How to Choose the Right Recliner

A recliner is one of those purchases you live with every single day, so it pays to choose thoughtfully rather than grab the first comfortable-looking chair you see. This guide walks you through the practical decisions — fit, mechanism, materials, and features — so the chair you bring home still feels right years from now.

Start With Where It Will Live

Before you fall in love with a style, measure your space. A recliner needs clearance to open fully, so check the distance from the wall to where the footrest will land, and make sure the chair won't block a walkway or door when it's reclined. If you're tight on space, look for a wall-hugger (sometimes called a wall-saver) design that reclines by sliding forward instead of tipping backward.

Think about how the chair fits the rest of the room, too. A single recliner can anchor a reading corner, while a reclining sofa or sectional keeps a whole family comfortable on movie night. If you're furnishing a full room, it helps to browse our Living Room and Sectionals collections together so your pieces share a scale and a look.

Get the Size and Fit Right

The most comfortable recliner is the one that fits your body. When you sit, your feet should rest flat on the floor, your back should be fully supported, and your head should reach the headrest without straining. Taller folks often want a higher back and a longer seat; shorter family members are usually happier in a chair with a shallower seat so their knees bend naturally at the edge.

Don't forget weight capacity and the width of the seat. A roomy chair feels luxurious; a too-snug one gets old fast. Whenever possible, sit in the chair, recline it fully, and stay there a few minutes — comfort you can feel beats specs on a tag.

Manual or Power? Understand the Mechanism

This is the biggest decision for most shoppers. Here's how the common options compare:

Manual recliners use a lever or a push back to recline. They're straightforward, need no outlet, and tend to cost less.
Power recliners recline with the touch of a button, let you stop at any position, and are easier on the back and knees — a real plus for anyone with mobility or joint concerns. Browse our Power Recliners to see what's available.
Power headrest and lumbar features let you adjust neck and lower-back support independently, which is wonderful for reading or watching TV.
Lift recliners gently tilt forward to help you stand, ideal for seniors or anyone recovering from surgery.
Rocker and glider recliners add a soothing motion before they recline — popular in nurseries and TV rooms alike.

If you go with power, plan for a nearby outlet, and consider whether you want USB ports built into the controls for charging a phone or tablet.

Choose a Material That Fits Your Life

Upholstery affects both the feel and the upkeep of your chair. Leather is durable, ages beautifully, and wipes clean — a smart pick for busy households and easy to coordinate with leather Sofas. Fabric offers more colors and a softer, cozier hand, and many of today's performance fabrics resist stains and everyday wear.

If you have kids, pets, or a military family with a lot coming and going — common in our Jacksonville community near Camp Lejeune — lean toward a wipeable leather or a stain-resistant performance fabric. Always check the cleaning code on the tag so you know how to care for it down the road.

Match the Recliner to the Room's Job

A single recliner is perfect for a personal spot, but if more than one person wants to put their feet up, a reclining loveseat or sofa earns its keep. A Loveseat with two reclining seats suits a smaller den, while a reclining sectional fills a large family room. Consider whether you want a console in the middle for cup holders and storage, and whether the piece needs to seat guests as well as family.

A Quick Pre-Purchase Checklist

Measured the wall clearance and walkway space for a fully reclined chair
Sat in it and confirmed your feet, back, and head are supported
Decided between manual and power — and located an outlet if needed
Chose a material that matches your cleaning habits and household
Confirmed it fits the room's style and the way you'll actually use it
Checked delivery options and asked about free in-store pickup at your local store

When you're ready, come sit a while. Our family has been helping Eastern North Carolina families get comfortable since 1946, and you'll find a wide selection in our Recliners collection and at all seven of our stores — Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Goldsboro, Greenville, and Rocky Mount. Stop in to try a few, give us a call at 910-455-9595, or explore your financing options to make the perfect recliner yours.