Shopping for a recliner can be one of the most enjoyable furniture shopping journeys you will experience. Whether you’re looking for a rocker recliner chair, or a power or manual recliner, it’s a fun experience to search for the best recliner for you!
That being said, how do you find the perfect reclining chair for you?
Not only is there an endless amount of options available to you, but everybody has different style and comfort preferences, and every chair fits everybody differently. Finding the right recliner for you can be a little tougher than you think.
When it comes to recliners, as Shane McSween of La-Z-Boy San Antonio puts it, “When you think of La-Z-Boy, you think of recliners.” With this understanding, we want to make it easy for you to find the best recliner that fits you, regardless of where you choose to shop.
When it comes to finding the perfect recliner fit for you, there are several steps we need to take to find it. We need to understand the style preferences you have, the functionality of the chair, the size, and the customization options the chair offers.
Today, we will walk you through step-by-step how to find the recliner that is the best fit for you.
In this article…
- Recliner Chair Functionality
- Find the Right Style
- Choosing the Right Size
- Customize Your Recliner
- What’s Next When Finding the Right Recliner?
Recliner Chair Functionality
The first step in finding the recliner that is the best fit for you is to understand the chair's functionality.
Since there are so many different recliner chair options available, let’s discuss what types of recliners are available. As we walk through the different recliner options, try to picture yourself in each type of recliner chair so that you can identify which functionality you prefer.
Manual Recliner
A manual recliner chair’s reclining mechanism is controlled by a lever. There are 2 main differences between manual vs. power recliners: the reclining control and the price.
A manual recliner will be a more budget-friendly option than a power recliner. Manual recliners are the better fit for those who are on a cost-friendly recliner-shopping journey.
Power Recliner
Unlike a manual recliner, a power recliner’s reclining mechanism is controlled by toggle switches on the outside arm or by a remote control. Power recliners offer more reclining positions for you to be able to personalize and find your ideal position.
If you shop for a recliner at La-Z-Boy South Texas, our power recliners have a memory setting for you to set your favorite reclined position and position it as such every time you use the chair in the future. If you prefer a recliner with a smoother, more versatile reclining mechanism, a power recliner will be the best fit for you.
Power Lift Recliner
Power lift recliners have all the same reclining capabilities as a normal power recliner, only with added functionality.
A power lift recliner will be able to lift and tilt the chair itself to make it easier to get in and out of. A Lazyboy power lift recliner will only be available with a power upgrade and is great for individuals with mobility or instability issues.
Rocker Recliner
A Lazyboy rocking recliner will allow you to rock back and forth while either in a reclined position or with the leg rest down. This is great for those who feel comfortable with motion chairs.
*EXTRA TIP*: Rocker recliners are also the best fit for those shopping for functionality purposes and are not as concerned about finding the lowest-cost reclining chair. Since a rocking recliner is a motion chair, it is important to choose a rocker reclining chair built on a solid, high-quality foundation to avoid potential safety issues that low-quality rocker recliners may possess.
Swivel Recliner
Much like a rocker recliner, a swivel recliner is considered a motion chair. A swivel recliner will give you the ability to rotate the chair 360 degrees around. For those who prefer spinning in place and have plenty of space in their room for a spinning chair, a swivel recliner will be a good fit for you.
Wall Hugger Recliner
A wall hugger recliner can be just inches away from the wall and still recline completely. The seat slides out rather than the back tipping too much, making it perfect for individuals looking for recliners for small spaces.
Wall hugger recliners are also available in both power and manual, making this a versatile recliner chair.
Find the Right Style
Now that you have a full understanding of the types of recliners available and what function you like the best, finding a recliner that is the right style for you will be important to learn as well.
Whether you like the look of a black recliner chair or a grey recliner chair, there is certainly no shortage of options.
La-Z-Boy South Texas has over 800 fabric options and multiple leather options available depending on the chair model. To help yourself decide which style you prefer for a recliner, ask yourself the following questions.
Where Is the Recliner Going?
In other words, what room do you intend to put the recliner in? If you have a bigger, more open space you intend to put it, a swivel recliner chair would be a good fit for you if you prefer the functionality.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller space and don’t have the space for a chair that spins or rocks, a wall-hugger recliner will likely be the best fit for you.
What Is the Primary Room Color?
Acknowledging the color of the room, the existing furniture, or other accessories already in the room will be an important piece of information to keep in mind when searching for the right recliner for you. If you have a room with blue walls, a brown leather recliner chair might be the best fit for you to complement the wall color.
Let’s say you have a room that hasn’t been decorated yet. It may be overwhelming knowing that you essentially have a blank canvas to work with if you don’t know what style you prefer.
If you do not know what style you prefer and would like professional help designing your room, setting up an appointment with an interior designer may be a great idea for you.
Choosing the Right Size
As important as it is to find the recliner with the functionality and style that suits your preferences, arguably the most important step to finding the best recliner for you will be to find the right size and fit. Everybody’s comfort preferences are different based on different body types.
If you find a La-Z-Boy power recliner that matches your style and functionality preferences, you may be ready to bring it home. However, if you forget to check the size and fit, you may end up very disappointed in your purchase.
Let’s walk through the important steps to finding the recliner that is the best size and fit for you.
Check the Size Range
After measuring your height, you will want to ensure you find a recliner that is in your height range. Since everybody’s body type is different, it is important to make sure to find a recliner chair that fits your head, neck, back, and overall body shape.
La-Z-Boy South Texas recliners are categorized into 4 different sizes. The 4 sizes are:
- Petite (5’4” and under)
- Small (5’5” to 5’9”)
- Tall (5’10” to 6’2”)
- Extra Tall (6’3” and Up)
Sit In the Chair
The most important part of finding the right fit for you is to sit in the recliner!
When you first sit back into the depth of the chair, you want to make sure that your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and your feet are comfortably reaching the floor. If your knees are bent too much or your feet are not touching the ground, you need to tweak the size recliner you are looking at.
Next, recline the chair to a position that you find comfortable. Your shoulders should be naturally resting at the seam where the two back cushions meet.
In addition, you want to ensure that the middle cushion provides an ideal level of support for your lower back. If it does not feel natural, this could lead to back issues in the future.
As you rest your head, make sure that your neck feels comfortably aligned with your spine and that your head comfortably relaxes into the cushion. The cushion should not force your head and neck to extend or strain forward.
While in a reclined position, ensure that your feet and legs are not dangling over the edge of the chair. The heels of your feet should be right off the edge of the chair, nothing else.
Customize Your Recliner
If you shop for a recliner at La-Z-Boy South Texas, you will be pleased to know that certain parts and elements at La-Z-Boy are customizable!
Whether you are looking to customize the fabric, leather, or functionality of the recliner chair, you will have the ability to do that.
For example, if you have found a power recliner that you really like but are worried about your back, you may be wondering “Are recliners bad for your back?”
What you will be happy to learn is that you can upgrade your power recliner to have additional lumbar support.
If you have a disability that restricts your mobility, upgrading your power recliner to a power lift recliner will make the recliner just right for you. The power lift recliner tilts back and forth on command to help getting in and out of the chair an easy and safe process.
If you prefer to treat yourself, certain La-Z-Boy South Texas power recliner chairs also allow you to get a heat and massage upgrade!
Regardless of what customizations you choose, this is the final step in finding the perfect recliner for you.
What’s Next When Finding the Right Recliner?
After learning what types of recliners there are, how to find the right style, and how to choose the right fit for you, you are now ready to find the perfect recliner chair for you!
If you have been browsing for recliners online, you may have identified the style and type of recliner you prefer. While this is a good starting point, the only way you will know if you are truly choosing the right recliner for you is if you check the fit of the recliner. Since you cannot do this online, the only way to find this information is to come into a store for yourself.
If you are ready to find the perfect recliner for you, feel free to come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store. Our in-store design consultants will be happy to help you in any way you may need.
Topics:
