Arnie Leather Power Glider Recliner, gray. Item 1570124. Warehouses/Costco.com.
© Living Style (Singapore) Pte. Limited

Sit back and relax

How to pick the perfect reclining chair for your needs

by MALI ANDERSON

They call it kicking back for a reason. Stretching out and putting your feet up in a recliner is ideal for unwinding after work, cuddling with little kids or sitting while you stream your favorite shows. If you want a piece of furniture that can make your home even cozier, there is a recliner out there that can match the type of comfort and functionality you crave.

“There are so many styles now,” says Costco member Sarah Boardman-Miller, principal interior designer and owner of SB Design and Showroom LLC. Whether you live in an urban condo, where space is at a premium, or in a sprawling home, there are recliners to fit your needs. Here are tips to find the right one.

Measure your space

While it is fun to begin searching for recliners in stores or online, be sure to get out the measuring tape before making a purchase. After all, recliners recline, meaning you will need enough space for the chair to be an asset to your living room whether it is upright or not.

“Depending on the angle and size, you will need more space behind and in front of the closed chair. Most recliners that really recline need anywhere from 12 to 24 inches [of space] in front and back,” Boardman-Miller explains. But because recliners cancel the need for an ottoman, they can actually take up less space than a traditional chair with a footrest, depending on the rest of the furniture in the room.

Explore features

Because there is such a wide range of recliners, focus on what features are important to you. For instance, parents of young children often gravitate toward gliders to lull their children to sleep, while individuals with physical jobs may opt for heat capabilities and massage features to ease muscle aches and reduce stress.

According to Costco member Hope Nichols, owner and principal designer of Hope Nichols Interiors, because there are “a ton of options for recliners on the market today, I really like to narrow down what the purpose of the piece will be. For example, will it go in the home theater, become a cozy alternative to the desktop for someone working from home, is it meant for a reading nook or does the client need it as a health support? In any of these cases, I like to look for options that meet my client’s needs, like a built-in USB port or cup holder.”

If you are interested in a pair of recliners for an entertainment area, you may want to look into swivel recliners that will allow you to engage in a conversation happening on the couch and then swivel back to watch TV.

From left: True Innovations Paxley Fabric Swivel Glider Recliner, light gray. Item 1049323. Warehouses/Costco.com; Barcalounger Ridgefield Leather Pushback Recliner, brown (above, Item 1518047) and gray (left, Item 1518046). Costco.com only.
© Living Style (Singapore) Pte. Limited; © Synergy Home Furnishings

Consider materials

Once you have an idea of how much space you will allot for your recliner and which features you are prioritizing, think about colors and fabrics. The materials you prefer will depend on the style of the rest of your home. Leather looks luxurious, while fabric recliners provide a soft look. And don’t forget stain-resistant choices (see “Do you have pets?”), which, paired with proper care, can help a chair look like new for a long period of time.

“Whether in a neutral tone or a coordinating color ... the right fabric will always make a space feel pulled together,” says Nichols. “To me, a recliner is like a favorite pair of jeans, and I want my clients to love what they choose.”

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Do you have pets?

Many animal lovers share furniture with their furry companions. If this is true for you, remember the possibility of pet wear and tear when choosing a recliner.

For some, patterned fabrics make shedding and small marks less noticeable. Tightly woven fabrics can be a good choice, as they may withstand some pet damage.

And while “leather is always a great choice for harder wearing, know that if you have pets, leather will show the wear from claws,” notes designer Sarah Boardman-Miller.—MA

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Try it on for size

Just like standard sofas and armchairs, recliners are available in different sizes. Here are a few sizing tips to keep in mind when you try different models:

• Before reclining, your knees should be at a 90-degree angle, with your feet touching the floor.
• While you are seated, your arms should rest comfortably, from elbow to hand, on the armrest.
• When you lean back, the middle area of the chair should support your lower back and your heels should be supported by the footrest.
• Your head should rest comfortably as well. If you feel any strain in your neck, try another model.—MA

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Costco member Mali Anderson is a freelance writer based in Chicago.