Looking for a reclining chair and wondering what to know before buying a recliner?
A sturdy and good-looking model that can support your weight without problems?
We've got you!
Below we formulate an answer to some of the most frequently asked questions in terms of purchasing a recliner with a high weight limit.
Table of Contents
- 1 What to know before buying a recliner? Introduction
- 2 How long can I expect a recliner to last?
- 3 What design of reclining chair would be suitable?
- 4 What comfort functions should you pay attention to?
- 5 What is a good material for a reclining chair?
- 6 Inspect your recliner for resilience & quality
- 7 Is your head not too much forward?
- 8 What about support for your lower back?
- 9 Is the footrest the right length for your legs?
- 10 How to make sure your living space is large enough for the recliner chair?
What to know before buying a recliner? Introduction
We've done the legwork, so read ahead to find the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about good recliners for big men:
How long can I expect a recliner to last?
A typical recliner will last 11 years with regular usage, often longer.
A recliner chair is an investment, and it's essential to go for quality in order to maximize the life of a power recliner.
It's not cheap, so make sure you opt for a dependable brand.
What design of reclining chair would be suitable?
There are a lot of different design options on the market.
Look for different upholstery choices and designs.
Get all the information you can and make an informed decision.
What comfort functions should you pay attention to?
When determining your needs, look for a recliner chair that is well constructed with a strong base.
Seats and cushions need to be well distributed with adequate cushioning.
You also need to choose a recliner that fits your body and that you can customize for your own seating needs.
You should also pay attention to your age and any specific physical ailments you may have.
Read What should an elderly recliner look like? for more age-specific selection tips.
What is a good material for a reclining chair?
You have lots of fabrics to pick from.
Here are a few of the most popular materials:
Single color upholstery
One of the most common choices, ideal for matching with existing designs and a fantastic statement piece.
Printed upholstery
Stylish, found in a range of patterns and colors which emphasizes a statement piece in a room.
Leather upholstery
Timeless, classic, wonderfully easy to clean and can be found in various colors.
Inspect your recliner for resilience & quality
If you've found your ideal recliner, make sure it's meant to last for a long time. How?
Just roll the reclining chair forward and have a look underneath.
What to know before buying a recliner? This is what you should check out:
Do you see a mesh layer in between the cushion and springs?
This mesh layer will evenly disperse weight and keep the cushion from tearing.
Without this layer, your seat cushion would be shredded to pieces by the springs.
Are there 4 sides to the frame?
When it's time to get up, most of us will push on the arms.
Frames with only 2 or 3 sides may warp, expand, and split.
Frames with 4 sides will support your body better and last for several years.
What's the base constructed of? What to know before buying a recliner?
Bases are usually made of wood or plastic.
Wood bases are durable, look better, and last longer.
Plastic bases are lightweight, look cheap, and wear out quickly.
Recliners with a four-sided frame, wood base, and mesh layer between the springs and cushion are constructed well and will be extremely long-lasting.
Examine how the recliner supports your body
As soon as you've found a reclining chair you like, ensconce yourself comfortably and check if it fits you well (both seated and reclined).
Is your head not too much forward?
If the back isn't high enough, the top cushion will push your head forward, causing neck discomfort.
A high back recliner could be the solution in this case!
When you put your head back, make sure your neck is in a natural position.
What about support for your lower back?
Check it out if the back support is too soft or firm.
If there's a space between your lower back and the chair when you recline, then you need to change the model.
You'll only end up with back pain and neck trouble if you can't adopt a good sitting posture to avoid back pain.
Read our related article Are reclining sofas bad for your back? for more information and insights.
Is the footrest the right length for your legs?
You will want to make sure the heels of your feet extend slightly past the footrest.
Your feet will hang off the footrest slightly, which allows your leg muscles to relax.
You'll want to make sure that the edge of the footrest is well padded!
Otherwise, you'll put pressure on your Achilles tendon and that's really uncomfortable.
If the recliner you're sitting in fits your height requirement and hits your pressure points correctly, then you've hit the jackpot.
How to make sure your living space is large enough for the recliner chair?
Before buying your recliner, you need to focus on where you're going to put it, something we rarely stop to consider.
First, make sure that the chair fits well when the chair is fully extended.
Measure the area and compare it to the height and width of the chair.
For example, is there a wall, door, or another piece of XL furniture that may challenge your choice?
Use the measurements to ensure that the recliner fits where you want to put it without being an inconvenience.