Reclining Chair Capacity

Reclining Capacity

• Reclining chairs vary in their number of reclining positions, ranging from slightly back to flat. Recliners can have two, three or an infinite number of positions. Two-position chairs have an upright seat and one at a 45-degree angle. Three-position chairs have the added option of lying flat. Infinite-position chairs, in addition to a varying number of reclining stages, have foot rests that can be raised or lowered independently from the chair back.

Lifting Capacity

• Some recliners are lift recliners, able to raise a person and push him forward so he can simply walk forward from it. These are especially good for arthritic, handicapped or elderly people. As with many recliners, the extra padding makes sitting or reclining comfortable for many hours. Lift recliners are available in two, three and an infinite number of positions.

Swiveling, Massaging and Heating

• Swivel recliners rotate and are sold with a separate footstool. Massage chairs provide the sitter with a massage that can relieve stress and promote fitness. Other chairs have the capacity to provide heat therapy.

Wall Hugging

• Many recliners require considerable space and a sizable living room or office to accommodate them. This is due mainly to the recliner's capacity to stretch back to the full lying position and the separate foot rest. Wall-hugging recliners solve this problem with a reclining position that occupies a maximum of 6 inches. Manufacturers of other types of recliners are often willing to make a wall-hugger version of a desired model.