size of the wall hugger recliner chair or sofa matters a great deal, especially if you have limited space.

Take careful measurements or, ideally, ask a professional to measure up for you (a free service). Leave enough space in front of your wall hugger recliner for its footrest to pop up without bumping into other items of furniture.

To ensure a comfortable fit – one that takes your individual size, weight and health requirements into account – choose a wall hugger recliner that is made-to-measure. Back styles, seat height, width and depth can all be altered for that perfect fit.

2. Construction

Different suppliers use different construction materials in their wall hugger recliners and sofas. Opt for a company that insists on high standards when it comes to strong framework, smooth mechanism and durable fabric.

3. Colour and upholstery

Half the fun of working with a company that tailor-makes furniture is that the customer can decide between different upholstery finishes and colours.

Practical considerations are if you would like stain-resistant microfibre, or perhaps tear-resistant fabric is more important? The wall hugger recliner must fit in with and even enhance the vibe of your existing furnishings. Leather upholstery is hard-wearing and smart, chenille is durable and soft… there are lots of options.

4. Anti-crush

Protect pets or young children with an anti-crush feature. This can be a barrier that stops cats, dogs and small children from getting beneath the chair. Alternatively, sensors can detect the presence of something under the chair and trigger a halt mechanism that stops the chair from lowering.

5. Added extras

Some wall hugger models have built in massage systems to help relieve pressure on painful areas of the body. Memory-foam seats and footrests can mould to your particular body shape. And taller people enjoy extended footrests for extra support.

What are the best wall hugger recliners?

The wall hugger recliner in the Cheshire Collection has a lower back height and large scroll arm for added comfort. Its seat comes in a standard ‘comfort’ version along with memory foam, high pressure gel or aero seating. And its upholstery options include chenille, velour, leather, velvet, anti-microbial and waterproof.

Wooden knuckles for extra help when sitting and standing are a key feature of this wall hugger rise and recline chair (plus the knuckles look great too).

Discover the Cheshire collection.

The Hampshire Collection wall hugger has an added layer of padding on the arms for extra comfort and is a popular choice for people spending a lot of time in their chair. The seat can be comfort (standard), memory foam, high pressure gel or aero (with extra heat and massage). Upholstery includes faux leather, chenille, velour, velvet, polyurethane, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and waterproof.

Discover the Hampshire collection.

A piped, scroll shaped arm exaggerates the elegant design of the Norfolk Collection wall hugger. With five back styles, four types of seat and a host of upholstery to look at, there’s a version to suit everybody.

Discover the Norfolk collection.

The Surrey Collection wall hugger recliner chair has a beautiful pleated scrolled arm and is available in Italian leather as well as nine other upholstery options. With five back styles and heat and massage as extras, look no further for a luxurious finish.

Discover the Surrey collection.

For a popular two-seater wall hugger recliner sofa, check out the Kent Collection. Each side reclines independently, plus it is one of the only sofas available that has the riser function (i.e. helps people stand) as well as recline. Ideal for couples who want to sit together whilst enjoying different comfortable positions.

The bottom line

A made-to-measure wall hugger recliner can enhance your quality of life without cramping the style of your living room or bedroom. Choose a reputable furniture company who will take the time to ensure you get the right fit for your home and your individual size and health needs.

The Mobility Furniture Company’s friendly service, efficient (free) delivery times and affordable prices are why we are a market-leading company.