Stressless recliners: How do you choose the right model?

When choosing a Stressless recliner, there are three things to consider: the collection (Classic or Urban), the size (S, M, or L), and the upholstery. At Stressless Store, all 15 models are on display, starting at €1,858. In the video above, our in-store advisor walks you through what to look for.

What makes a Stressless recliner different from a regular sofa?

The difference lies in the mechanism, not in the filling. A Stressless moves with your body instead of staying still. Three patented systems make this possible. The Plus™ system automatically adjusts the lumbar support and headrest when you lean back. The Glide™ system tilts in response to your body weight and is set once using two knobs at the bottom. BalanceAdapt™ adds a subtle rocking motion to the base.

These systems are housed in an inner structure that you can’t see: a cold-formed steel tube frame with wave-shaped springs, and Comfort Zones cold foam that is poured directly into a mold over that frame, with small air channels for ventilation. The wooden bases consist of 32 layers of European beech wood pressed together under high pressure.

Stressless is a brand of the Norwegian company Ekornes and was launched in 1971. Production still takes place in Sykkylven, on the west coast of Norway. Ekornes tests the frame and Plus™ system using hydraulic robots: 150,000 to 300,000 test cycles under a load of up to 130 kg.

Classic or Urban: Which collection is right for you?

Stressless divides its recliners into two collections. The Classic collection features six models with the familiar Stressless design, and all six are available in sizes S, M, and L. Prices range from €1,858 to €3,429. The Urban collection features nine models with sleeker, contemporary lines, ranging in price from €3,229 to €4,259.

The main practical difference is the sizing. In the Urban collection, the Berlin, London, Tokyo, and Adam models are available only in size M; Paul and Philip in sizes M and L; and View, Erik, and Magic in sizes S, M, and L. If you’re significantly shorter or taller than average, that limits your choices within that collection.

We wrote a separate article for each collection, featuring all the models side by side: the Classic Collection and the Urban Collection. The complete overview with prices can be found on the recliners page.

What size do you need: S, M, or L?

That depends on your body type, not just your height. Long or short legs, a long or short torso: those proportions determine the right seat height and seat depth. If you have an average build, you’ll usually end up with a medium, but that’s a rule of thumb, not a hard-and-fast rule.

You’re sitting correctly when four things are right at the same time: your feet are flat on the floor, the space behind your knees is filled, your back and neck feel supported, and you don’t feel the urge to slump. If you don’t notice one of these, you’re using the wrong size or model. The maximum user weight is 130 kg.

How long does a Stressless recliner last?

A good recliner lasts 15 to 30 years; a Stressless lasts about 20 years or more. The first thing to wear out is the leather or fabric, not the mechanism—and both can be repaired. That’s also why the resale value remains relatively high: on average, 500 to 1,000 €, depending on the number of seats, condition, and options.

Warranty: 2-year statutory warranty of conformity, 10 years on the internal mechanism (Plus™, BalanceAdapt™, Balance&Glide™, the metal frame, and the springs), 5 years on the Power™ electrical components, and 2 years on the Power™ battery. For more details and explanations, see our article on how long a Stressless chair lasts.

Come try it out for yourself in Leuven or Antwerp

You can only truly experience comfort when you sit down. In Leuven and Antwerp—Belgium’s only two official Stressless brand stores—the full product line is available, and advisors with paramedical training will work with you to determine the right size.