What Is a Recliner?
Get your lounge on.
Recliners are lounge furniture staples that come in a wide range of designs to fit any aesthetic. Here's what to know about them and how they compare to similar alternatives.
What Is a Recliner Chair?
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A recliner is an armchair that has an adjustable backrest and footrest. Unlike stationary armchairs, the backrest reclines and the footrest extends upwards, allowing you to fully sit or lay back and relax. This also helps take pressure off of your joints and lower back since you aren't sitting at an upright 90° angle. Recliners function via a manual lever, a push (lean-back) mechanism, or a power-reclining button. They can also have multiple recline positions, including standard, napping, or zero-gravity, so you can adjust the chair to your lounge preferences.
Recliners vs. Chaise Lounge Chairs
Both recliners and chaise lounges encourage laid-back relaxation, but their designs make for different lounge experiences. Here's how they compare:
Some chaise lounges do have a reclining feature, so technically, both recliners and chaise lounges can recline! However, recliners have the ability to revert to a standard upright armchair, while chaise lounges have an elongated seat no matter what.
Some recliners have swivel, glider, or even rocker-style bases, while chaise lounges typically have fixed four-legged bases.
Recliners offer more lounge features like built-in massagers or heaters.
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Recliners come in a variety of configurations to accommodate your needs. Wall recliners are designed so that the seat and backrest slides forward as it reclines, allowing you to achieve a full reclining position even if the chair is placed close to a wall. Zero gravity recliners tilt to 120° or more to ensure your legs are higher than your heart, helping blood flow and reducing joint pain. Power-lift recliners can not only recline, but can also lift to help a person stand or sit without having to bend or push upwards. Our guide on the Different Types of Recliners to Help You Relax & Unwind goes over each of these options and even more, including sizes, materials, and feature options.
