There’s nothing like sinking into a recliner at the end of a long day. You put your feet up, lay your head back, and find the perfect show to watch. If you are looking for the most relaxing piece of furniture to complete your living room, a recliner is a sure bet.
However, there’s more to recliners than just kicking your feet up. What’s the best type of material? Oversized or Sleek? Power? Glider? Swivel? There are many options to consider. Here’s what you need to know before making the purchase.
Upholstery
One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a recliner is whether to go with leather, microfiber, or fabric. It will likely have much to do with what type of furniture is already found in your living room. A casual, contemporary oversized recliner might look a little out of place in a more traditional or formal living room. Match the style of the recliner to the style of furniture currently in the living space.
If you are starting from scratch, you’ll have to consider your lifestyle. The most popular choice is leather. Leather is durable, easy to clean, and a bit pricey. It’s also easy to scratch, so if you have pets, you may want to take special care. Microfiber is also very popular. It can mimic the look of leather or suede, is easy to care for, and is less expensive than real leather. It’s a great choice for homes with pets and children. Fabric is also another option. It cleans up well and offers endless patterns and color options.
Traditional, Rocker or Push-back
The traditional recliner is a two-position chair, either sitting straight up or reclined. The person sitting is required to pull a lever or press a button to create the motion. A rocking recliner combines the rocking motion of a rocking chair with the functionality of a recliner. It also comes in glider and swivel options. A push-back chair reclines without a switch or button. The person simply uses their own weight to push the back of the seat into a reclining position.
Size
Depending on the size of your living room and the size of the person who will be using the recliner the most, there are multiple size options available. The majority of people are looking for a single-person recliner, but sofa and love seat recliners are also available. Some love the look of a smaller, sleek model, while others want the feel of an oversized recliner with pillow-like cushions. It’s a good idea to test a few out in the store before committing to a size.
Keep in mind that the standard recliner needs approximately six inches of space from chair back to wall to fully recline. Even if you purchase a smaller recliner, plan on giving it a bit of space.
Nice Touches
Many recliners are available with extra features including built-in cup holders, power lift, storage, and much more.
Expect to pay around $275 to $350 for a basic recliner and up to almost $1200 for one with all the bells and whistles. However, there are lots of amazing options in between those price points. Do your research, test a few out, then make your decision.
