No longer just “Dad’s” chair, recliners continue to sell in staggering numbers in the U.S. Still the #1 selling furniture item, contemporary recliners now have more style choices and functions than ever before, making shopping more complicated. “Shop Cop” and author of Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever!, Jennifer Litwin helps evaluate today’s recliners.
CONSTRUCTION: KEEP IT SIMPLE
Today’s chairs have many bells & whistles. The more moving parts, the more likely the chair is to break. Typically, better constructed pieces have fewer mechanisms and no fabric break in the middle section. Exposed metal legs should be avoided, and the open/close mechanism should be easy to operate.
CONSIDER THE SITTER WHEN CHOOSING FABRIC
Keep in mind who will be using the chair most often. Since these chairs are often for lounging adults, look for sturdy fabrics that hide stains and are better on wear and tear. Wools, sturdier leathers and tightly-woven materials will generally last longer than the finer grades of leather or synthetics, like micro fiber.
STYLE AND FIT
Make sure the chair fits the individual’s size. A larger person will not feel comfortable in a smaller, updated style so consider a traditional, larger chair for a larger person. Similarly, a smaller person might like the sleekness and cozy comfort of a narrower chair.
ROOM PLACEMENT
Know where in the room you intend to place your recliner. Be careful with any chair that has an electrical cord (you may want to add an outlet underneath the chair). Also, placing a chair too close to a wall may damage the wall during use when the chair is extended.
Price: Cost does not always equal quality!
Expect to pay:
* $500 or under for a moderately-priced chair
* $500-$1500 for an average priced chair
* $1500 and over for an expensive chair
BEWARE OF PROMISES
Be careful of stores offering solutions for back pain. These stores often charge over $2500 for a chair that they claim will solve all your back problems. Everybody’s body is different, and what may work for another person may not work for you.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Make sure you get at least a one-year warranty from the retailer, especially if you shop online.
Related posts:
- What Is a “Furniture Hot Spot” and Why Does the Chair of Distinction Matter? What You Need to Know Before Shopping for Furniture Now
- Shop Online for Furniture Without Making Mistakes
- How To Buy Secondhand Furniture Online
- Under the Influence of the Mortgage Experts? Know the Facts about Mortgage Shopping Before Shopping Homes
- Fix Your Outdoor Garden Furniture, Attractively, Quickly and By Yourself