La-Z Boy San Antonio Blog

Rocker Vs. Wall Recliner: Which Recliner Is Best For You?

Written by Ryan Podnar | Mar 27, 2024 2:00:00 PM

Recliners are synonymous with the La-Z-Boy brand. Over the better part of a century, La-Z-Boy has evolved its recliner chair selection to include many different types.

Of course La-Z-Boy South Texas offers reclining chairs in different colors of leather and fabric, from grey recliner chairs to brown leather recliners. What separates recliner chairs from each other is their functionality.

If you’ve heard of rocking recliners and wall recliners, you may be wondering which one is better. While they both have their own strengths and weaknesses, the real question is which one is best for you.

In today’s article, we will discuss the differences between rocker recliners and wall hugger recliners, as well as the pros and cons of each. As we move through the article, try to picture yourself in each to find out which one is best for you.

Coming Up…

Rocking Recliners

Rocking recliners combine the soothing motion of a rocking chair with the luxurious comfort of a recliner, creating the ultimate relaxation experience. These versatile pieces of furniture are designed to provide full-body support and customizable comfort.

With a gentle rocking motion, these recliner chairs help to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. The reclining feature allows you to effortlessly adjust the angle of the chair to your preferred position, whether you want to sit upright, kick back, or fully recline for a nap.

La-Z-Boy rocker recliners typically come with well padded armrests, plush cushioning, and supportive backrests to enhance your comfort.  Whether you’d like a leather rocking recliner or a grey rocking recliner, they are available in a variety of upholstery options to suit different preferences and home decor styles.

La-Z-Boy rocking recliners are also available in power! A power rocker recliner will make your chair feel more personalized as you can find your perfect recline position with a touch of a button.

Pros of Rocking Recliners

Now that you have an understanding of the features of rocking recliners, let’s get more specific by walking through the pros of rocking recliners.

Personalized Comfort

While a classic recliner can be very comfortable, it may not feel as personalized. With the added functionality of a rocking chair, the rocking recliner gives a new element of comfort to a normal recliner chair.

Power Upgrade

With a La-Z-Boy rocking recliner, you can personalize your comfort experience even further with the power upgrade. Not only will you be able to recline with the touch of a button, but the remote has a built-in memory function, allowing you to save your favorite recline position and get back to it the next time you use the chair.

To look at an example of a power rocker recliner, check out the Jay Power Rocking Recliner W/ Headrest on La-Z-Boy’s product page.

Cons of Rocking Recliners

To provide full transparency, let’s look at the downsides of rocking recliners.

Space Saving

Since rocking recliners have more range of motion by rock back and forth, these recliners are not exactly saving space. If you’re looking for a recliner for small spaces, rocking recliners are not typically the best options.

Instability

While a well-made rocker recliner won’t have the same issues, not every rocker recliner is made with high-quality materials and this destabilizes the recliner base. Even with a well-made rocker recliner, it is not recommended for elderly people because it is not as balanced.

Wall Recliners

Wall recliners, also known as wall hugging recliners, are ingeniously designed to maximize space efficiency without compromising on comfort.

Unlike traditional recliners that require ample space behind them to fully recline, wall recliners are engineered to recline while positioned inches away from a wall. This innovative feature makes it easy to find wall hugger recliners for small spaces.

Wall recliners typically feature a forward-sliding mechanism that allows the chair to move forward as it reclines, minimizing the clearance required between the chair and the wall. This design ensures that you can fully enjoy the reclining functionality without the need for excessive space.

A wall away recliner often comes with plush cushioning, padded armrests, and ergonomic lumbar support to provide optimal relaxation. Some wall recliners even offer the power upgrade to become wall hugger power recliners.

Pros of Wall Recliners

Now that we’ve gone through the features of a wall recliner, let’s walk through the pros of wall recliners.

Space Saving

As opposed to rocking recliners, wall saver recliners are designed to be put mere inches away from a wall. This will save the space in your room and makes it a great recliner for small spaces.

Power Upgrade

La-Z-Boy wall recliners offer the power upgrade. Not only can you find a more personalized recline position, you’ll also be able to charge your electronic devices with a handy USB port.

Cons of Wall Recliners

For full transparency, let’s go through the cons of wall recliners.

Less Reclining Range

As opposed to most rocker recliners, gliding recliners, and power lift chairs, wall recliners typically have less range of reclining motion. It does not reach a 90 degree angle, and is not the best recliner for napping.

Less Motion

This may be a positive aspect of wall recliners for some, but these recliners do not offer extra motion from rocking or gliding. This makes a wall recliner less than ideal for a mother with young children, as a rocking recliner would be a better option.

Which Recliner Is Best For Me?

Wall recliners and rocking recliners both have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. As they say though, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Of course, neither one of these recliners are trash! They both will be better or worse for different purposes, though.

For example, if you are a nursing mother and your baby likes to rock, a rocking recliner would be a great fit for you. However, if you are not concerned with extra motion and just need a recliner for a small space, a wall recliner will be the better fit for you.

Whatever your unique circumstances are, it is important to keep them in mind when deciding between one or the other. Even after this article, the only way you’ll know for sure which is best for you will be to sit in one yourself!

If you’re interested in finding the best recliner for you, come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store to sit in one yourself.