Ever since my father retired, his evenings have been dedicated to watching TV or reading a book in the living room. However, his favorite armchair started causing backaches, and I noticed he wasn’t as comfortable as he deserved to be. I thought, why not get him a recliner that provides proper lumbar support and lets him relax? The idea seemed perfect, but choosing the right recliner turned out to be quite the task. I began my research by visiting furniture stores, checking out models in person, and reading reviews online. Recliners come in various styles, sizes, and functionalities, making it challenging to figure out which one would suit his needs best. This guide is the culmination of everything I learned during my quest to find the ideal recliner.
Comfort and Support: Look for plush padding and ergonomic design that supports the back, neck, and legs. Test it if possible to ensure it feels right. Lumbar support is essential, especially for prolonged sitting.
Size and Space: Recliners are bulkier than standard chairs, so ensure it fits your room without feeling cramped. Measure your space and compare it with the recliner’s dimensions.
Material: Recliners come in fabric, leather, or leatherette. Leather is durable and stylish but expensive, while fabric recliners offer more warmth and variety at a lower price. Leatherette can be an affordable compromise but is less breathable.
Reclining Mechanism:
- Manual Recliners: Affordable and straightforward, these recline with a lever or push-back motion.
- Power Recliners: Feature motorized reclining for precise positioning and sometimes offer additional features like USB ports or massage options.
Features: Modern recliners come with add-ons like swivel bases, massage options, or built-in cup holders. Decide what’s essential based on your lifestyle.
Durability and Build Quality: Look for solid wood or metal frames for longevity. The cushioning should retain its shape after extended use.
Budget: Recliners range from ₹10,000 to over ₹1,00,000. Set a budget and explore models that provide value without compromising quality.
Here’s a roundup of some excellent options I found during my research:
La-Z-Boy Pinnacle Recliner: I never heard about them before but during my research their name came up again and again as they are called epitome of comfort. And I must say this recliner delivers on its promise. The cushioning is luxurious, and the reclining mechanism is incredibly smooth. It has a classic design, perfect for living rooms. However, it’s pricey, so it’s more of an investment piece. The wide seating and exceptional lumbar support make it ideal for senior family member.
Urban Ladder Dawson Fabric Manual Recliner: This recliner offers a great balance between price and features. The fabric upholstery is soft and breathable, and the manual reclining function is easy to use. It fits well in modern living rooms and provides decent lumbar support. While it lacks advanced features, its build quality justifies the price.
Royaloak Texas American Leatherette Power Lift Recliner: This is another great one and I loved it because of the leatherette finish. It comes with premium features for massaging and heating alongwith powerlifting. All these with 1/3rd of the price of La-Z Boy. However, the comfort is different in both.
Nilkamal Sierra 1 Seater Manual Recliner Sofa: If you’re looking for something simple yet effective, this engineered wood recliner is a great pick. It’s lightweight and easy to move around, with comfortable padding and a basic push-back mechanism. The fabric feels cozy, though it’s prone to stains, so it’s not the best choice for homes with kids.
IKEA STRANDMON Wing Chair with Reclining Footstool: This one is a hybrid between a recliner and a wing chair, offering style and decent comfort. While it doesn’t fully recline, the accompanying footstool compensates. The Scandinavian design adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
My Final Pick
After much deliberation and feedback from my father, I decided on the Royaloak Texas Power Lift Recliner. It struck the right balance between comfort, style, and affordability. Watching him comfortably read his evening newspaper now makes every penny worth it.
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I recently purchased the Urban Ladder Dawson Fabric Manual Recliner, and overall, I have been quite pleased with it. The fabric is soft and comfortable, and the manual reclining function works smoothly, which is great for relaxing after long days. The lumbar support is decent, but I feel it could be a little more pronounced for longer sitting sessions. It fits well in my living room, and the modern design gives a nice touch to the space. However, while it offers good value for the price, it doesn’t have some of the extra features that higher-end recliners offer, like a powered reclining mechanism or massage functions. It’s a solid, no-frills choice, but not luxorious.
I am glad to hear that you are happy with your Urban Ladder Dawson Recliner overall! It really does strike a nice balance between comfort and price. You mentioned the lack of extra features like power reclining or massage functions, and that’s something I had considered too. While these features can certainly add to the luxury, they can also drive the price up quite a bit. I’d say it’s all about what you’re looking for in terms of function vs. budget. If you’re ever looking to upgrade to something with more features down the line, I’d recommend checking out the Royaloak Texas Power Lift Recliner it’s a great choice for added comfort and functionality without breaking the bank.
I’ve been debating whether to go for a fabric recliner or a leatherette one. Fabric seems cozy and breathable, but leatherette looks stylish and is easier to clean. In your experience, which one offers better long-term comfort? Does leatherette get too warm in hot weather, or is it manageable?
Both fabric and leatherette have their pros and cons, and it really depends on your priorities.
#Fabric Recliners: These are definitely cozier and more breathable, making them a great choice if you plan on sitting for long hours. They also come in a variety of textures and colors to match different aesthetics. However, they’re more prone to stains and may require regular cleaning.
# Leatherette Recliners: These win in terms of durability and ease of maintenance—you can just wipe off spills! But yes, in hot weather, they can get a bit warm, especially if there’s no air conditioning. Some higher-end models use perforated or treated leatherette to reduce heat buildup, so that’s something to look out for.
If comfort for extended use is your main concern, fabric might be th better option. But if you want something stylish and low-maintenance, leatherette is worth considering. Are you planning to use it in an air-conditioned space, or do you need something breathable for warmer conditions?
I was looking at the Royaloak Texas recliner too, mainly because of the power lift function since my grandfather has trouble standing up from regular chairs. But I am a bit concerned about whether these motorized features hold up over time. Did you come across any reviews or insights on how reliable the lift and massage functions are in the long run? I don’t want to invest in something that might start acting up within a year.
That’s a really important concern, especially when you’re buying a recliner for someone who truly depends on that power lift feature. During my research, I did find quite a few positive reviews about the Royaloak Texas model’s reliability, especially in the first couple of years. The motorized lift is designed to support senior users, and most users found it sturdy and smooth even with daily use. That said, like all motorized furniture, its longevity does depend on usage, maintenance, and power stability.
I would recommend checking if the model you’re considering comes with a warranty for the motor—many sellers offer 1 to 3 years. It’s also a good idea to plug it into a surge protector to prevent electrical issues. From what I gathered, the massage and heating features are relatively basic but effective, and they usually hold up well unless there’s rough handling. For everyday, supportive use, I think it’s a strong option. But if you want peace of mind, you might even ask the seller about after-sales service in your area just to be prepared.
IKEA Standmon caught my eye because of the look it would really match my room. But I am a bit unsure if it’s actually comfortable enough for long sittings. I want to use it for reading and sometimes watching TV, but I’m not sure if the footstool alone can make it feel like a real recliner. Did you find it supportive enough for daily use, or does it feel more like a stylish occasional chair?
I agreee Strandmon stands out visually with its clean Scandinavian design, but comfort-wise, it does not quite function like a traditional recliner. The footstool helps you stretch your legs, which works well for reading or short TV sessions, but it lacks the adjustable backrest and full recline of a typical recliner. So, while the cushioning is decent and the high back provides some neck support, it does not offer the same kind of full-body relaxation you’d expect from something like the Dawson or Royaloak recliners. If aesthetics are your top priority and you don’t mind sitting upright most of the time, STRANDMON is a stylish and moderately comfortable option. But if you plan to spend hours reading or watching movies, I would suggest going for a true recliner with a reclining back and footrest built-in—it makes a noticeable difference over long durations. That said, IKEA’s quality is solid, and many people find it surprisingly comfy for what it is it just depends on what you expect from your seat.