Recliners, or reclining chairs, are adjustable chairs with footrests and backs that can be raised and lowered by the user. Typically paired with a living room sofa, recliners were originally introduced as multifunctional furniture pieces that could transform between being a chair, a chaise longue, or a bed. Recliners are often optimized for comfort by including additional padding and the ability to set various inclined positions including the supine position for sleeping. Although recliners can be very accommodating for the user, recliners are often large and immobile—making them best suited for larger living rooms. Reclining chairs may also be found on airplanes, trains and buses.
Recliners, known for their adjustable comfort, began appearing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These chairs, designed to provide relaxation by allowing the user to lean back and elevate their feet, were initially manual, using levers or knobs. Over the 20th century, their popularity soared, becoming living room staples. With advancements, designs integrated plush padding, varied materials, and even built-in features like cup holders, making them symbols of leisure and comfort in households.
Recliners are embracing technology and sustainability. Modern designs, such as those by La-Z-Boy and Stressless, incorporate features like wireless charging pads, USB ports, and adjustable lumbar support. Additionally, eco-friendly materials are gaining traction, ensuring both comfort and environmental responsibility. Compact and modular designs cater to urban living and smaller spaces. As health and wellness become priorities, recliners with built-in massage or heat therapy functions elevate the relaxation experience, ensuring these chairs remain central in homes for enhanced comfort and leisure.
In terms of its form, a recliner is often cushioned with armrests and a headrest that can give more support than a couple pillows. It elevates the legs and feet as the chair reclines, rejuvenating the body by providing proper circulation of blood flow. Sleeping in this supportive position also helps with back pain by taking pressure off of the spine; an achievement that is rarely the result of falling asleep on a standard flatbed.
A wall hugger recliner saves space in a home as it can be positioned closer to a wall than a traditional recliner. It sits on a track, allowing the seat to move forward away from a wall as it reclines rather than backward.
A power recliner takes away the manual labor needed to operate traditional recliners via automated motors. With the push of a button, the chair reclines and can be adjusted accordingly. Typically, a power recliner will come with more than one button so that adjustments on individual parts of the chair, such as the headrest or footrest, can be made.
