Health & Wellbeing

The ultimate guide to finding the perfect recliner

Put your feet up – in more ways than one – with our comprehensive look at recliner chairs.

That blissful feeling of sinking into a comfy chair and putting your feet up after a long day – it’s pretty hard to beat. And while armchairs and sofas certainly tick the comfort box, a reclining chair can take your relaxation experience to a whole new level – literally.

If you’re new to the world of recliners, there are a few things you should consider when shopping for your perfect chair. Here, the team at La-Z-Boy, the original recliner chair brand, share their top tips.

1. Consider your space

It’s important when choosing a recliner for your home that you consider the room it will go in. You might be tempted to buy a recliner based on how it looks in the showroom, but once it’s home, it may not fit where you had intended. Before you shop, measure the space where your recliner will go and take note of features such as windows, doorways and other permanent fixtures. Your new recliner should make a statement without impeding the comfortable flow around the room.

Here are a few ideas before you hit the showroom:

  • Take pictures and measurements of your room as a reference when shopping
  • Decide what furniture will stay and what you’ll replace
  • Take note of the wall colours and floor type in your room
Once you've experienced the comfort of a recliner, you'll never go back.
Once you’ve experienced the comfort of a recliner, you’ll never go back.

2. Size matters

The perfect recliner encourages relaxation and offers therapeutic benefits from the headrest to the footrest and everywhere in between. However, much like many other things in life, recliners come in a range of shapes and sizes. Choose the best one based on your height, using this quick guide:

  • If your height is between 152-179cm, you’ll need a small recliner
  • If your height is between 155-188 cm, you’ll need a tall recliner
  • If you’re taller than 192cm, you’ll need an extra-tall recliner

3. Choose your style

Along with different sizes, there are also a range of styles to choose from. To help narrow down your options, these are some of the most popular recliner styles:

Flick-action recliner – A minimalist, less bulky option for small spaces that reclines with the flick of a lever.

Power recliner – Recline at the touch of a button.

Rocker recliner – Rock and recline for the best of both worlds; perfect for nurseries.

Wall hugger recliner – When you have a small space, consider a wall hugger, which can be positioned closer to the wall.

Lift recliner – Encourages mobility and independence by safely elevating and lowering the user to a comfortable standing position or seated position at the touch of a button.

Nordic swivel recliner – The La-Z-Boy Nordic Collection offers you a stylish and sophisticated look with features and options crafted to your comfort.

Ideal for small spaces, La-Z-Boy's Anika recliner is sleek, elegant and sophisticated.
Ideal for small spaces, La-Z-Boy’s Anika recliner is sleek, elegant and sophisticated. (Supplied: La-Z-Boy)

4. Fabrics galore

Upholstery selection is such a personal thing, and lucky for us, La-Z-Boy recliner chair customisation includes dozens of leather options and more than 50 fabrics in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns. From full-grain leathers to natural or artificial fibres, have fun sorting through the samples to find your dream finish.

5. Have a budget in mind

There are a number of factors that can influence the cost of a new recliner chair, with high-quality recliners built to last and providing a comprehensive warranty to cover materials and reliable mechanisms. Fortunately, La-Z-Boy has a large selection recliners to suit every budget – from the classic rocker recliner to power-driven options with lift mechanisms.

Brought to you by La-Z-Boy. La-Z-Boy offers an extensive range of recliners with different functionality, styles and comfort levels, meaning there is no doubt you will find the perfect recliner unique to you and your home. Nothing beats the first-hand experience, so head on in to one of the showrooms, put your feet up and take luxury living to the next level.

Related stories