This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas
A new recliner can become your best friend in your living room. However, with so many recliner chairs available on the furniture market, sometimes it can be hard to find the right one for you.
One of the most important factors to keep in mind when deciding on a recliner chair is what function you prefer to have. Whether you want to rock in your chair or glide, there are options at La-Z-Boy South Texas for you.
If you’re currently deciding between a rocking recliner and a gliding recliner, you may want to know about the differences between the two chairs and the pros and cons of each. This article will walk you through the differences to help you decide which recliner is best for you.
Coming Up...
- Rocking Recliners
- Pros of Rocking Recliners
- Cons of Rocking Recliners
- Gliding Recliners
- Pros of Gliding Recliners
- Cons of Gliding Recliners
- Which Recliner Is Best For You?
Key Takeaways
- Rocking Recliners are great for nurseries, and can also be upgraded to power
- Gliding Recliners also provide a soothing, smooth motion, and can be upgraded as well
- Neither option is great for small spaces
Rocking Recliners
Rocking recliners combine the best of both worlds, offering the soothing motion of a traditional rocker with the luxurious comfort and functionality of a recliner. These versatile chairs are designed to provide an unparalleled seating experience, allowing users to rock gently while enjoying the option to recline fully, making them perfect for relaxation, reading, watching TV, or even napping.
Rocker recliners are ideal for any room where comfort is a priority, such as living rooms, family rooms, or nurseries, where the gentle motion can help calm both children and adults alike.
One of the key features of a rocker recliner is its dual functionality. When in the upright position, the chair operates as a traditional rocker, offering a smooth, rhythmic motion that helps alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
With just a pull of a lever or push of a button, the chair’s reclining mechanism is activated, allowing you to lean back into a fully supported recline. The leg rest simultaneously elevates to provide full-body comfort, creating a continuous zone of relaxation from head to toe.
Rocker recliner chairs are crafted with comfort in mind, featuring plush seat cushions, padded backs, and supportive armrests. Many models include ergonomic design elements such as lumbar support and high-quality foam or blown fiber fill to ensure lasting comfort and durability.
Some also come with additional features, like adjustable headrests, massage or heating options, and even power-reclining capabilities for effortless adjustments at the touch of a button.
Available in a wide range of styles, fabrics, and finishes, rocking chair recliners can be tailored to fit any home decor, from traditional to contemporary. Upholstery options include premium fabrics and durable leathers, all tested to resist wear and fading, ensuring that your chair remains as comfortable and visually appealing over time.
Pros of Rocking Recliners
Rocking Movement
The rocking motion of recliners can be extremely soothing for many types of people. These recliners are particularly ideal for nurseries, as the rocking motion is very soothing for young children and babies.
Power Upgrade
If you want to take your comfort to the next level, you can upgrade to a power rocking recliner! The power upgrade will enable you to recline with the touch of a button, and add features such as adjustable headrest and lumbar support.
A great example of a power rocking recliner is the Apollo Power Rocking Recliner W/ Headrest & Lumbar.
Cons of Rocking Recliners
Not For Small Spaces
Since rocking recliners have a motion function in addition to the reclining function, these types of reclining chairs are not ideal for small spaces. Instead, you would be better off looking for a wall recliner such as the Nerviano Zero Wall Recliner at JC Penny San Antonio.
More Mechanical Issues
Stationary chairs can certainly experience problems that require service. Problems such as leather or fabric ripping can occur, and the cushions of a big chair may wear down over time.
Rocker recliners require a reclining and rocking mechanism 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 rocker recliner.
Gliding Recliners
Gliding recliners offer a perfect combination of smooth motion and luxurious relaxation, making them a popular choice for anyone seeking comfort and versatility in their seating.
Unlike traditional rocking recliners, which move in an arc, glider recliners operate on a linear back-and-forth motion, providing a more fluid and gentle glide. This movement creates a soothing, calming effect, making gliding recliners ideal for nurseries, family rooms, or any space where relaxation is key.
One of the standout features of gliding recliners is their dual functionality. While offering the smooth, gentle glide for which they are known, these chairs also recline with ease, giving users the ability to transition from an upright seated position to a fully reclined one.
At the touch of a button or pull of a lever, the chair’s reclining mechanism activates, allowing you to lean back and elevate the leg rest for full-body support. This combination of gliding and reclining makes these chairs perfect for everything from rocking a baby to sleep to enjoying a movie or afternoon nap.
Gliding recliners are designed with comfort in mind, featuring plush seat cushions, padded backs, and supportive armrests. Many models incorporate high-grade foam or blown fiber fill in the seat and back cushions, ensuring that the chair maintains its comfort and shape over time.
Aesthetically, gliding recliners are versatile and can complement a variety of interior styles. Whether you prefer the look of soft, durable fabric or the luxurious feel of premium leather, these chairs come in a range of upholstery options that are both stylish and durable. Tested to resist wear and fading, the materials ensure long-lasting beauty and comfort, even with regular use.
In addition to their stylish designs, gliding recliners are often equipped with practical features such as built-in USB charging ports, swivel functions, or extra storage options like side pockets or cup holders. These features enhance their functionality, making them not only a comfortable seating option but also a convenient and practical addition to any living space.
Pros of Gliding Recliners
Gliding Motion
Much like the rocking motion, the gliding motion is very comforting for many. Whether you prefer the rocking or gliding motion is ultimately up to you, but if you prefer a motion chair, the gliding motion is very soothing for many.
Handle Upgrade Options
At La-Z-Boy South Texas, you can upgrade the recliner handle in one of five options:
- Elongated Handle
- Arc Handle
- Arc Left Side Handle
- Left Elongated Handle
- Left Side Handle
Cons of Gliding Recliners
Not For Small Spaces
Similarly to rocker recliners, a gliding recliner chair uses more space than a zero wall recliner or a traditional recliner. If you need a recliner for a small space, gliding recliners aren’t for you.
No Power Upgrade
Unlike rocking recliners, gliding recliners cannot be upgraded to power recliners at La-Z-Boy South Texas. If you want the power function with the adjustable headrest or lumbar feature, a rocker recliner chair is better for you.
Which Recliner Is Best For You?
Both rocker recliners and gliding recliners are popular choices. As you can see from this article, both have their own sets of strengths and weaknesses.
What ultimately matters is what’s more important to you and your home. If you prefer to have a power upgrade but don’t prefer either motion, a rocking recliner is best for you. However, if you do prefer the gliding motion, then the gliding recliner is best for you.
The most important step to finding the right recliner for you is to come into a store. Not only will you be able to feel the options in person, you’ll also be able to communicate with in-store design experts.
If you are ready to take this step, come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store.
