When you envision your dream recliner, what do you see? A big, puffy leather seat that’s perfect for kicking back in? Something that fits your living room’s design but rocks back-and-forth?
Everyone wants a nice recliner to kick back in, but many wonder how to buy a recliner that fits their exact needs. There are thousands of recliners on the market. If you’re going to pick the right one for your home, you need to put some real consideration into the buying process. From the upholstery to the size and price, there are dozens of aspects to review.
Why Buy a Recliner?
A home feels a lot homier if you have a nice, comfortable chair to plop down in after a long day.
A wise man once said to always invest in the things that come between you and the ground (a bed, shoes, a chair, etc.). A nice recliner is something you will enjoy every day for years and years. A good one will provide the comfort and support you need while making your living room cozy and relaxing.
If you’re ready to embark on your recliner-buying journey, check out our recliner buying guide to learn more! In it, we review five of the biggest things to think about before buying the perfect chair to relax in.
1. Cost
If you’re trying to figure out exactly how to buy a recliner, price is probably the biggest driver.
Remember, a recliner isn’t just any chair – it’s a seat that’s designed to be incredibly supportive, comfortable, and durable. Therefore, more technology and thought goes into the design of a recliner than a regular chair you’d purchase for your living room.
As a result, recliners also cost more than average leather or fabric chairs. You could easily spend anywhere from $250 to $5,000 on a fancy recliner, so it’s important to come up with a strict budget before you begin shopping in earnest.
The more accessories and high-quality features that are included with the recliner, the heavier the price tag. Pick and choose which aspects are the most important to you, then come up with a number that seems fair for your ideal recliner. A good price for durable materials and great comfort usually lies between $800 and $2,000.
2. Types of Recliners
Regardless of what type of recliner chair you initially envision when you hear the word, there are dozens of different styles that provide different benefits. Before you commit to any chair, review some of the most popular types to ensure you’re buying the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Two-Position Recliner
This style’s name is rather self-descriptive. Typically, the two-position recliner is the most common option you’ll see in a store. It’s the most limited type of recliner and only has two positions: upright or completely reclined. As soon as you release the foot lever, the chair back flattens out with the weight of your body.
Not interested in reaching for a level or power button to make your chair recline? The pushback recliner chair flattens out with just a push from your back. Most do not come with a footrest, so that is something to consider if you want to stretch out your legs while relaxing.
Usually an affordable option, a rocker recliner (or glider) is a recliner that can flatten out and also rock when upright. This is an excellent choice for people who like to be lulled to sleep with a gentle motion, or for parents who are constantly trying to soothe a young child.
Want a chair that can do it all for you?
A power lift recliner is completely motorized, which means it can assist in pushing you out of the chair and standing up. Individuals with injuries, disabilities, or who struggle to stand on their own benefit the most from this type of recliner.
Because this style of chair comes equipped with so much technology, it’s typically one of the more expensive options at most recliner stores.
The wall hugger (or wall saver) makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of a recliner without running out of space in a cramped area. This style of recliner only requires about half a foot of space from the wall when fully reclined, so you don’t have to worry about scraping up your paint and leaving scuff marks on the wall.
If you really want to relax, there’s no better option than a massage recliner that kneads, knocks, and vibrates your aching body parts. After a long day of work, unwind in a chair that pays for itself with quality massages.
3. Size
Hopefully, reviewing the different types of recliners has given you a better idea of what you’re looking for in a new chair.
Now, it’s time to consider how much physical space you actually have in your house to accommodate your new piece of furniture. Look at the space you have in your room, and take actual measurements to determine what will fit best.
Additionally, you’ll need to evaluate what size of recliner best fits your body type. The better the chair can form to the shape and size of your body; the more pressure will be taken off your sore joints and muscles.
Small Recliners
A “small” recliner chair measures at 39” or less in width. This is typically a good size for petite people, and it fits nicely in apartments or living rooms with very little space to waste.
The mid-sized, or standard, recliner measures at about 40” wide. This is the average size you see in furniture stores and fits most body sizes comfortably.
Oversized recliners, sometimes referred to as “big and tall,” are 50” or more in width. They’re built to accommodate bigger people, and as a result, they take up more space in a room. You’ll need at least one foot, perhaps up to three feet, of space from the wall to avoid scuffing when the chair flattens out.
4. Material Used
The materials used play a big role in how to buy a recliner chair. Recliners don’t just come in different colors and styles – they are made with different fabrics.
Although leather recliners are typically the most luxurious and sought after, there are pros and cons to various kinds of chair materials.
Fabric Upholstery
Many people enjoy fabric recliners because they are extremely comfortable. They can be made from velvet, cotton, chenille, or other materials, and most are made to breathe well and provide an excellent place for relaxation.
However, fabric recliners can also be stained easily and require more maintenance than leather recliners. If you spill something, hurry and grab that spot remover, because your expensive chair could quickly be ruined.
Leather recliners don’t just feel great – they look great in your home. The sleek, smooth appearance of leather instantly makes your chair look more expensive. Plus, leather is extremely durable, and figuring out how to clean leather is easy.
On the flip side, leather chairs are prone to scratches more than fabric recliners, so you may want to rethink this option if you have pets that will be clambering all over your new piece of furniture with sharp claws.
5. Features or Functions
Cup or Glass Holder
You may want to consider a recliner chair that comes equipped with a built-in cupholder if you want to truly unwind after an exhausting day.
Tray Table
Phone or Tablet Holder
LED Flex Light
Wireless Battery
Lumber, Head and Neck Pillow
Most can be attached with a simple anti-slip strap that secures the pillow in place. Find one that matches your dream recliner, then slip it over the headrest.
The Ambiance of the Room
Most can be attached with a simple anti-slip strap that secures the pillow in place. Find one that matches your dream recliner, then slip it over the headrest.
6. Ergonomics
As you look for your dream recliner, test them out to see what kind of support the chairs are really providing. It’s critical that even the fanciest of seats provide the lower lumbar support you’re looking for, as well as proper leg and head support.
7. Incliner Mechanism
When you buy a recliner that has a manual recline with spring-based technology, the chair quickly pops into place. On the other hand, if you buy one with a whisper-quiet motor system, you’ll get more position choices with smoother transitions.
Think about the kind of experience you want your recliner to provide and how many options you want from the seat. This might impact how you pick a chair during your hunt.
8. Skeleton
Look for recliners that are made from solid steel and hardwood frames. These are known to stand the test of time, giving you a great value for the money you’ve spent on the chair.
Conclusion
Starting to shop for the perfect recliner chair without a clear goal in mind is like trying to pick the best car to drive when you’ve spent your whole life walking. These chairs are designed to help you in specific ways, but they can only improve your comfort if you know what features and design you’re looking for.
Keep these considerations in mind as you embark on your buying journey. The more thought you put into your recliner purchase, the happier you will be with the new addition to your home.
For any questions or concerns about buying recliners, don’t hesitate to Contact us to our knowledgeable team at Furniture Solutions – we’re always happy to help!
You will find the furnishing options you need at Furniture Solutions in Wilder, Kentucky. Count on experienced sales representatives to help you choose the right furniture to fit your space and your lifestyle. You can shop online or in-person at our showroom.
For further information about Furniture Solutions in Wilder, Kentucky and to shop online, visit https://www.furnituresolutionsinc.net.