Choosing a recliner: what should you pay attention to?

A recliner is an investment you use every day for years. With dozens of models, materials, and features, the choice can be overwhelming. This guide lists the most important selection criteria, so you can choose a recliner that truly suits you.

1. Upholstery: leather or upholstery fabric?

Leather (such as the semi-aniline leather of the Sofa Lucca) feels soft, lasts a long time, and develops a beautiful vintage look over the years. Upholstery fabric, as on the Zero Gravity Recliner in Upholstery Fabric, feels warmer and is often available in more colours. Both materials are available at Swiss Relax within the same models, so you don't have to compromise on function to choose your favourite upholstery.

2. Recliner or lift chair?

A regular recliner tilts and offers a footrest, but you have to get out of it yourself. A lift chair actively helps you up: the chair tilts forward so that standing up is safe and requires minimal effort. Lift chairs are a good choice after hip surgery, for those with limited mobility, or for anyone who finds it increasingly difficult to stand up. Still unsure? Our buying guide for lift chairs sets out the differences.

3. How many motors does your lift chair need?

Lift chairs at Swiss Relax come with 2 or 3 motors. With 2 motors (such as the Malmo, from €999), one motor controls the stand-up function together with the footrest flap, and a second motor controls the backrest. With 3 motors (such as the ErgoPush, from €1599), the backrest, leg support, and stand-up function work completely independently of each other, allowing for more intermediate positions. We go deeper into this difference in 2 or 3 motors in your lift chair: what's the difference?

4. Extra back relief with zero gravity

The Zero Gravity Recliner was developed based on NASA research: in the 128-degree zero-gravity position, the pressure on your spine is reduced, which can provide relief for back pain or herniated disc complaints. This model is available in leather and in upholstery fabric, and in the more extensive Zero Gravity Pro version. Want to know which chair best supports your back in case of back or hernia complaints? Read our page Recliner for back pain or hernia.

5. Try before you buy

You don't choose a recliner on photos alone. In our showroom in Roeselare (Hendrik Consciencestraat 1), you can walk in freely every Saturday from 13:00 to 17:00 to try out the models, without an appointment. On other days, you can easily schedule an appointment online.

6. Warranty and cooling-off period

Every Swiss Relax recliner comes with a standard 2-year legal warranty, and we always carry out repairs ourselves with our own repair service. Still unsure after delivery? Then you have 30 days to return the chair.

In short

First determine whether you need a recliner or a lift chair, then choose the upholstery that matches your interior, and come take a look in our showroom to feel the comfort for yourself. Do you still have questions? Our customer service will be happy to help you via info@swiss-relax.be.