Room Concepts

When it comes to designing a room, your choices may seem endless-especially when deciding between reclining vs. stationary furniture. Having a copious amount of choices can be overwhelming. Let us help you understand the differences between reclining and stationary furniture. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so lets break it down to help you make a well-informed decision.

What Is Reclining Furniture?

Reclining furniture is a piece of furniture that reclines when the occupant lowers the chair’s back and raises its front. It has a backrest that can be tilted back, and often a footrest that may be extended by means of a lever on the side of the chair or sofa, or may extend automatically when the back is reclined.

What Are The Benefits of Reclining Furniture?

• Reclining options give you the flexibility to sit upright or recline. If you’re a nap lover, reclining pieces are your best friend!
• Many consumers say they are generally more comfortable with ample support both upright and reclining.
• Reclining can reduce back pain and provide lumbar support.
• Reclining promotes relaxation, therefore relieving stress.

What Are The Disadvantages of Reclining Furniture?

• Reclining furniture tends to be more expensive because it’s more labor-intensive to build.
• There’s potential for more service issues because there’s movement, which means more can go wrong.
• Reclining options tend to have less fabric choices because most people do not use them as accent pieces.
• If you’re particular about the look of your furniture, understand that reclining furniture backs will most-likely not align perfectly 100% of the time.

How Much Room Does a Recliner Need?

The first step in determining how much space a recliner needs is to measure the living area or space where it will go. A general rule of thumb is to allow five to ten inches of space between the recliner head and the closest wall. If you have a smaller room and space is limited, a wall hugger can be a great solution. Wall huggers can be placed closer to walls, as they move forward when reclining. At Room Concepts, we have a highly experienced team of design experts who can help you choose the style and size to fit your unique needs.

How Long Do Recliners Last?

Generally speaking, recliners can last anywhere between seven to fifteen years. Factors that can affect a recliners life span include things like usage, maintenance, quality materials, and the person using the recliner. Heavy or daily usage can result in a shorter life span vs. infrequent or seldom usage. The size of the person using the recliner will also have an impact. Most will function fine under normal conditions, however, if the main user is a larger person, that will put more strain on the mechanisms. Finally, purchasing a recliner with quality materials and craftsmanship will result in a longer lifespan. At Room Concepts Furniture, we have customizable and high quality options to meet your needs.

Is It Better to Get a Manual or Power Recliner?

The answer depends on your budget, ease of use, and long term value. If you’re operating on a tighter budget and don’t mind the extra effort, a manual recliner is the right option for you. If you have a larger budget and are looking for ease of use, ultimate flexibility, and long term value, a power recliner is the right option for you. The other main consideration is your health. Manual recliners require leg muscle to put them down. Even if you are able to do that today, will you have the strength to do so in 10 years? Room Concepts has both manual and power recliners to satisfy your needs.

Can a Recliner Be Stylish?

The short answer is yes, recliners can absolutely be stylish. At Room Concepts, every piece of furniture can be customized to fit your specific style and preferences. Choose from 300 different fabrics and leathers to create a custom recliner that fits perfectly with your living room furniture.

What is Stationary Furniture?

Stationary furniture cannot move or adjust when a person sits on it, and is characterized by a fixed back and seat. Although recliners can be stylish, stationary pieces are usually considered more elegant than reclining furniture. Many consumers use stationary chairs and sofas as accent pieces in their living spaces and/or bedrooms, which can make the design of the room pop.

What Are The Benefits of Stationary Furniture?

• Stationary furniture is often less expensive than recliners.
• Stationary pieces have less service issues than recliners, due to less moving parts.
• Stationary pieces offer a multitude of options with style, fabric, color, size, etc.
• Stationary furniture comes with toss pillows which can provide even more comfort, design and flexibility in a room.
• Adding an ottoman can provide you with the relaxation part (and sometimes storage!) that potentially lacks in a non-reclining piece.

What Are the Disadvantages of Stationary Furniture?

• An upright seating position is the only available option with stationary furniture.
• Without the ability to recline, you may miss the full relaxation that comes with a reclining option.

Ready To Find The Right Furniture Option For You? Let Us Help You Choose!

Whether you’re looking for reclining or stationary furniture, we have you covered. All of our living furniture is made in the U.S. or Canada, and it all comes backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty on the springs and frames and at least a 5-year warranty on the seat cushions. We would love to help you find the perfect option for your room and lifestyle. We have many different styles and possibilities to choose from. Our team of experts can provide you with the information needed to make the best choice for your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today!