Recliner Buying Guide

• The size of the recliner depends on your available room space and the size of the primary user of the chair. Recliners come in several sizes. Generally speaking, small or petite is suitable for shorter people, averaging about 5 feet, 3 inches, or less. Large recliners are made to fit 6 feet, 3 inches, and larger people. Medium-sized chairs work for most average-sized people. A good measure: When reclined, your feet should not dangle much over the edge of the chair."}},"@type": "Question","name": "How long do recliners last?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "Depending on the quality of the recliner and the amount of use, a new recliner can last from seven years to about 20 years. If a well-constructed chair gets frequent, daily use, it will last about 7 to 10 years. If it's made of leather, it adds another five years to the chair's life. Adjust up and down based on heavy use, rough use of children or pet's sharpening their claws on the upholstery.","@type": "Question","name": "What are the pros and cons of manual vs. power recliners?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "The benefit of power recliners is they are much easier to use, requiring very little bodily strength. A truly luxe experience, you only need to press a button. The drawbacks are several: They're much heavier, need to be situated near an outlet to work, and have motors that can burn out over time."]}]}] .icon-garden-review-1fill:#b1dede.icon-garden-review-2fill:none;stroke:#01727a;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round > buttonbuttonThe Spruce The Spruce's Instagram The Spruce's TikTok The Spruce's Pinterest The Spruce's Facebook NewslettersClose search formOpen search formSearch DecorRoom Design

• Decorating

• Design Styles

• Small Spaces

• Feng Shui

• See all

• GardenPlants A to Z

• Houseplants

• Landscaping

• Pests & Problems

• Wild Birds

• In the Weeds With Plant People

• The Spruce Gardening Review Board

• See all

• Home ImprovementSkills & Specialties

• Painting

• Kitchen

• Bathroom

• Interior Remodel

• Exteriors

• Outdoor Building

• Home Services

• Green Improvements

• The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board

• See all

• CleaningCleaning

• Organizing

• Laundry

• Pest Control

• The Spruce Cleaning Review Board

• See all

• CelebrationsEvents & Parties

• Etiquette & Advice

• Birthdays

• Graduations

• See all

• What to BuyHow We Test Products

• Bedding

• Furniture

• Vacuums

• Best Gifts

• Cleaning Products

• See all

• NewsHome Trends

• Brands & Collections

• Sales & Deals

• House Tours

• Perspectives

• "One Thing" Video Series

• In the Weeds With Plant People

• See all

• About UsEditorial Policy

• Product Testing

• Diversity & Inclusion

• Gardening Review Board

• Home Improvement Review Board

• Cleaning Review Board

• See all

Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.Subscribe The Spruce's Instagram The Spruce's TikTok The Spruce's Pinterest The Spruce's Facebook About UsNewsletterPress and MediaContact UsEditorial GuidelinesHome Design & DecoratingDecoratingFurnitureHow to Choose the Right Type of ReclinerByAbe AbbasUpdated on 08/09/22 Westend61 / Getty Images

recliner buying guide

The size of the recliner depends on your available room space and the size of the primary user of the chair. Recliners come in several sizes. Generally speaking, small or petite is suitable for shorter people, averaging about 5 feet, 3 inches, or less. Large recliners are made to fit 6 feet, 3 inches, and larger people. Medium-sized chairs work for most average-sized people. A good measure: When reclined, your feet should not dangle much over the edge of the chair.

Depending on the quality of the recliner and the amount of use, a new recliner can last from seven years to about 20 years. If a well-constructed chair gets frequent, daily use, it will last about 7 to 10 years. If it's made of leather, it adds another five years to the chair's life. Adjust up and down based on heavy use, rough use of children or pet's sharpening their claws on the upholstery.

The benefit of power recliners is they are much easier to use, requiring very little bodily strength. A truly luxe experience, you only need to press a button. The drawbacks are several: They're much heavier, need to be situated near an outlet to work, and have motors that can burn out over time.

There are many recliner options available, but which one is right for you? While La-Z-Boy has a wide selection of recliners to choose from, we understand that we may not be for everyone. To that end, our hope is that much of the information in this recliner guide is helpful regardless of what brand you end up choosing.

Are you purchasing a recliner for yourself, or is it for someone else in your household? Will you be sharing the recliner with another person? You may have to compromise if your heights differ. (Sometimes people will buy two recliners; each one sized for the person using it.)

The Harbor Town recliner is a good fit for a petite body type because it has a smaller scale. It will also work well in a smaller sized room. To learn more, check out our detailed review of the Harbor Town recliner.

Some less expensive models with little to no back support can cause back pain. If you have a recliner that has space between the curve of the seat and your lower back, it will cause discomfort. Placing a small cushion in that space to support your lower back can help.

From introductory to premium mechanics, the manual recliner offers a chair that can maneuver into a reclining position. While most recliner handles are on the right side, some retailers provide a shorter lever or left-sided handle for the lefty in the family.

For those with shorter arms, some manufacturers will also offer elongated handles to ensure you are able to reach the mechanism. And of course, you could also choose the manual push-back model, which has no handle at all. With tension adjusters on many models, the manual recliner can be adjusted to almost any size and fit of any person.

The power rocking recliner with headrest and lumbar support is perfect for those looking to rock and recline; it has an adjustable body and provides lumbar support at all times. The independent support for your head, neck, and lower back provides you with an unlimited number of relaxing positions. It lets you maintain perfect viewing angles for activities such as reading, conversation, or enjoying TV.

Quality furniture is essential if you require it for daily use, as it will be a staple in your home. You will want to find out details like what materials the manufacturer uses in construction and what features the recliner has, including options and fabrics available.

La-Z-Boy recliners typically start at $1,309 and go up from there. Our specialty focuses on a broad selection of recliners in the mid to higher-end price ranges. To find out more information on the factors that influence the cost of a La-Z-Boy recliner check out how much does a La-Z-Boy recliner chair cost?

This is a fresh collection of furniture with a contemporary twist on classic styles. The recliners are designed to fit any room, style, and budget with clean lines and designer details. All Urban Attitudes furniture is easy to mix, match and is fully customizable.

These recliners are manufactured overseas and have a sleek and contemporary style. They are European-inspired recliners created for the European market who prefer small-scale furniture for their homes. These styles are gaining popularity in North America and particularly in Canada.

Please remember that buying a high-quality, comfortable recliner is only half the equation as you evaluate the various recliner brands. The furniture company you do business with is responsible for the successful delivery and installation of your new chair.

Our highly trained sales consultants are recliner experts; they will guide you through the purchasing process to help you find a recliner. The quality and variety of La-Z-Boy recliners will ensure you find the perfect match for your needs.

At USM, we know that being well informed is the key to making smart purchasing decisions. In fact, we consider informed consumers our best customers and that is why we are happy to provide a series of comprehensive guides to help you choose the right lift chair recliner. With so many different factors to consider, we can help you narrow down your options to the ones that best address your needs.

Like the name implies, manual recliners use a lever on the side of the chair to move the seat from an upright to a reclined position. Manual recliners might also have rocking, gliding, or swivel capabilities depending on their construction and design.

Power recliners use a button to electronically recline the chair to an angle of your choosing. Like manual recliners, they can also have rocking, gliding, and swivel capabilities, as well as lift, massage, and heating options, depending on the model you choose. Many power recliners also come with USB charging stations for your electronics.

Rocker recliners utilize arched tracks, which allow them to gently rock back forth in a soothing motion. Rocker recliners are especially useful for parents of young children and people with trouble sleeping, as the rocking motion can help lull them to sleep.

Also known as press back recliners, push back recliners require an individual to lean back and exert pressure onto the back of the chair in order to recline, rather than utilizing a button or lever. Press back recliners often look like regular armchairs while in the upright position, making them a great option for people looking for more modern, stylish recliners. 041b061a72