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.

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.

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.