This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas
The footrest on a recliner is one of its most important features, allowing you to elevate your legs for added comfort and support. Adjusting the footrest properly can help relieve pressure on your lower back, improve circulation, and create a more relaxed seating position.
Depending on the type of recliner chair you have—whether manual or power-operated—adjusting the footrest may vary slightly. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the footrest on different types of recliners and offer tips for getting the most comfortable position.
Coming Up...
- Manual Recliners: Adjusting the Footrest with a Lever or Pull Tab
- Power Recliners: Adjusting the Footrest with a Remote or Buttons
- Push-Back Recliners: Adjusting the Footrest with Body Pressure
- Important Considerations for Adjusting the Footrest
- Do You Have the Right Recliner?
Manual Recliners: Adjusting the Footrest with a Lever or Pull Tab
Manual recliners are one of the most common types of recliners. They typically have a lever or a pull tab located on the side of the chair. The footrest in these recliners is usually adjusted by either pulling a lever or manually kicking the footrest up and down.
Here's how to adjust it:
1. Step 1: Sit in the Recliner: Start by sitting in the reclining chair and positioning yourself comfortably. Keep your feet flat on the ground and your back against the chair’s backrest.
2. Step 2: Engage the Reclining Mechanism: To adjust the footrest, you’ll first need to recline the back of the chair. Look for the lever or pull tab usually located on the side of the chair, near the armrest.
- Lever: If the recliner has a lever, pull it upward to recline the back of the chair. Once the back reclines, the footrest should automatically start to lift up as you lean back.
- Pull Tab: If your rocker recliner has a pull tab, simply pull it to release the footrest. The footrest will extend outward, and you can adjust the angle based on your preference.
3. Step 3: Adjust the Footrest: Once the recliner’s back is in the desired position, the footrest should be fully extended. You can adjust it by pushing the footrest down with your legs or adjusting the recliner's angle with the lever or pull tab. If you’re looking for more elevation, just keep the recliner in a deeper recline position.
4. Step 4: Lock the Position: If your recliner has a locking mechanism, ensure that the backrest and footrest are locked into place before relaxing fully.
Power Recliners: Adjusting the Footrest with a Remote or Buttons
Power recliners come with the added convenience of electronic adjustments. They typically include a remote control or a set of buttons built into the chair that allows you to adjust both the backrest and the footrest with ease. Here's how to adjust the footrest on a power recliner:
1. Step 1: Find the Control: Most power recliner chairs will have a handheld remote or built-in buttons located on the armrest. The remote control typically has separate buttons for adjusting the backrest and footrest.
2. Step 2: Recline the Backrest: Press the button or remote control that reclines the backrest. In most power recliners, the footrest will automatically extend as the back reclines. If it doesn’t, there may be a separate button for the footrest.
3. Step 3: Adjust the Footrest: Once the recliner’s backrest is reclined to your desired position, look for the button or switch on the remote or armrest that controls the footrest.
- Footrest Extension: Press the button that lifts the footrest, elevating your legs to the desired position. Some power reclining chairs offer independent control over the footrest, allowing you to fine-tune the leg support without adjusting the backrest.
- Footrest Retraction: If you need to lower the footrest, simply press the corresponding button or control until the footrest retracts back into the chair.
4. Step 4: Fine-Tuning: Many power recliners allow for incremental adjustments, so you can raise or lower the footrest in small increments to find the perfect position for your comfort.
5. Step 5: Return to an Upright Position: Once you’re finished, you can return the footrest to its stored position by pressing the return button or adjusting the backrest back to an upright position, which should automatically lower the footrest.
Push-Back Recliners: Adjusting the Footrest with Body Pressure
Pushback recliners are another type of recliner that doesn’t have a lever or remote control to adjust the footrest. Instead, the footrest is activated by pushing back against the chair’s backrest, using your body weight to engage the recliner mechanism.
1. Step 1: Sit Comfortably: Position yourself in the recliner with your back against the backrest and your feet flat on the floor.
2. Step 2: Push Back: Gently push back against the backrest while simultaneously raising your legs. As you lean back, the footrest should automatically pop up. The more you lean back, the higher the footrest will elevate.
3. Step 3: Adjust as Needed: If the footrest extends too much or too little, adjust your body position by shifting your weight forward or backward in the seat. This will alter the height of the footrest to a comfortable position.
4. Step 4: Return the Footrest: To retract the footrest, simply shift your weight forward. This will cause the footrest to slide back into its resting position.
Important Considerations for Adjusting the Footrest
- Weight Limitations: Always check the weight capacity of your recliner before reclining or adjusting the footrest. Exceeding the recommended weight limit can strain the reclining mechanism and lead to malfunctions.
- Proper Maintenance: Regularly inspect the footrest mechanism to ensure it is functioning correctly. For power recliners, make sure the motor and wiring are undamaged, and for manual recliners, check for any loose components.
- Comfort and Posture: Adjust the footrest to a height that promotes comfort and proper posture. Your legs should be elevated enough to reduce pressure on your lower back and improve circulation but not so high that they cause discomfort or strain.
Do You Have the Right Recliner?
Adjusting the footrest on your recliner is an essential step to ensuring that you achieve the maximum comfort and support.
Whether you have a manual recliner, a power recliner, or a pushback recliner, there are simple ways to elevate your legs and enjoy a fully relaxed, comfortable seating experience.
By understanding the specific mechanisms of your recliner and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure optimal comfort and prolong the life of your recliner. If you’re still struggling with your footrest after reading this article, you may not have the right recliner.
If you’re ready to start looking at other options, come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store to sit on our recliners.
