How to Buy a Recliner

To buy a recliner, match its seat and back to your body, choose a mechanism you can operate, and measure its full reclined footprint. Check the delivery route and leave clear space for the chair to open and for you to get in and out.

On this page (9 sections)

How do you buy a recliner that fits your body?
What recliner mechanism should you choose?
How much room does a recliner need?
How do you check delivery access?
Which upholstery and extras matter?
Which recliner examples match common needs?
What should you compare before choosing a recliner?
More guides on this topic
How to buy a recliner that suits your room and routine

To buy a recliner, match its seat size and back height to your body, choose a mechanism you can use comfortably, and measure the space it needs when open. Check the route into the room, too, so the chair can reach its final spot.

Start with how you plan to use it. A chair for reading upright may need different features from one used for naps or to help someone stand.

How do you buy a recliner that fits your body?

A recliner fits when your feet rest comfortably, your lower back is supported, and the seat depth lets you sit without pressure behind your knees. Compare your measurements with the chair's seat and back dimensions before choosing.

Sit in a similar chair if you can, or measure a chair that already feels right. Check these points:

Seat height: Your feet should reach the floor without your knees feeling cramped.
Seat width: Leave room to sit without squeezing, while keeping your arms within comfortable reach of the armrests.
Seat depth: Your back should meet the backrest while your knees remain comfortably bent.
Back height: The back should support the areas you want to rest, including your head if that matters to you.
Arm height: Check that the armrests meet your arms naturally when seated.

A recliner’s overall width does not tell you whether its seat will feel roomy. For example, the Homall has a seat measuring 18.8 x 20.2 in and a seat height of 17.9 in, so compare those numbers with your own sitting measurements.

If you’re shorter or taller than average, pay close attention to seat depth and footrest reach. Our guides to best recliners for small people and best big and tall recliners can help you compare chairs for different body sizes.

How do you choose a recliner for your height?

Choose a recliner by comparing its seat height, seat depth, back height and footrest reach with your seated body. A chair described as medium or large is only a starting point; measurements show more about how it may fit.

If you’re buying for someone else, measure their comfortable seated posture if possible. Also consider whether they can reach the release, remote or other controls without leaning or twisting.

The MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair for Elderly has a recommended height range of 5 ft 1 in to 5 ft 9 in. Its 35.8 x 35.2 x 44.5 in overall dimensions describe the chair’s outside size, so check the seat measurements as well when comparing fit.

For a chair with a compact club-style shape, see our guide to the best club recliner chair. For another small-scale style, compare best barrel chair recliner options.

What recliner mechanism should you choose?

Choose a manual recliner if you can operate its release and close the footrest comfortably. Consider a power or lift mechanism if buttons are easier for you to use than a manual lever or body-weight movement.

Manual recliners use a lever, push-back action or another mechanical release. Power recliners use a motor and controls, which can let you adjust the position in smaller steps; they need access to a power outlet.

A power lift recliner is designed to raise the chair to help the user stand. The MCombo models here use a remote with 2 buttons for lift and reclining positions, and their maximum reclining angle is 140°.

Read what a reclining sofa is and how recliners work to compare basic reclining styles and mechanisms.

A lift chair may suit someone who needs help getting up, but the chair’s operation and fit still matter. Compare best power lift recliners and best recliners for elderly people when that feature is a priority.

Is a power lift recliner the same as a regular recliner?

A power lift recliner has a powered mechanism that raises the chair to help a seated person stand, while a regular recliner mainly changes the back and footrest position. Check the controls, fit and room clearance for either type before deciding.

A lift mechanism is not a substitute for choosing the right seat height or getting help when needed. If the user has mobility or safety concerns, ask their health professional or caregiver what features fit their needs.

How much room does a recliner need?

A recliner needs room for its full open length, plus space to walk around it and use the controls. Measure the chair in both closed and reclined positions, then compare the open footprint with your available floor space.

A wall-hugger design can move forward as it reclines, which may reduce the gap needed behind the chair. It still needs forward clearance, so check its full dimensions.

Our guide explains what a wall hugger recliner sofa is and how much space it saves.

The Homall measures 24.4 x 28.7 x 37.7 in when closed and 29.1 x 59.8 x 20.4 in when open. Use the open dimensions to check the floor area, and leave enough room in front for feet and people passing.

Before buying, tape the closed and open footprints on the floor. Check nearby tables, doors, walkways and other seating, then sit in the marked area to see whether you can recline and rise without bumping into anything.

If you want a chair that swivels, check its full turning space as well as its reclined footprint. Our guide to the best barrel chair recliner swivel options covers that style.

How do you check delivery access?

Measure the narrowest points on the delivery route, including doorways, hallways and tight turns. Compare those measurements with the chair’s width and depth, and account for packaging if the chair will arrive boxed.

Measure the final location separately from the route. A chair may fit through a doorway but leave too little room to recline or block an entry once installed.

Check whether the chair needs assembly and what tools or space that requires. The Homall requires assembly, while both MCombo chairs describe assembly without tools in about 15 minutes for a novice.

Which upholstery and extras matter?

Choose upholstery that suits your room and care routine, then check which comfort features you’ll actually use. Fabric and faux leather have different looks and cleaning needs, so consider spills, pets, sunlight and how often the chair will be used.

The Homall has PU leather upholstery that is described as easy to clean. The MCombo lift chairs use faux leather, which can be cleaned with a dry or damp lint-free cloth; MCombo advises against oils or waxes.

Some recliners add rocking, swiveling, heat, massage, cup holders or side pockets. These features can be useful, but they do not replace checking the chair’s fit and operating space.

If you prefer a rocking base, compare the best quality rocker recliners. For a leather look, browse best leather recliners, and for brand comparisons, see best brands of recliners.

A recliner with heat or massage may add controls and electrical parts, so check the instructions and use the features as directed. The MCombo chairs include vibration and lumbar heating, along with USB ports and cup holders.

Which recliner examples match common needs?

The right chair depends on what you need it to do and how it fits your room. These examples show how to compare a manual recliner with power lift options using their stated features and dimensions.

Homall Recliner Chair for a basic manual option

The Homall Recliner Chair has a manual backrest that adjusts from 90 to 160 degrees and a retractable footrest. Its PU leather upholstery and compact closed width may suit a smaller room, but confirm the open length before placing it.

The chair has a maximum capacity of 265 lb. Its seat is 18.8 x 20.2 in, with a 17.9 in seat height, so compare those measurements with the person who will use it.

MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair for Elderly for lift assistance

The MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair for Elderly uses a counter-balanced power lift mechanism and a 2-button remote. It may fit someone who prefers button controls and falls within its recommended height range of 5 ft 1 in to 5 ft 9 in.

The chair measures 35.8 x 35.2 x 44.5 in and comes in 2 boxes. It also has lumbar heating, vibration, USB outlets, side pockets and cup holders.

MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair for Elderly for added heat and vibration

This MCombo Power Lift Recliner Chair for Elderly has the same stated height range, maximum reclining angle and overall dimensions as the other MCombo example. Its heat and vibration settings can be turned off after 15, 30 or 60 minutes.

Check the room and route for its 35.8 x 35.2 in base, and confirm the chair’s controls make sense for the person using it. It comes in 2 boxes and includes USB outlets, cup holders and side pockets.

What should you compare before choosing a recliner?

Compare fit, mechanism, open dimensions, delivery access and upholstery care before choosing a model. A feature list is useful only when the chair fits the person and the room.

Use this checklist:

Measure the user’s seated height, seat width and preferred seat depth.
Compare seat height, depth, width and back height where those measurements are available.
Decide whether a manual, power or power lift mechanism suits the user.
Measure the chair closed and fully open, including space for a clear walkway.
Measure doorways and turns along the delivery route.
Check the upholstery care instructions and electrical needs.
Review the chair’s stated weight capacity and any recommended height range.

For a lower-cost option, compare the best affordable recliner chairs. If the chair will be used for long periods, consider whether added cushioning suits your needs and see best recliner cushions for pressure relief.

If you plan to sleep in the chair, compare the recline angle and how flat the chair goes. Our guide to best lay flat recliners for sleeping covers that use.