What are riser recliner chairs?

Riser recliner chairs make sitting and standing up from a chair easier and safer for people with reduced mobility. Along with taking the strain away from your muscles and joints when sitting and standing, riser recliner chairs are the perfect option to relax in. 

All rise and recline chairs feature a padded back, arms and seat and will work with a remote control to lift you from a seated to a standing position. They are ideal for anyone living with weakness or pain in their upper or lower limbs. The remote can also be used to lower yourself into a reclined position and lift the leg rest whenever it's needed. These features are great for people that need to keep their legs elevated or to move regularly while sitting.

With many different types of recliner chairs on the market, choosing the right one for you can be tricky. We’ve put together a buying guide to help you find the right one for you and your budget. 

What are the different types of riser recliner chairs?

There are two types of riser recliner chairs, a single motor and a dual motor rise and recline chair.

A single-motor rise and recline chair has a singular motor that lifts the footrest and adjusts the reclining position at the same time. A dual-motor riser recliner has two motors that allow you to lift the feet and recline the chair separately, giving you more options to find a comfortable sitting position.

Single motor riser recliner seating positions:

• Standard seated position
• Partial recline with the footrest up
• Full recline
• Rise position

Dual motor riser recliner seating positions:

• Standard seated position
• Standard seated position with the footrest up
• Full recline with footrest down
• Partial recline with the footrest up
• Full recline
• Rise position

Do I need a riser recliner chair?

If you’re wondering whether you should invest in a riser recliner chair there are a few things you should consider.

• Do you struggle to get up from a chair easily and independently?
• Do you spend a lot of time sitting in a chair throughout the day?
• Have you been advised to elevate your legs while sitting?
• Do you find it difficult to lower yourself back into the chair?
• Do you struggle to find a comfortable position in your existing chair?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then a riser recliner chair could benefit you.

What to consider when buying a riser recliner chair?

When choosing a riser recliner chair there are several things you should consider.

Your budget 

Different fabrics, sizes and features can increase the price of a rise and recline chair. So, having a budget in mind is important to ensure you find the right chair for you.

Your needs 

The most important thing to consider when purchasing a riser recliner chair is your individual needs.

A riser recliner chair is a great option for those with lowered mobility. Whether you should opt for a single motor or a dual motor, again, depends on your requirements and level of mobility. A home assessment with a professional occupational therapist can be invaluable in helping you pinpoint your individual needs.

If you have been advised to keep your legs elevated, then a dual motor is a great option as you can raise your legs without lowering the backrest.

If you are sitting for long periods it is necessary to choose a chair that has special cushioning and features that help relieve pressure. Some riser recliner chairs have built-in lumbar support to help maintain good posture.

Size 

Before choosing a chair, it is essential to establish the size you need. They usually come in three sizes - small, medium and large. Bespoke sizes can be made to order, although that is not a service we offer. Consider any weight limits, the size of the space you’ll be putting the chair and your height. 

Finding your perfect recliner chair height and size

The correct height for a riser recliner depends on how tall you are. To find the right height for the seat of your chair, you should measure from the floor to the crease at the back of your leg.

This will ensure maximum comfort when seated and enable you to comfortably rest your feet flat on the floor. You should consider the width and depth of the rise and recline chair, as well as its height, to ensure it isn’t too large or too small. A range of petite chairs is available, especially suited for people under 5 foot 6 inches in height.