Recliner chair: what is it, types and choice

The word recline in translation from English means "recline, recline." Recliner is a wonderful design that allows you to instantly transform an ordinary chair into a comfortable lounger or semi-recliner for complete relaxation. The back of the wonderful recliner chair has several fixed tilt angles. Moreover, the chair device provides a retractable footrest. The design options are varied - massage, temperature change, built-in radio turn it into a multifunctional relaxation device.

The idea of ​​the invention belongs to the Americans, brothers E. Knabush and E. Shoemaker A., ​​who patented it. The first recliner appeared in 1928 as a simple reclining chair. Later, on the basis of this idea, production was organized, which grew into a profitable company known today as La-Z-Boy Incorporated. The successful invention led to the rapid development of the company and the wide international distribution of the productive idea.

The newest devices have significant advantages over standard types of upholstered furniture. The backs of the products are made taking into account the recommendations of orthopedic doctors, which contributes to the maintenance of the spine and its release from excessive stress. The footrest built into the chair, adjustable in length and height, helps to relax the leg muscles, which is especially important for older people.

The headrest is adjustable to different angles. Thus, the level of stress on the cervical vertebrae is reduced. The basic models look like ordinary soft chairs that provide a comfortable body position during an extended work cycle. For obvious reasons, recliner chairs have been successfully used in airplanes and in astronautics.

Today there are mechanical and electric models of chairs equipped with mechanisms that smoothly change the positional arrangement of their main elements.

The main advantages of recliner chairs.

1. A wide range of model varieties. This category includes chairs from office types to classic options.
2. The presence of thoughtful options for adjusting body position is mandatory. The range of possible changes in the position of the backrest is from 90 ° vertically to horizontal position. The range of levels of backrest adjustment is from 1 to 7. Each level is fixed.
3. The seats are equipped with comfortable footrests. Inside the chairs is the actual mechanism of the product.
4. Variety of management options. In addition to a mechanical drive, an electric drive is often used, equipped with an electronic or touch panel. In some designs, combined types of control are used.
5. Using a variety of additional functions. These can be products with vibrations of different frequencies, different massage modes, options with heating, audio accompaniment, a small bar, an aromatherapy device, etc.
6. Many devices have a rotating rocking chair function.
7. The recliner chair is ideal for women in position and for nursing mothers - the process of rocking the baby in a comfortable position for the mother is greatly simplified.
8. Versatility. Recliner chairs are increasingly being installed in offices. Recently, they have found wide application as garden furniture.

Of the shortcomings, we rightly note a certain cumbersomeness of recliners. In rooms, they take up a lot of space, it is not recommended to move them close to the walls (you can block the folding function). Another drawback is the high cost of the product.

Superior comfort chairs have a number of distinctive characteristics: dimensions, constructive and design solutions, control methods, sheathing materials, fillers, quantity and quality of additional functions.

In terms of functionality, soft recliner chairs operate in three main modes.

1. Standard - performing the functions of typical upholstered furniture.
2. TV-mode - intended for a long rest in the recliner, for example, when watching TV. The backrest is slightly sloped, the legs are on a folding stand.
3. Relaxation mode - the position of the greatest relaxation. The back is almost horizontal. The fold-out stand design is at its maximum height.

By design, there are three types of chairs.

1. Devices mounted directly on the chair frame. Executed with three adjustable positions. Extendable leg fittings.
2. Devices with a podium that allow the chair body to rotate 360 ​​°. These systems can be supplemented with a rocking function (rocking chair).
3. Devices with adjustable positions of some modules.

There are differences in the mechanisms of seat restructuring and in the control methods. In the simplest recliners, mechanical control modes are used using a special lever system, with pressure on the back of the product or a footboard. In electric drive devices, either a remote control or a remote control built into the chair is used for control. Sensor units can be built into the armrests of the products.

For high-cost structures, the number of fixed positions of the seats reaches several dozen. Individual devices are equipped with a specially designed position that is optimal for the client's health. The used remote controls can be equipped with memory for storing the modes most frequently used by the user.

The range of additional functions of the device is quite extensive and continues to expand. Massage chairs are of particular interest. The product can be equipped with a number of massage programs (up to 40 modes). A double pleasure - relaxation with various types of massage.

In cool weather, many users will appreciate the comfortable seat heating system. The rocking function of the glider chair successfully normalizes the functioning of the human nervous system and reduces the degree of anxiety. Swivel chairs greatly increase the office worker's productive working area. There are even designs that help older people get out of the chair easier when the back of the product follows the person's body, accompanying the lifting process. Relatively recently, products began to be produced with a table for laptops.

Some models are equipped with castors that allow you to move massive chairs without difficulty. Their significant weight does not allow the chairs to be called mobile, so movement usually occurs within the room. Recliners made in classic versions are perfect for creating home comfort.

The lever type of control requires some effort. The downside in the work of such recliners is a sharp, stepwise switching from one position to another.In such devices, the number of possible working positions is limited. In the simplest designs, to change the mode, the user needs to push the lever that is located at the bottom of the device.

Another way to change position is to lightly press on the back of the chair, which, under the influence of a small force, changes its angle of inclination. These models are slightly more expensive than the first ones.

Devices equipped with an electric drive work much easier and faster than mechanical counterparts. Main characteristics and requirements:

• the location of the electric point at an accessible distance;
• power supply network 220 V;
• during operation, the mechanism hums characteristically;
• control buttons are located on the right side of the device and are placed in pairs, according to functions, the first determines the start, the second - the end of the work;
• products are often equipped with two drives - one for the backrest, the other for the footrest.

Electric drive models can be:

• wired;
• wireless;
• sensory.

The disadvantage of models of the first type is the limitation of the radius of action, since the typical length of the wires is no more than 2 meters, which is not enough for the convenient use of the product. Devices powered by batteries do not have this drawback. The range of the remotes is up to 20 meters, which is quite enough for an ordinary apartment. These models are practical and convenient, and accordingly, their cost increases.

The sensor units are usually mounted in the armrests, and the selection of options is done by lightly touching the active zone of the device. Sensory chairs, as a rule, are equipped with rich auxiliary functionality and are far from budget in terms of cost.

Watch the following video for an overview of the touch-controlled recliner chair with built-in rechargeable battery.

Recliners are classified as elite types of furniture. The frame part of the products is made from natural types of wood or made in metal. Massifs of birch, alder, steel structures are widely used.

The concept of the budget category in relation to recliners is considered very conditional, since the cost of products is high. For the upholstery of the chairs, dense materials are used, and if synthetics are used, then they are of exceptionally high quality.

• Leather - a prestigious durable material with different types of workmanship. The leather is durable, resistant to tearing and moisture resistant. Each species has its own pattern. A minor drawback is the paucity of the color palette.

• Eco leather - a quality substitute, visually very similar to its natural counterpart. The material is soft, durable and strong, holds its shape perfectly, but requires careful handling. May keep scratches and sticks a little in heat.

• Arpatek - another skin substitute. It was originally used to decorate car interiors. In its composition, synthetics prevail, but it is difficult to distinguish it from real leather by touch. The material is non-toxic and does not cause allergies. For care, do not use alcohol-containing and chlorine-containing products.

• Jacquard - dense decorative material with a volume effect. It is carried out with a silky thread on a matte base. The special type of weaving of the threads contributes to the increase of the material's resistance to wear. Its newest version is Scotchguard. The material is impregnated with a composition that makes it water-repellent. Jacquard has an anti-claw property.

• Tapestry - an elegant fabric with a loose structure, reminiscent of hand sewing. Durable, does not wear out. However, it fades and "overgrows" with puffs.

The latest models are upholstered with smart textiles that are self-cleaning and maintain a constant temperature. Textile armchairs are purchased by users seeking the greatest home comfort. It should be borne in mind that velvety velor is pleasant, but wears out quickly and is not as resistant to dirt as jacquard and microfiber... Unpretentious and flock, characterized by textured variety.

A wide range of different materials are used as fillers.

• Vulcanized latex - is distinguished by longevity (up to 20 years) and stably keeps its shape. The material has a porous structure, "breathes", has elasticity, and is comfortable.
• Artificial latex. It is used for filling backs with orthopedic purposes. The service life is up to 8 years. The thicker the pad, the longer its lifespan without shrinking the fiber.
• Memory foam, remembers the poses most used by the user. However, it quickly adjusts to new provisions.
• High quality foam rubber - homogeneous fine-pored structure, perfectly holds the load, preserving the shape. Serves up to 6 years, starting later to slip and break.

Sintepon and sorrel are also popular fillers.

The shade of the purchased chair should be in harmony with the style concept of the room, or it can be a bright accent in it. In this context, the variety of colors and shades offered by the recliner manufacturers provide a lot of creativity for users. The chairs are available in various light and dark shades of red, yellow, brown, beige and green.

Let's note a number of popular manufacturers of recliners, occupying leading places in the corresponding rating.

• Finnish company Original Huonekalu Oy presents an excellent collection of recliners distinguished by rounded contours and impeccable quality of products. Canceling devices are manufactured by Finnish companies Asko and Sotka.

• American enterprise ElRan produces recliner chairs in a discreet style. Product frames are made of coniferous wood. Reinforced and reliable design, long service life and comfort are the main characteristics of the product.

• American enterprise Ashley Furniture produces unique folding and vintage pieces with original shapes on beautiful wooden legs. Models are produced in country style and in other directions with an emphasis on stylizing products for typical soft headsets.

• Factory "Pinskdrev" from Belarus. The firm produces luxury, fashionable devices and antique armchairs.

• Ergo-Falto products are popular in Russiaoffering devices with comfortable orthopedic characteristics.

A successful purchase of a recliner for your home or office presupposes a careful selection of the product, understanding the purposes of its use and operating conditions.

1. Initially, you should evaluate the size of the room where the chair will be located, as well as the presence of other furniture in it. For tall and overweight clients, oversized chairs designed for significant weight are produced. Compact devices are specially made for short users. When assembled, they allow your feet to be on the floor, and when disassembled, it is a full-fledged bed for relaxation. Selection of the correct size is also relevant. For the greatest relaxation, you should choose the option according to your height. To do this, you should try on the product for yourself.
2. Next, you need to check the quality of the mechanisms and the chair itself. Clarify the type of wood used in its manufacture. The transformation of the product should be done easily and smoothly, without squeaking.
3. Decide on the adequacy of the functionality of the product. Additional features are often very useful.
4. Choose the design of the chair based on the interior of your room or office space. This applies to the shape of the chair, the material of its upholstery and the color of the product.The recliner should not give the impression of a foreign object in the room.

See the following video for the 3 main points to consider when choosing a recliner chair.