The La-Z-Boy brand has become known as one of the most comfortable furniture brands. The original La-Z-Boy recliner is what set us apart from the rest, but we have since evolved into multiple types of furniture.
Even with our broad selection of reclining loveseats, sofas, and sectionals, our recliner chairs are still customer favorites. With such a wide variety of recliner options, sometimes it can be difficult to find the right one for you.
One of the most frequent decisions we see at La-Z-Boy South Texas is when customers are trying to decide between accent recliners and rocking recliners. According to Liza Gonzalez, the Store Manager at La-Z-Boy New Braunfels, the accent recliner brings more aesthetic value, while the rocker recliner has more functionality.
In this article, we will address the differences between accent recliners and rocking recliners to help you find out which reclining chair is best for you.
Key Takeaways…
- Accent recliners add aesthetic value to your room while providing a hidden element of comfort
- They are great in formal living rooms, but aren’t as cushy as rocking recliners
- Rocking recliners have more functionality and provide ample comfort
- These recliners are great for someone with a small child, but won’t provide as much aesthetic value
This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas
Accent Recliners
Accent recliners, otherwise known as pushback recliners, are a popular type of seating furniture that blend traditional style with modern comfort. Unlike conventional recliners that rely on a lever or button mechanism to recline, pushback recliners feature a streamlined design where the user simply needs to push back into the chair to activate the reclining function.
Accent recliners are designed with an emphasis on aesthetics and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a leather recliner accent chair or a simple fabric reclining accent chair, they often resemble standard armchairs when in the upright position, allowing them to integrate effortlessly into multiple different rooms.
The designs of recliner accent chairs at La-Z-Boy South Texas includes high-quality upholstery materials such as leather, microfiber, or high-performance fabric, available in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit individual tastes.
The primary feature of a pushback recliner is its ease of use. The recline function is activated by the user's body weight, simply pushing back into the chair to extend the footrest and recline the backrest. This mechanism is smooth and effortless, eliminating the need for visible levers or buttons and maintaining the chair's clean lines.
Pushback recliner chairs are designed with ergonomics in mind, providing excellent lumbar support and comfortable seating. They often come with plush padding in the seat, back, and armrests, ensuring a cozy and relaxing experience.
La-Z-Boy South Texas offers customization options for accent recliners, allowing customers to select from different upholstery materials, colors, and finishes.
Pros of Accent Recliners
Now that you know the features of accent recliner chairs, let’s get more specific by looking at the pros of these recliners.
Aesthetic Value
When you think about the classic recliner, you think about bulky arms, a wide back, and a cushy headrest. While these chairs are comfortable, they are not always the most aesthetically pleasing.
Accent recliners are more focused on enhancing the beauty of your living room, office, and other rooms. Not only do these chairs have stylish wood legs, but you can also customize the fabric and leather, whether you want a blue pattern accent chair or a brown leather accent chair.
Secret Recliner
Adding on to the beauty of an accent chair is the hidden added comfort of a recliner chair. Sometimes called secret recliners, accent recliners at La-Z-Boy South Texas will recline by simply using your weight to push back on the back of the chair.
Cons of Accent Recliners
While accent recliners have their strengths, they also have their weaknesses. For full transparency, read on to learn about the weaknesses.
Less Comfort
We at La-Z-Boy South Texas believe in all of our furniture because it is all made with the highest quality materials. However, it is accepted by customers that accent recliners are not as comfortable as traditional recliners.
Accent recliners do not have the same bulky, cushioned arms, or the same bulky back as traditional recliners do. Additionally, you will miss out on some potential upgrades with an accent recliner, such as our heat and massage upgrade.
Less Customization
There are not as many customization options for accent chairs as there are with traditional recliners. Unlike with rocking recliners, there are not three leg-locking positions when you recline.
While you can upgrade to power, you won’t be able to enjoy the following added upgrades:
Rocking recliners are a versatile and comfortable type of seating furniture that combine the soothing motion of a rocking chair with the relaxation capabilities of a recliner. These chairs are designed to provide the ultimate comfort and relaxation experience, making them a popular choice for living rooms, nurseries, and reading nooks.
La-Z-Boy rocker recliners are designed with a focus on comfort and style. They always feature plush padding, ergonomic support, and high-quality upholstery materials such as leather, microfiber, or durable fabrics. The design can range from contemporary to traditional, with a variety of colors and patterns available to match any decor.
The primary feature of a rocking recliner is its dual functionality. The rocking motion is ideal for relaxation, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. This feature is particularly beneficial for parents with young children, as the gentle rocking motion can help soothe babies to sleep.
In addition to the rocking function, these chairs also offer a reclining mechanism. Users can easily shift from the upright position to a reclined position by engaging a lever or pushback mechanism. This allows for multiple reclining angles, from an upright position for reading or watching TV to a fully reclined position for napping or lounging.
Many of the models are available as leather rocker recliners if you prefer one in leather. Some models also offer power features including USB charging ports and adjustable headrests if you prefer a power rocker recliner.
Pros of Rocking Recliners
Much like we did with accent recliners, let’s walk through the advantages of a rocking recliner.
Versatile Functionality
Rocking recliners are known for their functionality and versatility. Whether you prefer to rock your child back and forth or you want to recline after a long day, you’ll be able to find your comfort zone.
A La-Z-Boy rocker recliner also has multiple different reclining positions to find your ideal position. Unlike our accent recliners, the rockers have 3 locking positions for the leg rest, and you can use all of them to find where you’re most comfortable.
Power Upgrade
As opposed to an accent recliner, a La-Z-Boy rocking recliner features the power upgrade. Further upgrades are available when you choose a power recliner as well, such as headrest and lumbar support, and even the heat and massage feature.
Cons of Rocking Recliners
Rocking recliners aren’t for everybody. Let’s discuss some of the downsides of rocker recliners.
Less Aesthetic Value
Rocking recliners look much different than accent recliners do. While La-Z-Boy does have visually appealing recliners such as high leg recliners and secret recliners, rocking recliners are generally more bulky and have less aesthetic value.
If you are looking for furniture that fits in a formal living room setting, you will likely be better off with an accent recliner chair.
Mechanical Issues
Rocking recliners require both rocking and reclining mechanisms and more parts that have the potential to present mechanical problems in the future. Issues such as faulty metal or broken springs are simply more likely to happen with a rocking recliner than they are with an accent recliner.
Which Recliner Is Best For You?
The point of this article is to show you the differences between rocking recliners and accent recliners so you can see which option is best for you. After going through the pros and cons of both, you should have a much better idea.
If you are looking to build a formal living room, an accent recliner will be best for you because of its aesthetic value. However, if you have a young child or prefer something more plush, a rocking recliner will be your best choice.
Ultimately, only you will know which option is best for you.
Even after reading this article, the most important step to take is to sit in each option yourself to see which one fits you best. To sit in both, come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store.
