How to choose a riser recliner with confidence
Choosing · 4 minute read
Prepared and checked by Comfort & Recline showroom team.
The short answer
Choose the person before the product. A good riser recliner should fit the body, feel simple to control, move safely in the room and reach its final position through every doorway. Shortlist the action and size, then try the exact chair for long enough to notice how it supports you.
See chairs featured in this guidePublished · Updated
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Who this guide helps
This guide is for anyone choosing their first riser recliner, and for relatives helping an older family member compare chairs without rushing the decision.
Start with everyday needs
Begin with the person who will sit in the chair. Think about how easily they sit and stand, how long they stay seated and which positions they use for reading, television or rest.
If a family member is helping, involve the person using the chair wherever possible. A feature only earns its place when they feel comfortable and confident using it.
Get the fit right before the style
Petite, standard and large are starting points, not guarantees. Feet should rest on the floor when upright, and the seat edge should not press behind the knees.
Sit back fully and notice where the backrest supports the lower back, shoulders and head. Try the chair for several minutes; a poor fit is not always obvious straight away.
Choose an action you understand
Use the handset yourself. The buttons should be clear, reachable and comfortable to press. Ask someone else in the household to learn the controls too.
| Single motor | Linked movements and straightforward controls. |
|---|---|
| Dual motor | The backrest and footrest move separately. |
| Cloud Zero | Adds independent seat tilt for more choice of position. |
Measure the room and the route
Measure the final space with the chair upright, reclined and raised. Leave room for the footrest, the moving back and a clear path beside the chair.
Then follow the delivery route from the outside door. Record tight turns, steps, lifts and the narrowest doorway. Photographs can help explain difficult access.
Try the exact chair without pressure
A photograph helps you shortlist a chair, but sitting in it completes the decision. Run the full action twice and notice the fit, speed, sound and handset.
Confirm the exact model, cover, condition, price and delivery plan. If you cannot visit, ask Scott for more photographs or a short movement video.
Your showroom checklist
- Bring the height and approximate weight of the person using the chair.
- Bring room, doorway and tight-turn measurements.
- Try the seat fit before comparing colours or extras.
- Operate every handset button at least twice.
- Confirm the exact chair, price, condition and delivery plan.
Sources and further reading
Chairs to explore
These photos show individual chairs in our showroom. Call Scott to confirm price and availability.
In stockCall to confirmHollingwell Cloud Zero
Celebrity Hollingwell
- Size
- Standard
- Action
- Cloud Zero triple-motor riser recliner
- Cover
- Bison Storm
In stockCall to confirmWoburn Dual Motor
Celebrity Woburn
- Size
- Standard
- Action
- Dual-motor riser recliner
- Cover
- Elgin Oyster
In stockCall to confirmCanterbury Single Motor
Celebrity Canterbury
- Size
- Standard
- Action
- Single-motor riser recliner
- Cover
- Filey Ruby