The Best Recliners for Seniors of 2021 - Picks from Bob Vila - BobVila.com
The best recliners for seniors feature mobility aids to make it easy to settle into a favorite chair.
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Recliners for seniors are designed with comfort and mobility in mind. Traditional recliners have a cozy, enveloping design, but this can make them difficult to sit down in and stand up from. For seniors, power-lift recliners solve this problem with a lifting mechanism that lifts the chair to them.
These motorized chairs are much easier to get in and out of. Ideal for seniors and other individuals with mobility concerns, they are safer to use and place less strain on stiff or aching joints. Ahead, learn about the best recliners for seniors that are comfortable, practical, and safe, allowing seniors to relax with ease.
- BEST OVERALL: Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner
- UPGRADE PICK: Red Barrel Studio Flanigan Power Lift Assist Recliner
- BEST MODERN: Latitude Run Wirth Power Lift Assist Recliner
- BEST SMALL: Mcombo Small Sized Electric Power Lift Recliner
- BEST LARGE: Red Barrel Studio Fitzmaurice Power Lift Recliner
- BEST FABRIC: Signature Design by Ashley Ernestine Recliner
- ALSO CONSIDER: Lark Manor Eggen Power Lift Recliner
Photo: amazon.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Recliners for Seniors
After a long day, sinking into a favorite recliner is a welcome treat. But for those who find getting into a favorite chair harder than usual, it might be time to invest in a recliner for seniors. The best recliners for elderly individuals feature mobility aids that make it easier to get in and out of their cushy seat. When choosing these recliners, consider the recliner type, motor size, material, and additional functions.
Types of Recliners for Seniors
While all recliners can be suitable for seniors, some have extra features that make them easier to use. For seniors with full mobility, traditional, rocker, swivel, and massaging recliners are all comfortable picks. These chairs can be manual or electric; electric options may be easier to use for those with any mobility concerns. But if getting in and out of a recliner is harder than it used to be, consider a lifting recliner.
Lift recliners are essentially recliners that lift you up, designed for those who have a hard time sitting down or standing up from a seated position. They use a power mechanism to raise the chair up, making it easier for an individual to sit down or stand up from the chair. They look the same as a traditional recliner, but their lifting mechanism makes them a popular choice for seniors.
Motor Type
Lift recliners come in single-motor or dual-motor designs. As the name suggests, single-motor chairs have one motor that controls the chair's entire range of movement, powering both the lifting mechanism and reclining mechanism. These chairs are less adjustable but tend to be more affordable than dual-motor chairs. Most single-motor lift chairs have one button that operates the lift and one that operates both the recliner and the footrest as one piece, so when you recline the chair, the foot rest follows in a preset position.
Dual-motor chairs have two motors that power different parts of the chair. One motor controls the recline angle while the other controls the footrest and lifting mechanism. This design allows for infinite positioning, so you can adjust each independently of each other to find your perfect lounging position.
Size
Recliners can take up a fair amount of space in a room, so it's important to consider the chair dimensions when shopping. Space is especially a concern for lift recliners, which tend to be larger and heavier than standard recliners to accommodate their motors and parts.
Due to their reclining design, recliners also need enough space behind and in front of them to fully extend. Before you start shopping, measure your space to make sure the recliner can fit without hitting the wall or any other chairs or tables.
Besides considering the room space, also make sure the recliner is a suitable size for your needs. Most recliners will advertise their weight capacity, which should not be exceeded, especially in the case of lift recliners. Tall users may opt for a longer chair for better comfort. Choose a recliner that is suitable for both the user's height and weight.
Upholstery and Frame
Recliner frames can be made of plywood, hardwood, or metal. Metal is generally the sturdiest option, and lift recliners tend to use a mix of wood and metal to create a durable frame. These materials have the strength to support the chair (and the user's body) as it lifts, but keep in mind that each lift recliner will have a weight limit that should be followed.
Recliner cushions can be made of foam, memory foam, down, or an innerspring system. Combined with an ergonomic design, any of these materials can offer a comfortable seat. Upholstery options can vary across a range of materials, which are explored ahead.
Material
Upholstered recliners come in a variety of materials. The most popular materials include fabric, leather, and vinyl. Look for an option that is comfortable, breathable, and easy to clean.
Fabrics are among the softest options and come in a range of colors, textures, and materials. This category includes cotton, polyester, microfiber, microsuede, and performance fabrics. High-quality fabrics are durable and breathable, but they can stain and absorb spills. Leather (whether real or fake) and vinyl make for easy-to-clean, smooth chair covers. While they aren't as plush or breathable as fabrics, leather and vinyl chairs come in a variety of colors and have a sleek look.
Beyond comfort, consider ease of cleaning when choosing a recliner material. The best recliners for elderly users are easy to clean. Due to their weave, fabrics tend to be the toughest to clean, while smooth materials like leather and vinyl are easy to wipe down.
Comfort and Design
Lifted recliners for elderly users tend to have a roomy and comfortable design with well-stuffed cushions. Like traditional recliners, they're made for relaxing, but they also have the addition of a mobility aid.
Beyond lifting up and down to get the user out of the chair, the best power-lift recliner chairs also offer reclining abilities and footrests for lounging. When choosing a comfortable pick, consider the reclining angle, which can range from 140 degrees to almost 180 degrees.
Design can be just as important as comfort. Recliners can take up a fair amount of space in a living room or a bedroom, so you'll want a choice that looks nice in your space. Lift recliners look like regular recliners and come in a wide range of colors, materials, and designs, so you can find one that suits your style.
Power Lift Assist Function
Lift recliners are popular for seniors and those with mobility issues, and for good reason. These comfortable chairs can help those with limited mobility by making it easier to sit and stand at just the touch of a button. When activated, they lift and angle the recliner to put the user as close to a standing position as possible and make the chair easier to get in and out of.
Power-lift recliners include a remote control or a control panel to make adjustments. In most chairs, all their features are automated to make them easier for seniors to use. Control options can include lifting the chair, reclining the back, opening the footrest, and switching on any heat or massage modes.
Massage and Heat Functions
Massage and heat settings add even more comfort to a lift recliner. Massage recliners feature rollers or parts inside the chair that either knead or vibrate to create a massaging motion. These are commonly distributed across the backrest, but some chairs offer massage zones that also target different parts of the back area, thighs, and legs. Massage recliners can have one massage mode or varying intensities and massage types.
Heat functions are common in lift recliners to offer a pleasant warming sensation. This feature can help with sore or aching muscles and joints, or more simply, to help the user create a cozy cocoon for relaxing or napping. Heating zones can target different areas of the body.
Additional Features
Lift recliners for seniors can come with additional bells and whistles for a better seating experience. Storage areas can keep devices and other items within easy reach and ready for use, and charging ports are another useful perk.
Cupholders are a common and obvious feature; they're made to hold your drinks but can also be used to hold other items. For added storage, some recliners also feature arm storage pockets to hold remotes, cables, and books. USB ports are a useful addition that allow the user to charge devices while relaxing.
Easy to Use
Products for seniors need to be easy to use, and lift recliners are no exception. When it comes to a large item like a lift recliner, ease of use also contributes to safety. The best power lift recliner options are designed with seniors in mind, so they're a safe option to have around the home.
Most are controlled using a control panel or a corded remote control, so adjusting their settings is as simple as pushing a button—the chair will do the rest. The control panel or remote is often used for more than the lifting feature, also controlling the recline angle and footrest. A high-quality lift recliner will move slowly and smoothly to allow users to gain their footing.
Our Top Picks
For seniors and those with mobility limitations, lift recliners provide all the comfort of a traditional recliner while being easier to get in and out of. The cozy picks ahead are comfortable and easy to use to allow more time for relaxing.
Best Overall
Lounge in style with this comfortable power-lift recliner from Signature Design by Ashley. This wide recliner is attractive and functional, with a classic look that will suit many living room styles. It's made of black faux leather that is easy to clean and has a soft finish. A high back and thick cushions make this recliner as comfortable as it is beautiful.
With its dual-motor construction, this recliner is a highly adjustable pick. The recliner angle and footrest are independently adjustable for custom positioning, reclining down to near-flat. When done relaxing, just one press of a button prompts the recliner to lift the user into a standing position.
Product Specs
- Material: Black faux leather
- Product dimensions: 40.5 inches by 35 inches by 42.5 inches
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Pros
- Attractive design
- Dual motor
- Realistic faux leather
Cons
- Lacks cupholders
Best Bang for the Buck
A high-quality lift recliner doesn't need to break the bank. This power-lift recliner from Mcombo is a reasonably affordable choice with an attractive black faux-leather finish. It includes a range of comfort and convenience features for its price.
This recliner is a single-motor option with three positions: a reclined option that leans back to 140 degrees, a partially reclined TV option, and the lifting mode. While it has fewer adjustment options than some pricier chairs, this recliner makes up for it with its massage and heating features.
Eight vibrating nodes along the full length of the chair offer an adjustable massage, while a lumbar heat cushion can soothe the lower back. With two cupholders and a side pouch, this recliner also includes excellent storage.
Product Specs
- Material: Black faux leather
- Product dimensions: 34.6 inches by 30.7 inches by 41 inches
- Weight capacity: 320 pounds
Pros
- Economical price
- Adjustable massage modes
- Lumbar heat feature
Cons
- Limited reclining positions
Upgrade Pick
This handsome recliner features a classic design in a luxurious light-brown finish. Upholstered with realistic, lightly-distressed faux leather, it's a striking choice for those looking for a little more style. The transitional design suits both traditional and modern spaces, bringing a classy element to the living room or bedroom.
Beyond the attractive look, this recliner has a dual-motor design, allowing users to control the back position and footrest separately. The seat reclines to near-flat for ultimate relaxing. Ample padding and a coil spring seat makes for a soft and comfortable design. A wide faux leather side pocket offers storage for remotes, books, and other daily-use items.
Product Specs
- Material: Light-brown faux leather
- Product dimensions: 41 inches by 34.5 inches by 41.5 inches
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
Pros
- Elegant look
- Dual motor
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Lacks massage and heating features
- Expensive
Best Modern
Classic, overstuffed recliners are cozy and comfortable, but they can look dated. For a more modern look, consider the Latitude Run Wirth Power Lift Assist Recliner. This recliner is still a comfortable pick, but it has a sleeker design for a more contemporary look.
Instead of an overstuffed design, it features firmer, thinner padding. This creates a firmer chair with a more modern look. The chocolate brown fabric is a neutral choice, suitable for any room. This recliner is a single-motor recliner, but it still offers numerous positions up to a 120-degree reclining angle, which means it can stop along any point of its reclining path.
Product Specs
- Material: Brown polyester fabric
- Product dimensions: 36 inches by 32.5 inches by 40 inches
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Pros
- Contemporary look
- Firmer cushions
- Neutral color
Cons
- Lacks comfort features like cupholders, heating, and massage modes
Best Small
If you're looking for a compact recliner, this lift recliner from Mcombo is a suitable pick. Measuring 32 by 30 by 42.5 inches, it's a few inches slimmer than most lift recliners while still maintaining a standard height and a high weight capacity of 320 pounds.
Mcombo recommends this lift recliner for individuals ranging from 4 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 2 inches tall. It's an excellent choice for petite people who might feel swallowed up by larger recliners, which can make them harder to stand from, even with a lifting feature.
This recliner is a single-motor option that features three positions (reclined, partially reclined, and lifted). It also includes eight vibrating massage nodes and a lumber heat option for added comfort.
Product Specs
- Material: White faux leather
- Product dimensions: 32 inches by 30 inches by 42.5 inches
- Weight capacity: 320 pounds
Pros
- Ideal for shorter users
- Slimmer size
- Massage and heat functions
Cons
- Only three chair positions
Best Large
A large lift recliner is ideal for taller or heavier seniors, or for those who prefer a particularly roomy seat. This large lift recliner from Red Barrel Studio has ample space for luxurious comfort. The overstuffed chair features generous padding to envelop users in a soft, fabric-upholstered bliss. The wider design is made to support larger seniors so they can fully relax when they take a seat.
For even more comfort, this recliner has a dual-motor design that allows the back and footrest to position separately, all the way down to 180 degrees. For adequate support, the seat features a coil spring and foam construction that stays sturdy and plush. With a weight limit of 400 pounds, this lift recliner is an excellent choice for larger individuals.
Product Specs
- Material: Brown polyester fabric
- Product dimensions: 41 inches by 35 inches by 42 inches
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
Pros
- Wide seat
- High weight capacity
- Dual motor design
Cons
- Large footprint
Best Fabric
Leather recliners have a sleek look, but they don't quite capture the cozy feel of a fabric recliner. This recliner from Signature Design by Ashley is a plush pick, opting to use a fuzzy polyester fabric instead of leather, vinyl, or smooth fabrics. The neutral gray fabric has a slightly textured chenille feel to provide classic, snug comfort and a traditional look.
Dual motors allow users to adjust the backrest and footrest separately to find the ideal position. All the controls, including the power-lift feature, are triggered by easy-to-use one-touch buttons. If the power goes out, there's no need to fret; this recliner also has the option to run on an emergency battery backup.
Product Specs
- Material: Brown polyester fabric
- Product dimensions: 40 inches by 39 inches by 40 inches
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Pros
- Soft-textured fabric
- Traditional design
- Dual motor
Cons
- Harder to clean due to plush fabric
Also Consider
With a classic and understated look, this lift recliner from Lark Manor is an excellent choice for most seniors. It's upholstered with shiny black faux leather on top of ample but not overstuffed cushioning. The simple-to-clean finish makes this lift recliner a great choice for theater rooms and living rooms.
Beyond its sleek look, this lift recliner is very easy to use. The corded remote only has two buttons: one to recline and one to lift. Although it's a single-motor chair, it can be positioned anywhere up to its max reclining angle of 145 degrees. This straightforward design means that this chair doesn't have the fancy massage and heat features like some other recliners. It's a basic choice for seniors who value simplicity and ease of use.
Product Specs
- Material: Black faux leather
- Product dimensions: 37.5 inches by 34.75 inches by 39.75 inches
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Pros
- Simple but tasteful look
- Easy to clean
- Very simple controls
Cons
- Single motor
Our Verdict
The Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner marries style and function. It features a classic black faux-leather look, overstuffed cushions, and a dual-motor design for ultimate comfort.
How We Chose the Best Recliners for Seniors
Lift recliners can make it easier and safer for elderly individuals to get in and out of a recliner. We focused on the priorities that every person wants in a chair, so the chairs on this list needed to be comfortable, practical, and safe. We considered product specifications and consumer reviews to narrow down this list from more than 20 recliner options.
Safety is paramount when it comes to any product, but especially when used by those with limited mobility. We looked for smooth-moving chairs with an ergonomic design and a decent weight capacity to suit most users.
Recliners for seniors also need to be easy to control—no one should have to fiddle around with a complicated remote just to get out of a chair. To ensure these criteria were met, we chose highly reviewed products with user-friendly controls.
We looked for comfortable and stylish designs with ample padding and a shape that envelops the body for ultimate relaxation. The lift chairs on this list also look nice, with attractive designs, textures, and colors. We chose from a range of colors and materials to suit different shopper preferences.
The Advantages of Owning the Best Recliners for Seniors
Lift recliners are one of the best recliners for seniors and individuals with limited mobility. They are essentially recliners that lift you up, making it easier to lower into the seat or stand from a seated position.
Lift recliners look and feel the same as traditional recliners, so they have all the comfort perks of a regular recliner, with the added benefit of a mobility aid. Since lift recliners are electric powered, they are also very easy to use. With the press of a button or the flick of a switch, users can adjust them to their liking.
Beyond being easy to use, lift recliners are also a safe addition. Sitting down and standing from a low seat (like many traditional recliners) can be difficult for stiff or achy joints, and it can even create a fall hazard for some individuals. A lift recliner can help seniors safely maintain their freedom and independence for longer.
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Include mobility aids to help seniors sit or stand
- Helps maintain senior independence
FAQs
While any recliner may be suitable for seniors, lift recliners are one of the best options. Even if you don't have mobility concerns, lift recliners for elderly citizens can offer a bit of extra mobility support when your bones or joints are aching. Still deciding on the best recliner for your needs? Read on for some frequently asked questions and answers about recliners for seniors.
Q. What is a good seat height for elderly individuals?
For seniors, a seat height between 17 and 18 inches is optimal.
Q. What is a geriatric recliner?
Also known as a "geri" chair, a geriatric recliner is a large and padded reclining chair on casters, usually used in senior living facilities or hospital settings. They provide great seated comfort and support and can be wheeled to adjoining areas with ease.
Q. Can you sleep in a "geri" chair?
Some geriatric chairs can be fully reclined for sleeping; however, it's safest and generally most comfortable to sleep in a bed.
Q. Should your feet hang off of a recliner?
When the chair is in a reclined position, your heel should hang slightly over the end of the footrest. If your feet hang too far off the recliner footrest, it's best to find a longer pick; this positioning can put uncomfortable pressure on the back of your legs.
Q. What is the best recliner for back problems?
The Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner is supportive and fully adjustable, so the user can find the best position to soothe a painful back.
Q. Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for recliners?
Medicare or Medicaid may cover some of the costs for a lift chair if it is considered medically necessary. It's best to consult with a doctor or Medicare or Medicaid provider to see if your situation is eligible.
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