Recliner Bases Explained: Rocking Recliners vs. Gliders
La-Z-Boy Southeast | August 19, 2022
When shopping for a comfortable chair, there are so many options to choose from. You know you need a chair, but how do you pick what type of base? Are rocking recliners and gliders that different from each other?
As the inventors of the recliner, La-Z-Boy is a world-famous brand known for quality furniture.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we have continuously worked with customers to find the perfect furniture to fit their individualized needs. Many customers visit our locations knowing they want a chair but are surprised by all of the customizations available.
The terms rockers and gliders have often been used among consumers interchangeably, but they are actually very different types of chairs.
In this article, we’ll clarify the differences and similarities between rocking recliners vs. gliders so that you have a better understanding of the different types of recliner bases available. You’ll be able to determine if one of these options is the best choice for your next chair.
Rocking Recliners vs. Gliders: Major Differences
Difference # 1: Recliner Motion
Rocking recliners have the more traditional base that is generally associated with recliners. When shopping for a traditional recliner, you’re most likely to see chairs that rock. Rocking recliners create a motion by arching you forward or backward in a rocking motion but do not sway or swivel from side to side.
A glider is a type of chair that moves on a linear track creating a shift forward or backward. Many styles of gliders can recline, swivel, or even lock in place.
Gliders can also be very versatile in their look. They can look very much like a traditional recliner, a stationary accent chair, or they may be featured with an ottoman.
Difference # 2: Swivel Capabilities
Gliders can sometimes swivel while most rockers do not automatically come with a swivel feature.
However, some manufacturers of gliders that sell glider and ottoman packages may not have swivel capabilities at all.
All La-Z-Boy glider styles are on a swivel base and can swivel in 360 motion or lock in place. With La-Z-Boy recliners, you can upgrade most styles to include a swivel base.
Difference # 3: Reclining Ability
Gliders and rocking recliners can recline differently depending on their style. With La-Z-Boy, you’ll find both gliding chairs and gliding recliners. Gliding recliners have only 1 locking position as opposed to the traditional 3 locking positions on rocking recliners.
Depending on where you’re searching, Gliders may be a less expensive option due to their ease of construction with cheap material. Gliders like this one featured as a best seller on Amazon can be purchased for under $200. However, it must be assembled after delivery and does not include any warranty.
Rocking Recliners vs. Gliders: Similarities
Rocking recliners and gliders ultimately have the same end goal: to provide you with a comfortable seat with a range of motion.
Depending on the brand of the chair, rocking recliners and gliders are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles to fit your preferences.
With La-Z-Boy, rocking recliners and gliders can be customized to match your color and fabric preferences. Gliders are traditionally more popular in upholstered fabrics while rocking recliners are popular in upholstered or leather fabrics. There are over 900 different fabrics and leathers to choose from so that you can customize your chair with your preferred material and colors.
Where to Buy Rocking Recliners and Gliders
Most major furniture brands carry a variety of rocking recliners or gliding recliners. Gliders are often marketed for nursery furniture since many of their features are desirable for choosing a nursery chair. Some of the top online retailers that feature gliders designed for nurseries include Pottery Barn, Wayfair, and Amazon.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, you can find a wide variety of chairs designed to meet your needs. These include a selection of rocking recliners, gliders, & stationary chairs. As the inventor of the recliner, La-Z-Boy offers seven patented features you’ll only find on a La-Z-Boy Recliner:
- Lower Back Support
- Recline & Rock at The Same Time
- Three Locking Footrest Positions
- Sixteen Locking Rocker Positions
- Four-Sided Frame Construction
- Dual Locking Footrest
- Contour Cut Foam
Another major benefit of shopping for your recliner from La-Z-Boy is that every style of chair can be customized to your preference. Other brands that sell gliders or rocking recliners may only be available as pictured with little variations.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we offer the most available options and upgrades in the recliner market. This also applies to your preference of base. You can put a swivel base on any recliners except for the Redwood, Randell, and Neal.
Watch this video to learn more about 10 Recliner Upgrades Available with La-Z-Boy.
Decide What Style Recliner is Right for You
Searching for the perfect chair can be complex. There are so many different styles and features to choose from even down to the base of the chair. When comparing rocking recliners and gliders, the most noticeable difference is in their motion. However, many other features make each style unique. With a better understanding of these features, you can decide which of these are desirable for your next chair.
Knowing that you have options for motion is great but it’s also important to make sure the recliner fits your body.
Before investing in your chair, you can get fitted for a recliner that supports your body. This will prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings and Décor, our consultants will work with you to get properly fitted while also discussing the various movements and customized upgrades available. We’d be happy to help you customize your next chair at any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA
Next: Narrow down the look, size, and style preference of your next chair by browsing some of our best-selling chairs in 2022.
