The best seating for your home should be comfortable, stylish and practical. Lift chairs double-down on practicality and comfort, providing assistance to those who have difficulty getting into a seated position as well as standing from a seated position.

Power reclining lift chairs feature a built-in lifting mechanism that elevates the chair from its base to allow the user to more easily get into a seated position and stand back up again. These kinds of chairs are often considered medical devices because they can aid those with physical limitations. For others, they can simply help alleviate discomfort to your back, knees and hips that is a result of having to stand up from a normal sitting position.

Like all reclining chairs, lift chairs are available in a range of options, including styles, materials. They also offer various functions, from powered headrests and footrests to massage. Read on to find out what is available, and which lift chair is the best for your home.

Benefits of Lift Chairs

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to invest in a reclining lift chair, you’ll want to consider the many benefits of these types of chairs. Most importantly, power lift chairs allow senior citizens and those with low muscle strength to maintain some independence because they allow them to get up without assistance. Additionally, these chairs will help you or your family members preserve energy and muscle strength for walking, doing chores, or participating in other daily activities.

Types of Lift Chairs

Powered lift chairs come in several unique types which differ based on their reclining configurations. Most come with remote controls that allow you to easily access the different positions with the touch of a button.

• Two-Position – The most basic type of lift chair is the two-position version. Chairs with a two-position mechanism allow you to partially recline back to about 45 degrees for extra comfort while watching TV, reading or working on the computer.
• Three-Position – The middle-ground of lift chairs is the three-position lift chair. These chairs allow you to recline at three different angles: usually all the way back (good for napping), partially back and upright.
• Infinite Position – Most deluxe lift chairs offer infinite positioning options. Using a unique, adjustable frame, these lift chairs offer a full range of reclining options, from a true sleeping position to upright, allowing you to totally customize your position.

Beyond the recliner, some power lift chairs offer additional options for personalized support. For instance, a power adjustable headrest will bring a new level of comfort to your head, neck, and shoulders, allowing you to achieve just the right support for various activities, like watching TV and reading. Another feature on some chairs, power lumber allows you to adjust the support to your lower back. Finally, there is the power footrest, which offers different levels of customization. Extended footrests can provide some extended support. Paired with a lay-flat position, these extended footrests let you stretch out to take a nap. There are also features that are designed for health benefits. Some lift chairs take a new approach to having a healthy heart with the zero-gravity mechanism that will elevate your legs higher than your heart. This position can help improve your blood flow and reduce inflammation all while you are reclined.

The Best Lift Chairs

Determining the best power lift chair for you comes down to three factors: size, preferences and budget. Which size do you need? Lift chairs are like any other recliner in that they’re rated by weight, so be sure to consider that facet when shopping. While most are rated for around 300 lbs, some lift chairs offer a higher weight capacity. You should also note the height of the backrest. A taller person will need extra height to provide the proper support of the back and to prevent extra aches and pains.

Once you’ve nailed all of that down, we highly recommend looking for power lift chairs with remotes to streamline operation and simplify your lounging experience.

Another feature that can offer higher levels of comfort and health benefits: lift chairs with built-in massage options and heat. Choosing from different massage types and heat, again with a push of a few buttons, can provide additional pain and stress relief, from the comfort of your own home. The massage and heat options can be enjoyed by everyone in the home, not just those who benefit from the lift mechanism.

Don’t forget the extras! For instance, some lift chair recliners come with a USB port so you can keep your electronics charged as you recline back to relax. Armrest consoles or easy to reach for side pockets allow convenient storage for a remote, books or your devices.

Constructed for Quality and Comfort

While the functionality of the chair and additional features are big draws for many lift chairs, it’s also important to look at the quality of construction and the overall comfort of the chair. Generally, you’ll get what you pay for, with an investment in a better-quality chair (with a solid frame and cushions) paying dividends in comfort and longer life. Here are some features to look for that indicate a well-constructed chair that should be both comfortable and durable.

• Heavy duty mechanism
• Dual motors for lift and recliner
• Durable frame and support structure, such as an engineered and hard wood frame that contains a steel seat box for maximum durability
• Padded armrest for ultimate comfort and relaxation
• Fully padded chaise allows you to put up your feet in comfort
• Comfy coil in cushion to give you the extra support and comfort you desire
• High resiliency foam cushions
• Seat springs that are individually wrapped for better distribution of weight
• Gel memory foam comfort layer
• Pillow top for hours of comfortable use and enjoyment
• One cycle battery backup ensures your chair will work even in the event of a power outage
• Removable back is an option for making the chair easier to move through tight doorways

Lift Chair Style Options

When it comes to power lift chairs, functionality is often the highest factor on your list. However, that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on style. There are many power lift chairs on the market that are fashion forward as well as functional. There’s classic style chairs that will bring familiarity and comfort to any room that leans more traditional, while a variety of contemporary styles can complement any of today’s most popular design trends: mid-century modern, industrial, modern, casual, farmhouse, and more. Details like a button-tufted back can elevate the design, and bring more personalized style into your space.

When it comes to materials: there’s leather and there’s other fabric options. Leather is always a popular option for recliners, and lift chairs are no different. Choose from popular leather colors, such as sleek black leather and warm brown leather options that will never go out of style. You can also make a statement with a colorful leather lift chair in one of your favorite shades, like stunning but versatile blue leather chairs, or choose a bright and warm shade like red to really pop in your room. With all leather furniture, quality counts, but it also affects the price of the piece. Invest in a premium leather lift chair, and you’ll see and feel the difference. There are also more affordable options such as leather-like materials that can give you a similar effect in your room.

Whether you are watching TV, relaxing, or ready for a nap, we can help you find the right power reclining lift chair that will complement the style of your home and—most importantly—provide comfort and functionality to suit your support needs and lifestyle.