When someone mentions the word recliner, initially you think of a large overstuffed couch that has an upright sitting position and a reclined position with the kick out footrest.
Whiles this may be true, and the general idea correct, there is just so much more to a recliner than what meets the eye and our imprinted impression.
There exists a vast variety of recliners and reclining chairs each with different features and functions serving specific or wide-ranging purposes.
So in this article, I am going try and give you information on all the common and not so common types of recliners that you can get. This in turn, should you want to purchase a recliner, will enable you to make a well-explored decision.
Most Popular Recliner Types
Here are a few of the more widely available choices in recliners that have a rather comprehensive purpose;
The Two Position Recliner
This is most likely the most affordable, yet most limited recliner you will find.
The name says it all, a two position recliner has only two positions; upright, or completely reclined. When you release the footrest of the recliner, with a lever, the chair back will move back with your body weight.
Keep in mind that you will need ample space away from the wall, as well as space to release the footrest for this type of recliner.
You are sure to find this type of recliner almost anywhere and in copious styles and upholstery selections.
The Rocker / Glider
Another affordable option, though it costs slightly more than the Two-Position Recliner.
The Rocker recliner has several reclining angles and can be placed closer to walls, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The Rocker Recliner is similar to a Two Position Recliner, with the addition of a rocking functionality when upright.
The Glider Recliner closely mimics the Rocker Recliner, the only difference being that it moves backward and forward in a linear path, instead of an arched path.
Rocker Recliners are an excellent choice for those who struggle to fall asleep or mothers with babies.
The Push Back recliner
The names say it all, the Push Back Recliner only requires you to push back in the chair in order for it to recline. There is no footrest built in, but should you require a footrest, you can always acquire an ottoman to complement your Push Back Recliner.
The Power Lift /Riser Recliner
One of the most expensive but also the most versatile and functional reclining chairs that you will find.
In brief, the Lift/Riser recliner is a motorized reclining chair that lifts upward, helping you to get out of the chair easily. Individuals, who have injuries, or disabilities and even the elderly that struggle to sit and stand without assistance will most benefit from this type of recliner.
Other features such as adjustable angles, independently adjustable footrests, and remote-controlled reclining positions, enhance this chairs characteristics.
Likewise, the two position Lift Recliner, provides the same lifting function, although it has a limited reclining backrest, that works in conjunction with the footrest, as with the standard Two Position Recliner. Whereas the Three Position Lift Recliner can tilt back to a virtually flat position, on the contrary, the Infinite Position Recliner comes with all the added extras, such as massage, heat and therapeutic features.
The Wall Saver/Hugger Recliner
When you have limited space available, the Wall saver or Hugger Recliner will only require around 6 inches of space from the wall in a fully reclined position.
Furthermore, these recliners can be adjusted for people with weak knees and limited mobility, enabling them to get up more easily.
Although Wall Saver Recliners are a tad more expensive, they can save you on space and are perfect for smaller rooms.
The Powered Recliner
Your original Two Position Recliner is operated manually, while a powered recliner is operated using an attached remote or buttons.
Powered Recliners may also have added features such as USB outlets, massage options and heating options. Some Powered recliners can function as an adjustable bed, allowing you to find the desired angle with the push of a button.
The Massage Recliner
For the ultimate in comfort and relaxation, there is nothing like choosing the best the Massage Recliner, it can knead, knock and vibrate while massaging your calves and feet at the same time.
These Recliners are a true wonder, they can relieve all your aches and pains, who would not love one of these!
These are only your basic most popular recliners, but let’s look a bit further;
More Specialized Recliner Types
The Orthopedic Recliner
The Orthopedic Recliner is targeted at those individuals with health issues or disabilities, which need comfort and support on a regular basis.
Most Orthopedic recliners are manufactured from memory foam, with either bonded leather or material that is durable and easy to clean.
Functions such as massaging, zero gravity positioning, heating and infinitely adjustable backrest, are a few of the admirable features you can expect. Most Orthopaedic Recliners also have the capability of handling heavy weight.
The Recliner Sofa
What could not be better for your family than a reclining sofa, where everyone can lie down without taking up all the seats. The reclining sofa is available in both manual and electrical options.
The Club Chair
Style and comfort best describe the Club Chair Recliner, usually covered with leather, with deep, spacious seats for curling up and relaxing.
Kids recliner
Take your two position recliner, miniaturize it and maybe add a cup holder, and there you have it, the kid’s recliner. A children’s recliner is usually made from nontoxic materials and has added safety features for children. Make sure that the fabric option that you choose is easy to clean!
The Wingback Chair Recliner
The Wingback Chair recliner is simply a charming and cozy reclining chair with a wingback design. Perfect for a reading nook, or a small room, it looks tasteful and sophisticated.
The Mission Style Recliner
A functional, yet an exquisite model of Recliner, that will impeccably complement the décor of your home while providing a superbly comfortable seat. Loved by many homeowners for its elegance, and simplicity, there are moreover so many colors and styles from which to choose.
Swivel Recliner
A swivel recliner is designed on a circular base allowing it not only to recline but also to swivel left and right, however a revolving swivel chair can spin 360 degrees to the left or right.
These types of recliners are more functional for office use or as gaming chairs.
Power Cuddler Recliner
The Cuddler recliner features a fully padded seat and armrests, and is plush and well cushioned to give you that “cuddle” feel. It features a power reclining mechanism for added comfort and support to meet all your living room needs.
Gamer Recliner
Gaming, let’s face it is a deskbound activity that can take place for many hours at a time. Therefore a comfortable seat is absolutely vital for every gamer out there.
Here are a few features to look for in a good gaming chair;
- Good Lumbar support to keep your spine in the correct alignment.
- The correct weight capacity.
- Adjustable seat height, width, and depth, with an adjustable forward and backward tilt.
- Comfortable and breathable material.
- Adjustable armrests.
- Swiveling Function.
- Compatibility with your gaming system.
Zero Gravity Recliner
Let us just get one thing straight, this chair cannot defy gravity, it does, however, mimic the posture that an astronaut takes during lift-off, which is a reclined position that distributes stress across their bodies safely.
These chairs distribute the user’s weight across the chair in the reclined position, in order to relieve stress and improve circulation. A Zero Gravity Massage Chair has the additional purpose of giving you a massage while in the zero gravity position.
Two Person Recliner
The Two Person recliner is a Two Position Recliner that has a wider seat allowing two people to sit in it comfortably. Great for you and your spouse or for your child to sit next to you.
Heavy Duty Recliner
Also known as the plus-sized recliner, this recliner can handle an increased weight capacity, but also support people who are taller. The Heavy duty Recliner is a large, oversized recliner that can support people from 6’4” up to 6’8” tall.
Just remember that the larger the recliner, the more space it is going to take up.
Remote Controlled Recliner
For true comfort and relaxation, the remote-controlled recliner has a power lift function, and reclining function operated with an attached remote control. Some Remote controlled recliners also have massaging and heating functions, along with USB charging ports.
Recliner for Sleeping
Whether it is for personal preference, or just because you tend to fall asleep in front of the television, the Sleeping Recliner has all the comfort features for a good night’s rest or a short nap.
The Sleeping Recliner is liberally cushioned and can recline to an almost flat position for comfortable rest, some come with added features such a vibration, heating or even massaging functions.
Recliner With Ottoman
This is essentially just your normal two position recliner, which has a separate matching footrest which you can purchase independently or as a set with your recliner.
Different Sizes of Recliners
As we are all not the same sizes and shape, so correspondingly, recliners come in different sizes to support a variety of body sizes and weight.
Large/Tall
The Large and tall recliner is an extra large sized recliner, that can handle more weight and support people over 6,3” tall.
Standard Size Recliner
For elegant and casual comfort the standard recliner is an average size and can support individuals up to 6’2” of an average weight group.
Small
For the smaller folk, we have the small recliner, for lightweights between 5,5” and 5,9” tall. This is an outstanding choice for ladies!
Petite
Lastly, we have the petit recliner, which is for people who are less than 5,4” tall and children.
To Conclude
As you can see we have tried to cover every possible type, size, and shape of the recliner, in order to give you the best idea what each one’s purpose and functions are. Hopefully, with this information, you will be able to make the best-informed decision, for the perfect recliner to suit your requirements and lifestyle.
Please Rate this Article:
Table of Contents
