Picking a recliner sounds simple until you’re standing in a store surrounded by dozens of options and have no idea where to start. Size, style, mechanism, fabric, it adds up fast. But once you know what to look for, it gets a lot easier. Here’s what actually matters when you’re shopping for a recliner.
Know the Different Recliner Styles First
Not all recliners work the same way, and each style fits a different kind of home and lifestyle.
Traditional Recliners.
These are the classics. Pull the lever, the footrest comes up, the back reclines. They’re bulky but comfortable, and they tend to be the most affordable style. If you’re not tight on space and just want something you can sink into, a traditional recliner gets the job done.
Wall Hugger Recliners.
If you’re working with a smaller room, a wall hugger recliner are great. These recline without needing much clearance behind them – some only need a few inches. That’s a real advantage in apartments or rooms where furniture sits close to the wall.
Rocker Recliners.
These combine a rocking chair and a recliner in one. They’re popular in nurseries, living rooms, and anywhere someone likes to rock.
Swivel Recliners.
Swivel recliners rotate 360 degrees, which makes them great for open-concept spaces. They’re easy to turn in any direction to interact with anyone in the room.
Power Recliners.
Instead of a manual lever or push-back design, power recliners use a motor and button controls. They recline smoothly and often let you land on an exact position between fully upright and fully flat. Great for anyone who likes function or has trouble with the hand lever.
Lift Recliners.
Lift recliners are designed to help people get up and sit down easily. The chair tilts forward to assist with standing. This is a huge help for seniors or anyone that needs assistance getting out of a seat.
The Comfort Features That Actually Make a Difference
Style is one thing, but you’re going to be sitting in this chair for hours. Here are the features worth paying attention to.
Lumbar Support. A recliner that doesn’t support your lower back eventually causes discomfort. Look for chairs with built-in lumbar support.
Headrest and Neck Support. If you fall asleep in your recliner like most people, a good headrest matters. Adjustable headrests let you find the right angle for the best long-lasting comfort.
Seat Depth and Height. This is personal. If you’re on the taller side, you want a deeper seat and more height off the floor. If you’re shorter, a chair that’s too deep will have your legs hanging off the edge. When you sit down, your feet should rest flat on the floor and your knees should land close to a 90-degree angle. When in doubt, sit in it before you buy.
Cushion Fill. High-density foam holds its shape longer and provides firmer support. Memory foam conforms to your body but can trap heat. Some recliners mix the two. Springs and webbing underneath the cushion also affect how the seat feels over time. A good base makes a big difference after a few years of use.
Built-In Features Worth Considering
Recliners have come a long way. Depending on your needs, some of these extras are genuinely useful:
USB charging ports – handy to keep devices fully charged.
Cup holders and storage pockets – convenient for remotes, books, or snacks
Massage and heat functions – good for muscle tension and circulation
Fully flat recline – if you want to actually sleep in your chair, look for one that goes all the way flat instead of at an angle
Matching the Recliner to Your Lifestyle
Match the recliner to the person for the best comfort.
For seniors or anyone with mobility challenges: A lift recliner is worth the investment. Look at the NIROPEDIC Lift Collection available at Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses. It’s built with real comfort in mind, with a smooth lift mechanism and solid support that makes sitting down and standing up much safer and easier. It doesn’t sacrifice looks for function, either.
For someone recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic pain: Prioritize lumbar support, adjustable positions, and easy controls. Power recliners let you fine-tune your position without straining.
For families with kids or pets: Durability matters more. Performance fabrics, the kind that wipe clean and resist staining, are worth looking into. Leather and faux leather are also easier to clean than most textiles.
For someone who works from home: If you’re spending the majority of your day in a recliner, invest in one with good back support and a headrest. Power recliners work well here because you can adjust your position as the day goes on.
For entertainment setups: Home theater recliners are built for exactly this, longer sit times, cup holders, maybe a tray table, immersive sound, blue tooth features. If you’re furnishing a dedicated TV room, these are designed with that in mind.
Getting the Size Right
Measure before you go shopping. Know these three numbers:
- The footprint of the recliner when upright – this is how much floor space it takes up in your room
- The fully reclined depth – how far it extends when the footrest is out (this is where most people underestimate space)
- The clearance needed from the wall – wall huggers need less, traditional recliners need more
A recliner that barely fits in a room often ends up blocking traffic or confining other furniture. Give yourself enough room that the chair can actually be used as designed.
Fabric and Frame: What Holds Up Over Time
Fabric choices:
- Microfiber – soft, easy to clean, holds up well with regular use
- Performance fabric – engineered for stain resistance, good for high-traffic rooms
- Leather and faux leather – durable and easy to wipe down
Where to Start at Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses
Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses carries a wide range of recliners across all the styles above – traditional, wall hugger, rocker, swivel, power, and lift. With Same Day iDelivery at many locations, you don’t have to wait long to start relaxing in your new recliner.
Stores are open Monday through Saturday and Sunday at every location across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. If you’re not sure where to start, just stop in and sit down in a few. There’s no better way to know if a recliner is right for you than actually sitting in it.