Recliners have been around since at least the middle 1800s, according to Wikipedia, but they probably debuted earlier than that. In the 1920s, two American cousins, Knabush and Shoemaker, applied for a patent on a recliner made from wood.
The cousins got their patent in 1928. They continued to tweak their design, adding much-needed padding and upholstery. They held a contest to name their chair. The winning entry was an example of branding genius: La-Z-Boy. Or, so the legend goes.
However it came into existence, one thing is sure: the recliner is the ultimate chair for relaxation. The design caught on and quickly became a mainstay in American homes.
It’s easy to see why the chairs have remained popular for nearly a century. With a touch of a button or lever, you can put your feet up and relax with a book, movie, or television show. Lean back a little farther, and the recliner also becomes the ideal spot for a nap.
How to Choose the Right Recliner
It’s hard to know which chair is right for you when there are so many types. Recliners do more than go backward. Some models also rock, swivel, massage or lift. To find a chair that’s destined to become a favorite, give lots of chairs a test run. Here’s an overview of some popular types of recliners.
The Rocking Recliner
This model rocks and reclines, which makes it a great chair for people that have difficulty sleeping. The rocking motion lulls a person to sleep, making it an alternative to a bed. This type of chair is also helpful for the parents with babies or toddlers. The rocking motion relaxes both child and parent. Many rocking recliners also offer a swivel feature.
Lift Chairs
For individuals who have difficulty standing up from a seated position, a lift chair can help. Lift chairs have a motor that pushes it into a tilted position. From this raised height and angle, it’s easy for those with limited mobility to stand up. These chairs come in many styles and sizes and look like a regular piece of furniture, not a piece of medical equipment.
Massage Recliners
For people with back or muscle pain, massage recliners offer soothing relief. These chairs relax the back as well as the legs, providing comfort for people with chronic pain. Some models also come with the option for heat.
Wall-Hugger Recliners
When reclining, the seat moves forward until the chair is in the recline position, allowing the recliner to be placed only 4 inches away from the wall, which is great if you have limited space.
Shop Portland’s Hometown Favorite, Broadway Furniture
If you’re looking for a chair to provide comfort and style, browse our website and the outstanding collection in our Tigard, Oregon showroom. No matter what type of recliner you choose, you’ll find a good selection of fabrics and colors in Broadway Furniture’s Portland-area store. Please contact us for more information on any of our recliners.
