How to Choose Between a Standard Recliner and a Riser Recliner

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from easing into the chair that feels made just for you. That moment when your shoulders relax, your breath softens, your feet are up, and the day finally melts away. The chair you unwind in each day plays an important role in how you move, how you rest, and how confidently you go about your routine. With a recliner, all of this will become part of your everyday reality.

However, not all recliners are created equal. If you’ve been thinking about investing in a new recliner, you’ve likely come across two main types: standard recliners and riser recliners. Both offer wonderful comfort, but they’re designed with different needs in mind. So how do you know which one is right for you?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can make a confident, informed decision. We’ll compare the two styles side by side, exploring key factors such as mobility support, ease of use, comfort preferences, and the health and posture benefits each can offer. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which recliner can bring you the greatest comfort and confidence at home.

A standard recliner is a wonderfully comfortable armchair designed to let you lean back, stretch out, and relax. Using either a simple manual lever or an easy-to-use electric button, you can adjust the backrest and footrest to find your perfect lounging position. 

Standard recliners are a wonderful choice for anyone who loves to relax in style and comfort, whether that means unwinding after dinner, watching a favourite film, or enjoying a peaceful read. They’re particularly suited to those who want a supportive, easy-to-use chair without the need for extra mobility features. 

Standard recliners come in a fantastic variety of designs, from sleek modern styles to cosy traditional looks. They’re versatile, they’re comfortable, and they can fit beautifully into just about any living room.

• Everyday comfort: for daily relaxation, whether you're watching TV, reading, or simply taking the weight off your feet.

• Plenty of choice: Available in a huge range of designs, fabrics, and leathers to suit your home.

• Great value: Often more affordable than riser recliners, while still offering exceptional comfort.

• Easy to use: Simple manual or electric mechanisms – just pull a lever or press a button.

• Getting in and out can be more challenging for those with mobility issues as they require you to push yourself up from a seated position

• No additional support features such as lift functionality or specialised assistive technology

Explore our range of Recliner Chairs.

A riser recliner goes a step further than a standard recliner. These specially designed armchairs allow you to sit back and relax, as well as supporting you as you stand up or sit down. It has a built-in lift mechanism that gently tilts the entire chair forward, helping you rise to a standing position with minimal effort. It's like having a helping hand, right there in your living room.

This might sound like a small thing, but for anyone who finds getting up from a chair uncomfortable or challenging, it can be genuinely life-changing. These chairs are particularly beneficial for people who experience reduced mobility, arthritis, balance difficulties, or muscle weakness, as well as those recovering from illness or surgery. 

They’re an excellent and stylish choice for anyone who needs a little extra support to move safely and confidently throughout the day. No more struggling, no more strain on your joints; just smooth, effortless movement at the touch of a button.

Benefits of Riser Recliners:

• The lift mechanism: Helps you stand up smoothly, reduces strain on your joints, hips, and knees.

• Enhances support: Many models offer excellent back, neck and lumbar support.

• Adjustable positions: Find your perfect angle for sitting, reclining, or anything in between.

• Health benefits: Particularly helpful for those with arthritis, mobility issues, or anyone recovering from surgery.

• Safety features: Some models include anti-tip mechanism and memory foam for added comfort and peace of mind.

Things to Consider with Riser Recliners:

• They tend to be a higher investment than standard recliners.

• Some models can be slightly bulkier due to the lift mechanism, so measuring your space is always a good idea.

Explore our collection of Riser Recliners.

Now that you know the basics, let’s take a closer look at how standard recliners and riser recliners compare side by side. While both are designed with comfort at their core, each brings its own strengths to your living room, and understanding these differences can help you choose the chair that truly supports your lifestyle.

The Mechanism

Standard recliners use either manual or electric controls to adjust the backrest and footrest, giving you a smooth, relaxing recline. Riser recliners do all of this too, but with one important extra: a built-in lift mechanism. This clever function tilts and raises the entire chair to help you stand up with ease, reducing strain on your joints and making everyday movement feel more manageable.

Ease of Use

Both types are straightforward to operate, but riser recliners are especially user-friendly for anyone with limited mobility. Instead of relying on your own strength to rise from the chair, the lift function does the work for you, offering reassurance and confidence with every sit and stand.

Comfort and Support

Both offer excellent comfort, but riser recliners often include additional wellbeing features. Many models offer heating options that help soothe stiff joints and tired muscles.

Customisation

Both standard and riser recliners can be personalised with your preferred fabric or leather, but riser recliners typically provide more specialised therapeutic options. Enhanced ergonomic designs, tailored lumbar support and more advanced adjustability help ensure your body feels fully supported.

Size and Design

Standard recliners are often sleeker and more versatile in design. Riser recliners can be a touch bulkier due to their mechanism, but they make up for it with their orthopaedic and medical benefits. Not sure what size you need? Our guide on recliner chair sizes will help.

Price

Standard recliners are typically more affordable, while riser recliners come at a higher price point due to their advanced technology and health-focused features. It's worth thinking of it as an investment in your long-term comfort and wellbeing.

If you’re wondering whether a riser recliner might be right for you, it can help to know why so many people tell us it has made such a meaningful difference to their daily lives. More than just a comfortable chair, it’s a piece of furniture designed to support your body, your independence, and your overall wellbeing.

Support and Health Benefits

For anyone who struggles with mobility, a riser recliner can be transformative. The gentle lift mechanism takes the strain off your joints, helping you stand up easily with far less discomfort. This makes it especially beneficial for people living with arthritis, joint pain, back problems, or those who have had recent surgery.

Another major advantage is the ability to adjust your position throughout the day. Reclining, raising your legs, or shifting to a more upright position can help improve circulation, ease pressure points, and reduce stiffness, offering comfort that works with your body.

Independence and Quality of Life

One of the most wonderful things about a riser recliner is the independence it brings. Being able to stand without relying on someone else can restore a real sense of confidence and dignity.

For those who spend longer periods seated, a riser recliner can also help reduce pressure points and prevent the stiffness that comes from sitting in one position for too long.

A Helping Hand for Caregivers

If you're caring for a loved one, a riser recliner can make your job easier too. The chair does much of the work, gently lifting the person to a standing position, meaning less physical strain for both of you.

Explore our collection of Riser Recliners.

Before you make your decision, here are a few things worth thinking about that can make all the difference to your comfort and daily routine:

• Mobility and Health Needs: Do you find getting up from a chair difficult? Would extra support make your day-to-day life more comfortable?

• Space Availability: Measure your room to make sure your chosen chair will fit comfortably, with room to recline.

• Budget: Consider how much you want to invest, keeping in mind that a riser recliner offers additional health benefits that may be worth the extra cost.

• Style and Aesthetics: Your chair should look as good as it feels, so choose a design and fabric that complements your home decor.

• Additional Features: Think about extras like heat functions, massage options, adjustable armrests, or memory foam cushioning.

If you're unsure about sizing, our guide to recliner chair sizes can help you find the perfect fit.

Choosing between a standard recliner and a riser recliner really comes down to your individual needs. A standard recliner is a wonderful choice for anyone seeking everyday comfort and relaxation. But if you need a little extra help – whether it's support for your joints, assistance getting up, or simply the reassurance of knowing you can move freely and independently – a riser recliner might just be the answer.

What matters most is that your chair works for you. And that’s something we take seriously at HSL. All of our Feel Good Furniture is Occupational Therapist Approved, designed in partnership with our independent Occupational Therapist, Julie Jennings. We’ve also worked with Dr Andrea Utley, whose research with the University of Leeds into the physiological effects of proper seating shows clear benefits, including reduced blood pressure, improved comfort, and less fatigue. We use Dr Utley’s findings to continually improve our designs, ensuring every piece supports natural human movement and provides comfort exactly where your body needs it most.

If you’d like to experience the difference for yourself, why not book our Exclusive Chair Fitting Service? Pop into one of our showrooms or arrange a free home demonstration, and we’ll help you find the best chair for your body, your home, and your lifestyle. Life’s too short to sit in the wrong chair.

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