A recliner, as the word denotes, is a type of chair that leans back or reclines into a comfortable lounging position with the feet elevated and the head lying down. It was first introduced to the market by a company called La-Z-Boy in 1928. The recliner's design is based on the natural contour of the body when seated and leaned back. The ottoman was added to the recliner as footstool during the 1950s and became its symbol.



The first recliner became very famous that other furniture makers jumbled to ride on its popularity and offered their own versions of this innovative furniture. Recliners are really comfortable and relaxing chairs. They are mostly made from upholstery, leather, vinyl or naugahyde, an artificial leather.

The three most popular and commonly used types of recliners are the two-position recliner, the rocker or wall-saver, and the pushback or flex-back.

The traditional two position recliner is the cheapest and most basic of all types of recliners. Some of its areas are upholstered with genuine leather like the arm, seat base and leg. One can be bought for less than a hundred dollars. Several parts such as the back are covered by vinyl, unlike others fully covered with leather. The usual warranty period for these recliners is just one year. There are also few styles to choose from.

The rocker recliner is the most famous type of recliner and therefore most largely manufactured. It can be rocked back and forth while sitting upright or reclined. It has many different adjustable reclining angles. The wall-saver option allows you to place it very close to the wall to save space. It cannot be rocked while it is against the wall. It has a larger selection of fabrics and styles. The warranty is usually 5 years on frame and the unit has a lifetime guarantee. It is also more expensive than two position recliner.

The push-back recliner has to be pushed by your back to recline. The basic framework is completely covered with leather and generally matches a modern-looking room because of its sleek design. While the style is more fashionable, the leather materials make it quite expensive.

There are many other types of recliners. The recliner sofa is similar to a recliner chair but bigger. It is getting more popular nowadays because it can provide relaxation and comfort to around three persons at the same time. It is useful for persons with arthritis or asthma and other medical conditions. It usually cost a few hundred dollars higher than a recliner chair.

Power recliners are suited for people with mobility problems. It is used mostly by the handicapped people, the elderly or individuals with injury and back and hip problems. It easily reclines with a simple press of a button.

A recliner loveseat is designed especially for a couple. It is similar to a mini couch that has a reclining capability. It offers ample support for two people to recline together.

Massage recliners are chairs padded with filling materials designed for therapeutic purposes, comfort and relaxation. It has vibrations installed in the chair that massages the body while seated.

There are now patio recliners and garden recliners also for outdoor use. These are built with synthetic fiber as padding and are very durable and last long under normal use.

Recliner wheelchairs are offered with unlimited back repositioning feature. It is comfortable and helpful in improving blood circulation. It also aids in sleeping. These recliners are made with standard folding frames, seats up to 24 inches in width and extended support for the head. The reclining mechanism is manually operated through levers that look like a bicycle brake lever.