Recliner Buying Guide from NFM
A recliner is more than just a chair—it's often the most-used seat in the house. Whether you're watching movies, reading a book, recovering after a long day, or creating a comfortable space for a loved one, the right reclining chair can make a significant difference in your daily comfort.
Today's recliners offer much more than a simple footrest. From adjustable positions to zero-gravity comfort, you can find an option for every lifestyle.
This recliner buying guide will help you understand recliner styles, recliner features, upholstery options, recliner sizes, and comfort technologies. As a result, you can confidently choose the best recliner for your home.
Quick take
Start by choosing the recliner style that fits your space, then compare manual vs power reclining, upholstery, size, support and convenience features. The best recliner is the one that fits your body, your room and the way you relax most often.
Types of Recliners
Different recliner styles offer unique benefits based on your space, comfort preferences, and lifestyle.
Everyday comfort
Standard Recliner
A standard recliner is one of the most popular seating options for everyday comfort. Featuring a reclining back and integrated footrest, these recliners work well in almost any living space.
Best for:
- Living rooms
- Family rooms
- Everyday use
Gentle motion
Rocker Recliner
A rocker recliner combines reclining comfort with a gentle rocking motion.
Best for:
- Family rooms
- Nurseries
- Relaxation spaces
Smooth movement
Glider Recliner
A glider recliner offers a smooth gliding motion rather than a traditional rocking movement.
Best for:
- Nurseries
- Reading spaces
- Quiet relaxation
Clean design
Push Back Recliner
A push back recliner reclines when you lean backward, removing the need for visible handles or controls.
Best for:
- Contemporary spaces
- Design-focused rooms
- Minimalist interiors
Refined look
High-Leg Recliner
A high-leg recliner offers reclining comfort with a more refined furniture appearance.
Best for:
- Formal living rooms
- Transitional spaces
- Design-conscious homeowners
Space-saving comfort
Wall Away Recliner
A wall away recliner is also commonly called a wall hugger recliner. Its design allows you to recline while positioned closer to the wall.
Best for:
- Apartments
- Condos
- Smaller living rooms
- Homeowners looking for the best recliner for small spaces
Flexible movement
Swivel Recliner
A swivel recliner rotates while also providing reclining functionality.
Best for:
- Open-concept spaces
- Conversation areas
- Multi-purpose rooms
Extended lounging
Lay-Flat Recliner
A lay-flat recliner extends into a nearly flat position for maximum relaxation.
Best for:
- Home theaters
- Extended lounging
- Recovery spaces
Assisted standing
Lift Chair Recliner
A lift chair recliner gently lifts forward to assist users when standing.
Best for:
- Mobility assistance
- Aging in place
- Recovery and rehabilitation
Many customers say a lift chair recliner is the best recliner for seniors. It offers comfort and helps seniors move from sitting to standing.
Power Recliner vs Manual Recliner
One of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between a power recliner and a manual recliner.
Simple and budget-friendly
Manual Recliner
Manual recliners use a lever, handle, or body weight to activate the reclining mechanism.
Benefits
- Budget-friendly
- Simple operation
- No outlet required
- Fewer electronic components
Best For
- Guest rooms
- Occasional use
- Traditional seating areas
Customized comfort
Power Recliner
Power recliners use electric motors to adjust the chair with the touch of a button.
Benefits
- Smooth adjustments
- Multiple reclining positions
- Greater customization
- Easy operation
- Advanced comfort features
Best For
- Everyday use
- Home theaters
- Personalized comfort
Which is better?
Power Recliner vs Manual Recliner
Both manual and power recliners offer exceptional comfort. A manual recliner is ideal for shoppers seeking simplicity and value. On the other hand, a power recliner provides customized comfort and convenient features. The best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and budget.
How to Choose a Recliner
Before exploring recliner styles and features, consider how you plan to use your recliner most often. Your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and daily routines can help determine which options will best meet your needs.
Daily comfort
Everyday Relaxation
Perfect for unwinding after work, watching television, or spending time with family.
Recommended features:
- Plush cushioning
- Manual or power recline
- Durable upholstery
- Integrated footrest
Extended sitting
Reading & Lounging
Extended sitting often benefits from additional ergonomic support.
Recommended features:
- Power headrest
- Power lumbar support
- Zero-gravity recline
- Soft, supportive upholstery
Home theater comfort
Movie Nights & Entertainment
Create a personal theater experience with added convenience features.
Recommended features:
- Power recline
- Adjustable headrest
- USB charging
- Cupholders
- Hidden storage
- LED lighting
- Built-in audio
Accessibility support
Mobility Assistance
Some recliners are designed to make sitting and standing easier and more comfortable.
Recommended features:
- Lift functionality
- Power controls
- Easy-access buttons
- Supportive cushioning
Find the Right Fit for Your Body
The most comfortable recliner isn't necessarily the largest one—it's the one that properly supports your body.
Under 5'4"
Petite Users
Look for:
- Lower seat heights
- Shallower seat depths
- Smaller overall frames
5'4"–6'0"
Average Height
Most standard recliners are designed to comfortably fit this range.
6'0"+
Tall Users
Look for:
- Taller backs
- Deeper seats
- Extended footrests
Comfort tip
When seated, your feet should comfortably touch the floor and your head should be supported by the back cushion when upright.
Recliner Upholstery Options
Your upholstery choice impacts comfort, maintenance, durability, and style.
Soft and casual
Fabric Recliner
Benefits
- Soft feel
- Comfortable year-round
- Wide variety of colors and textures
- Cozy appearance
Best For
- Family rooms
- Casual living spaces
- Everyday comfort
Family-friendly
Performance Fabric Recliner
Benefits
- Stain-resistant
- Durable construction
- Easy maintenance
- Family-friendly performance
Best For
- Homes with children
- Pet owners
- High-traffic spaces
Durable and refined
Leather Recliner
Benefits
- Timeless appearance
- Exceptional durability
- Easy cleanup
- Sophisticated style
Best For
- Living rooms
- Home theaters
- Luxury interiors
Value option
Faux Leather Recliner
Benefits
- Leather-inspired appearance
- Easy maintenance
- Affordable alternative
Best For
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Casual living spaces
Leather vs Fabric Recliner
One of the most common questions shoppers ask is whether a leather recliner or fabric recliner is the better choice.
Choose leather if you want
- Easy cleanup
- Long-lasting durability
- A refined appearance
- Premium styling
Choose fabric if you want
- Soft comfort
- More color and texture choices
- Warm seating year-round
- A casual design aesthetic
Consider faux leather if you want
- Leather-inspired style
- Easy maintenance
- Value-oriented pricing
Performance fabrics often provide the ideal balance of comfort and durability for active households.
Explore Recliner Features
Today's recliners offer much more than simple reclining.
Neck and head support
Power Headrests
Customize neck and head support while reading, watching television, or relaxing in a recliner with power headrests.
Lower-back comfort
Power Lumbar Support
Power lumbar support provides personalized lower-back comfort and support.
Premium relaxation
Zero Gravity Recliner Technology
A zero gravity recliner positions the body to distribute weight more evenly while elevating the legs.
For shoppers seeking premium comfort, a zero gravity recliner is often considered one of the best recliner options available.
Soothing comfort
Heat & Massage
Adds soothing warmth and massage functionality for enhanced comfort.
Built-in convenience features
Available options include:
- USB charging
- USB-C charging
- Wireless charging
- Cupholders
- Hidden storage
- LED lighting
- Built-in speakers
- Touch controls
Best Recliner Features by Lifestyle
Best Recliner for Movie Lovers
Look for:
- Power recline
- Adjustable headrest
- USB charging
- Cupholders
- LED lighting
Best Recliner for Readers
Look for:
- Power lumbar support
- Adjustable headrest
- Plush armrests
- Ergonomic cushioning
Best Recliner for Seniors
Look for:
- Lift chair functionality
- Power controls
- Firm seat support
- Easy-to-clean upholstery
A recliner for seniors should prioritize ease of use, comfort, and accessibility.
Best Recliner for Back Support
Look for:
- Lumbar support
- Adjustable headrest
- Zero-gravity positioning
- Ergonomic cushioning
Best Recliner for Small Spaces
Look for:
- Wall away recliner designs
- Wall hugger recliner construction
- Compact frames
- Push back recliner styles
Best Recliner for Families
Look for:
- Performance fabric
- Durable construction
- Easy-clean upholstery
- Charging ports
- Oversized recliner designs
Understanding Recliner Sizes
Finding the right recliner sizes can significantly impact overall comfort and room functionality.
Typical Recliner Dimensions
Size guide
| Recliner Size | Typical Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small Recliner | 30–35 inches | Petite adults |
| Standard Recliner | 36–40 inches | Most adults |
| Large Recliner | 41–45 inches | Taller users |
| Oversized Recliner | 46+ inches | Maximum lounging space |
Recliner dimensions vary by style, brand and frame design. Always review the product dimensions and compare them against your room layout, clearance needs and delivery path before purchasing.
Measure Your Space
Before purchasing, ensure your recliner fits both your room and delivery path.
Room fit
Measure Your Room
Record:
- Available width
- Available depth
- Nearby furniture placement
- Walking pathways
Recline clearance
Measure Reclined Space
Most recliners require additional space behind the chair when fully reclined.
- Standard recliners: 12–18 inches from the wall
- Wall away recliners: 4–6 inches from the wall
Delivery path
Measure Delivery Access
Check:
- Doorways
- Hallways
- Staircases
- Elevators
For power recliners, also consider outlet placement or battery-pack options.
Why Shop NFM?
Finding the best recliner is easier when you have a wide selection, trusted brands, and knowledgeable support throughout the shopping process. At NFM, you'll find recliners designed to fit a variety of comfort preferences, room sizes, lifestyles, and budgets.
Benefits of Shopping NFM
- Large selection of recliners and reclining chairs
- Power recliners, manual recliners, lift chair recliners, and more
- Trusted furniture brands known for comfort and durability
- Fabric, leather, and faux leather recliner options
- Styles ranging from traditional to contemporary
- Recliners available for small spaces, family rooms, home theaters, and living rooms
- Furniture, mattresses, and home décor available in one convenient destination
- Helpful sales professionals ready to answer your questions
Complete Your Living Room
A recliner is often just one piece of a comfortable living space. Complete your room with coordinating furniture and accessories, including:
- Sofas and loveseats
- Sectionals
- Accent chairs
- Living room tables
- Home theater seating
- Entertainment centers
- Area rugs
- Floor lamps and lighting
From everyday relaxation to movie-night comfort, NFM makes it easy to find a recliner you'll enjoy for years to come.
