How Do You Choose the Right Recliner? 7 Things to Look For

Here’s how to choose a recliner: first, the size (Stressless S, M, or L); then, your intended use and the comfort system; next, manual or electric operation; and finally, the upholstery and base. Test each model for at least ten minutes in the three positions you’d typically sit in at home: upright, semi-reclined, and with your legs up.

You buy a recliner to last ten, twenty years, or longer. Yet many people choose one the same way they would a regular armchair: based on color and shape. In our stores in Leuven and Antwerp, we often notice just how big the difference is between a chair that looks good and one that truly fits. Our advisors go over these seven points with every customer.

1. What size recliner do you need?

The right size depends on your body type, not just your height. You’re sitting correctly when four things are right at the same time: your feet are flat on the floor or on the footrest, the back of your knees are supported without the seat pinching you, you feel support in your lower back, and your head rests on the headrest without your neck tilting forward.

As a result, two people who are both 1.75 m tall may end up with different sizes. Someone with long legs and a short torso sits differently than someone with a long torso and shorter legs. That’s why most Stressless recliners come in three sizes: S, M, and L. The six models in the Classic collection—such as the Mayfair, Consul, and Sunrise—are all available in those three sizes. In the Urban collection, some models—such as the Berlin, London, and Tokyo—are available only in size M.

If you're unsure between two sizes, be sure to check the seat depth. If the seat is too deep, you'll slide forward and lose support in your lower back. If it's too short, your thighs will dangle in the air, and after a while, you'll feel pressure behind your knees. The maximum user weight for a Stressless recliner is 130 kg.

What should you look for when test-sitting a chair?

• Are your feet flat and relaxed, without you standing on your toes?
• Is the space behind your knee filled in, without the edge of the seat pressing into it?
• Can you feel the backrest against your lower back, and not just between your shoulder blades?
• Can you rest your head on the headrest without your chin dropping toward your chest?
• Can you sit up straight and stand up without pushing yourself up?

2. What will you use the recliner for?

Your usage determines which features you need. If you mainly watch TV, you’ll want a headrest that keeps your head upright in a semi-reclined position. If you read, you’ll prefer to sit a bit more upright, with good arm support. If you take naps in it, you’ll benefit from a chair that reclines far back and includes a footstool or a fold-out footrest.

So don’t just ask yourself which chair you like, but also what you’ll be doing in it every evening a year from now. Here’s a real-life example from our stores: the Stressless View reclines far back and is incredibly comfortable, but it’s less suitable for watching TV for long periods because your line of sight ends up pointing upward.

Do you and your partner share a sofa, even though your body types are very different? If so, one sofa per person—each in their own size—is almost always a better choice than a single compromise sofa where neither of you is completely comfortable.

3. Which seating position and comfort system are right for you?

A good recliner lets you change your posture without losing support for your back and neck. At Stressless, three systems do the job, and they’re the reason why a Stressless feels different from a sofa that’s just soft.

• Plus™ system: automatically adjusts the lumbar support and headrest when you lean back. Your head remains supported, even when you're reclined.
• Glide™ system: The seat tilts in response to your body weight. You adjust it once using two rotary knobs so that it feels either light or firm to you.
• BalanceAdapt™: adds a subtle rocking motion to the foot, so your body continues to move slightly even when at rest.

Underneath the upholstery is a cold-formed steel tube frame with wave springs, over which cold foam is poured directly into a mold. Ekornes, the Norwegian manufacturer of Stressless, tests the frame and Plus™ system using hydraulic robots: 150,000 to 300,000 test cycles under a load of up to 130 kg. In the store, we immediately adjust the Glide™ system to your weight so you can feel how the chair will respond at home.

4. Will you choose a manual or an electric recliner?

Neither is better; it depends on your preference and how easily you move. A manual Stressless is adjusted using your own body weight, without buttons or cables: you lean back, and the chair follows. An electric Power™ model is operated with buttons and allows for seamless adjustment of the backrest and footrest.

An electric model is highly recommended if you have trouble leaning back or standing up, or if you like to return to the exact same position every time. A Power™ chair runs on wall power or an optional battery, which is convenient if the chair is placed in the middle of the room. If simplicity is your main priority, choose the manual version: less technology and a slightly lower price.

The warranty also varies by component. In addition to the 2-year statutory warranty, Stressless provides a 10-year warranty on the internal mechanism (Plus™, BalanceAdapt™, the metal frame, and the springs), a 5-year warranty on the Power™ electrical components, and a 2-year warranty on the Power™ battery, in accordance with Stressless’s warranty terms and conditions.

5. Leather or fabric: Which upholstery should you choose?

Leather is durable, easy to clean, and develops a beautiful patina over the years; fabric feels warmer and has a softer, cozier look. At Stressless, you can choose a recliner from 124 upholstery colors across 14 leather and fabric collections.

Leather comes in various grades. From the easiest to maintain to the most refined, these are Batick, Paloma, Velaro, and Noblesse. If you have children or grandchildren, our advisors often recommend Paloma or Velaro: both are durable and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. If you have a cat or dog, keep in mind that leather is more susceptible to scratches.

Leather requires a little maintenance: treat the seats at least once a year, and more often if the chair is placed in the sun or near a fireplace. You can read how to do this in our article on caring for Stressless leather; the leather care kit has everything you need.

6. Which base goes best with your interior?

The base helps define the look of your recliner, yet it’s often overlooked when making a selection. For most models in the Classic collection, you can choose between the Classic, Signature, and Cross bases, and many models also offer an Office base with casters and an electric Power™ version.

• Classic: the familiar round wooden base. The wooden bases consist of 32 layers of European beech wood pressed under high pressure.
• Signature: a combination of aluminum and wood, with a lighter, contemporary look.
• Cross: crossed metal legs with wooden accents, for those looking for a modern silhouette.
• Office: a swiveling star-shaped base with five wheels, so you can use your recliner as a desk chair. Read more about this in our article on Stressless as a desk chair.

The wood is available in eight colors, and the metal comes in polished chrome or matte black. Choose a wood color that matches your floor, table, or cabinets, and the armchair will immediately feel right at home. You can find more style tips in our article about incorporating a recliner into your interior design.

7. Why should you always try out a recliner before buying it?

Because comfort is a personal matter, and a photo doesn’t tell you anything about seat depth, support, or how the chair moves with you. Allow at least ten minutes per model, and try three different positions: sitting upright, as you would while reading; leaning back slightly, as you would while watching TV; and fully relaxed with your legs up.

Ideally, bring whoever will be using the chair with you, and take the measurements of the spot where the chair will go. Sit the way you do at home: take your shoes off if that’s what you do at home. Stay seated for a moment after that initial “Oh, that feels good” wears off; only then will you really feel whether the seat and headrest are just right.

At the Stressless Stores in Leuven and Antwerp—the only official Stressless stores in the Benelux—you can compare all models side by side without an appointment. You can find the prices in our Stressless price list, and thanks to our price guarantee, we’ll adjust our price if you find the same Stressless model offered at a lower price elsewhere and show us that quote.

The 7 Key Points at a Glance

Would you like to see all the models side by side, along with their sizes and features? You'll find them all on our " Compare Stressless Recliners " page, with a selection chart for each collection.

Come try it out for yourself in Leuven or Antwerp

You can only truly appreciate comfort when you sit down. In Leuven and Antwerp—the only official Stressless stores in the Benelux—the full range is available, and paramedically trained consultants will work with you to find the right size and model.