Mon-Fri, 9 AM-6 PM PT
How to choose a lift chair recliner
A lift chair looks like a recliner but uses a motor to raise and tip the seat forward, so standing up and sitting down take less effort. Choosing well comes down to size, recline style and fabric.
Size is the most important choice
A chair that fits lets the user sit with feet flat on the floor and back against the cushion. Petite chairs suit shorter users, tall chairs have a deeper seat and higher back, and wide or heavy-duty chairs have more seat width and higher weight capacities. Compare seat height, width and depth on each listing.
Recline style
- 2-position: a slight recline for reading or watching TV.
- 3-position: a deeper recline for napping.
- Infinite position: back and footrest move separately, often to nearly flat.
- Zero gravity: raises the legs above heart level on some models.
Fabric and features
Fabrics range from soft upholstery to easy-clean vinyl and leather-look materials. Optional features include heat, massage, power headrests and USB ports.
Delivery and setup
Lift chairs are large and heavy, so measure doorways and the path to the room before ordering.
Space and power
Measure the wall clearance the chair needs to recline and make sure an outlet is nearby. Many chairs include a battery backup for power outages.
Our lift chair buying guide explains sizing in more depth. If transfers from bed are also needed, see patient lifts or walkers and rollators.
Reach our team at 1-877-861-8000 on weekdays between 9 AM and 6 PM PT for help with sizing.
Lift Chair Recliners: frequently asked questions
What size lift chair do I need?
Lift chairs come in petite, small, medium, large, tall and wide sizes. Compare the seat width, seat depth and seat height on the product page with the user's height and build.
What is the difference between 2-position, 3-position and infinite-position lift chairs?
A 2-position chair reclines slightly for watching TV. A 3-position chair reclines further toward a napping position. An infinite-position chair moves the back and footrest separately for nearly flat reclining.
Do lift chairs need to be plugged in?
Yes. Lift chairs use a motor and plug into a standard outlet. Many include a battery backup so the chair can return upright during a power outage; check each listing.
Can I return a lift chair?
Most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery, and a 20% restocking fee applies. Contact us before sending anything back so we can issue return instructions.
More questions? Call 1-877-861-8000 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM-6 PM PT) or see our FAQ.