Shackletons’ guide to choosing the right high back or recliner chair

Choosing a new high back chair or recliner chair can be complicated and confusing with so many different models, styles and functions to choose from. So how do you know which chair is the right one for you?

At Shackletons, we have been hand-making chairs and sofas for senior living for over 60 years. Here our specialist and expert team share their top tips and advice to help you find the right chair for your needs.

What type of chairs are available?   

A high back chair is a static chair with a tall backrest, which provides additional lumbar support and comfort compared to a standard armchair. The addition of wings on the headrest gives further support for the neck and head. High back chairs traditionally have a slightly raised seat height and arms to make it easier when getting into or standing from the chair.

A recliner chair is a type of armchair with an adjustable back and footrest which allows you to find a more comfortable seating position.

A riser recliner chair is designed to help if you have difficulties standing up or sitting down on a sofa or chair as the seat base rises and tilts to support movement.

Recliner and riser recliner chairs can be powered at the touch of a button with an electric motor or a manual control. Electric powered chairs can have single or dual motors.  A single motor controls both the back and footrest. This means when the back is reclined the footrest is raised automatically. Whereas a dual motor gives you separate control of both the back of the chair and the footrest so they can both be moved independently of each other.

A Swivel chair has a central base that allows the seat to spin to the left or the right. They usually recline to three positions: upright, semi-reclined or fully-reclined.

 What are the benefits of a recliner chair?

A recliner chair offers additional comfort and support for your back and legs when sitting. Sitting with your legs in a slightly raised position can relieve aching muscles, reduce swelling and stiff joints by improving your circulation.

A recliner chair which has been specially selected to meet your needs and fit your shape can help you rest and move better; it can help improve your posture with high quality and sumptuous seat cushioning and padded arms. A supported headrest can help provide additional support for your head and neck especially when napping.

Our top tips when buying a high back or recliner chair…

1. Do your research and shop around

With lots of suppliers and options out there it is important you do your research and shop around to find a chair which is right for you.

At Shackletons, you can visit our showroom in Batley, West Yorkshire where our specially trained and friendly staff are on-hand to help you find the most suitable chair and answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to visit the store, you can browse our website where you can find out detailed information on all the furniture we offer and book a telephone or home consultation so we can guide you through the process. For home consultations, we can even bring a selection of chairs for you to try in the comfort of your own home. Most importantly, take your time to find the perfect chair for you!

2. One size does not fit all

Just like clothes, one size does not fit all. When looking for a high back or recliner chair, they come in different shapes and sizes. It is important to find a chair which best fits your body shape. You will also need to consider the seat height, depth and width to ensure you are well supported in the chair. At Shackletons, our team are all trained and experienced to guide you to find the perfect chair for your needs.

3. How much space do you have in your living room?

Consider where the chair will be placed in your home, a recliner chair or sofa will need more space in front and behind the chair than a standard armchair to allow the back to recliner and for the elevated footrest. 

4. Does the chair meet your needs now and in the future?

It is also important to consider your needs now and in the future. By choosing a chair which is fit for purpose and provides the right level of comfort and support, it can help support your independence in your own home for years to come. 

5. Match your style

A high back chair, recliner chair or sofa does not have to look out of place in your living room, there are lots of styles and fabrics to choose from to find the furniture which perfectly complements your home décor and matches your style.

At Shackletons, we have a very wide selection of carefully selected upholstered furniture from high back chairs, recliner chairs, riser recliner chairs, swivel chairs, and two-, three- and four-seater sofas, with matching footstools.  All chairs and sofas are available in a wide range of styles from traditional chairs such as the Chichester which features a shapely wing back with Queen Anne carved wooden legs to a contemporary Canterbury power recliner sofa with a snuggle back.

Choose from hundreds of fabrics including cotton weaves, luxurious velvets or sumptuous leathers in a wide variety of colours and patterns. All our upholstered furniture is made to order so your chair can be as individual as you are. 

6. Find out where and how is the furniture made

Try and find out more details about the where the chair is made, and the material used for the frame, padding, springs and fabrics. High quality materials and craftsmanship will ensure your chair or sofa is going to provide comfort and support and continue to look good for years to come.

Shackletons is a family-owned business which has been hand-making upholstered chairs and furniture for senior living for over sixty years. Our upholstered chairs and sofas are hand-made at our factory in West Yorkshire using the finest sustainable timbers, high quality foams and fabrics. We are an authorised supplier of Celebrity and Sherbourne recliner chairs and sofas and Hjort Knudsen swivel chairs.

All our furniture comes with a comprehensive 5-year guarantee and our Price Match Promise where we will match any like-for-like product where the service is to the same standard as ours.

Speak to Shackletons

For more advice and to view our wide range of upholstered chairs and sofas, visit our showroom at 359 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5PH or visit the Shackletons Retail website.