The Recliner Hunter’s Guide: Finding Your Perfect Throne

La-Z-Boy Southeast | September 10, 2025

There comes a moment in every adult’s life when they realize they’ve earned the right to own a proper recliner. Maybe it’s after a particularly brutal day at work, or perhaps when you catch yourself eyeing that worn-out couch cushion with the suspicious dip that’s been slowly swallowing your lower back. Whatever the catalyst, you’ve arrived at an important crossroads: the quest for the perfect recliner.

But here’s the thing about recliners—they’re not one-size-fits-all pieces of furniture, despite what your uncle’s ancient La-Z-Boy might suggest. Choosing the wrong recliner is like buying shoes that are three sizes too big: sure, your feet are technically inside them, but you’re going to regret it with every step (or in this case, every sit).

Why Fit Matters More Than You Think

Your body is wonderfully unique, which means your recliner needs to be just as particular about accommodating your specific dimensions. When a recliner doesn’t fit properly, it’s not just uncomfortable—it can actually cause real problems:

Neck strain happens when the headrest pushes your noggin forward at an awkward angle, like you’re perpetually trying to read the fine print on a contract you probably shouldn’t sign.

Back pain occurs when the lumbar support hits you in all the wrong places, or worse, doesn’t hit you at all. Your spine starts to resemble a question mark, and not in a good, inquisitive way.

Leg and ankle discomfort develops when your feet dangle off the footrest like a kid at the grown-up table, or when the leg support cuts off circulation to your lower legs.

The goal is to find a recliner that cradles your body like it was custom-made for you—because in many ways, it should be.

The Body Type Breakdown

Recliners are generally designed with different height ranges in mind, and understanding where you fit can save you from a lot of trial and error (and potential chiropractor visits):

Petite frames (5’4″ and under): You need a recliner that doesn’t make you look like you’re sitting in your parent’s oversized office chair. Look for compact models with shorter seat depths and lower headrests.

Average height (5’5″ to 5’9″): You’re in the sweet spot where most standard recliners will work reasonably well, but don’t get complacent—proper fit still matters.

Tall folks (5’10” to 6’2″): Standard recliners might leave you feeling like you’re trying to squeeze into an airplane seat. Seek out models with extended leg rests and higher headrests.

Extra tall (6’3″ and above): Welcome to the land of specialty sizing. You’ll want recliners specifically designed for taller frames, with generous proportions throughout.

The Five-Point Pressure Test

Once you’ve narrowed down your options by height category, it’s time for the real test. Think of this as your recliner’s final exam—and unlike your college finals, this one actually matters for your daily comfort.

When you sit in a potential recliner, pay attention to these five critical contact points:

Head and neck: The headrest should support your head without pushing it forward or leaving it hanging unsupported. Your neck should feel naturally aligned, not like you’re craning to see over someone at a movie theater.

Shoulders: They should settle comfortably into the chair back without feeling cramped or forced into an unnatural position. You shouldn’t feel like you’re wearing shoulder pads from the 1980s.

Lower back (lumbar region): This is where many recliners fail the test. The lumbar support should fill the natural curve of your lower back—not create a new curve or ignore the existing one entirely.

Knees: When reclined, your knees should bend naturally over the seat edge without pressure or pinching. Think gentle waterfall, not awkward cliff drop.

Feet and ankles: Your feet should rest comfortably on the footrest without dangling or being forced into an uncomfortable angle. No one wants to feel like they’re perpetually about to slip off a diving board.

In the video below, Dustin discusses the 5 pressure points you need to consider before you buy a recliner.

The Surprising Health Benefits

Here’s where recliners get interesting from a wellness perspective. That instinct to put your feet up after a long day isn’t just psychological—it’s actually backed by some solid physiological reasoning.

When you elevate your feet above heart level, gravity becomes your ally instead of your enemy. This simple position change can:

Improve circulation by helping blood flow back to your heart more easily
Reduce swelling in your feet and ankles, particularly helpful if you spend long days on your feet
Ease back pressure by changing the angle of your spine and reducing compression
Enhance breathing as your diaphragm has more room to expand
Aid digestion by optimizing the position of your internal organs
Calm your nervous system through the physical act of “letting go” and relaxing

It’s like giving your body a gentle reset button at the end of each day.

Beyond the Basics: What to Look For

Not all recliners are created equal, and understanding the mechanical differences can help you make a more informed choice:

Manual vs. Power recline: Manual mechanisms require you to push back with your body weight—great exercise, potentially annoying when you’re already exhausted. Power recliners respond to the touch of a button, though they’ll leave you stranded if the power goes out.

Rocker functionality: Some recliners can rock while reclined, others can’t. If you’re someone who finds gentle rocking soothing, this feature is worth seeking out.

Footrest positions: The ability to lock the footrest in multiple positions gives you more flexibility in finding your perfect angle. Some people prefer a slight incline, others want full horizontal relaxation.

Frame construction: Look for solid hardwood frames or high-quality engineered materials. If the salesperson can’t tell you what the frame is made of, that’s probably not a good sign.

Making the Final Decision

The most important piece of advice? Spend real time in any recliner you’re considering. Don’t just sit down, adjust it once, and hop up. Settle in. Read a chapter of a book. Take a short nap if the store allows it (though maybe ask first).

Your perfect recliner should feel like a natural extension of your body, not a piece of furniture you have to adapt to. When you find the right one, you’ll know—it’s that moment when you realize you could happily stay put for the next three hours without shifting or adjusting.

Remember, a good recliner is an investment in your daily comfort and long-term physical well-being. Take the time to find one that truly fits, and your future self will thank you every single evening when you settle in for some well-deserved relaxation.

After all, life’s too short for uncomfortable seating. You’ve earned your throne—make sure it’s worthy of you.

Check Out These Additional Resources

Picking the right recliner for your unique body type is easier than you think. You can test all of the different styles, sizes, and exclusive features of La-Z-Boy recliners at your local La-Z-Boy store.

Here are some additional resources you may like to check out during your search for the best recliner:

We’d be happy to help you “pick the best recliner for me” at any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA.