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3 Tips for Finding Your New Fortress of Solitude
So...it’s happened at last. Your favorite old recliner (you know, the one held together with duct tape and a prayer) has finally given up the ghost. Or, maybe you’re just looking for some comfy new seating for your family room or den.
No matter your reason for buying a new recliner, we know it’s a very personal decision. After all, it's your haven of rest at the end of a long day. Here are some tips for finding your new favorite chair.
1. Choose the Right Upholstery for Your Lifestyle
Do you have active young kids? A Great Dane who thinks he’s a lapdog? How about a friend who’s none-too-careful with beverages at parties? Life happens, but the right upholstery choice can stand up to what your lifestyle dishes out.
Here’s how some of the most popular recliner upholstery choices stack up:
- With its plush feel and sleek looks, it’s easy to see why microfiber is such a favorite. It’s also affordable, durable and stain-resistant, making it a stylish and practical pick for nearly any household.
- Noted for their durability, woven cotton and polyester blends stand up well to active kids and pets. They’re available in tons of colors and patterns, too. (Patterns hide a multitude of kitty claw or sippy cup sins.)
- If you love leather but it’s not in the budget, vinyls, imitation leathers and bicast leathers give you the look you crave at a much lower price. They tend to wipe clean easily, too, making maintenance a breeze. They don’t have the same durability as full leather, though, and so usually aren’t the best option for households with active pets and kids.
- Leather is prized for its style, feel and exceptional durability. Naturally, this comes with a higher price tag, but you can expect years of use with proper care. A lower-cost alternative is leather match. This means that the seating surfaces (which get the most wear and visibility) are leather, while the sides and back are vinyl or less-expensive bonded leather.
2. Reclining Mechanisms: Do You Want to Power Up?
Reclining mechanisms come in two basic types: manual or power. Many of today’s recliner models are available with both options.
- Manual recliners use a handle, button, or push-back arms to tilt into a set number of positions. They are the least expensive mechanism type, and work great when you want a basic, comfy chair to kick back in.
- Power recliners let you tilt back effortlessly with the touch of a button. Most recline to any position, and some are even programmable, so you’re always at the perfect viewing angle for a Netflix binge. They are more expensive than manual, but you may want the upgrade if it’s a recliner you spend a lot of time in.
When shopping for recliners, you may also see the term “wall recliner” or "wall hugger recliner.” This type of space-saving recliner can be placed much nearer the wall, because the seat unit slides forward as you recline. No more recliners “floating” several feet out from your walls!
3. Consider a Multi-Tasker
These days, even our recliners multi-task. Many chairs not only recline, but swivel, rock and/or glide. You can go from stretching out in front of the TV to rocking a fussy baby in no time flat. Many people also enjoy the soothing rocking or gliding motion while reading or simply relaxing.
A special type of multi-tasker is the lift chair recliner. It not only power reclines, but lifts you gently forward, up and out of the seat. This is helpful for individuals who could use extra assistance getting up out of a deep recliner.
Ready to start shopping for your new favorite chair? Browse our huge selection of recliners online, or stop in to the store and see us.
