Low Back Recliners

Caroline Patterson Interior Design Expert

Caroline is a young, New York-based interior designer and home decor writer, obsessed with textiles and designer furniture. Backed with rigorous training from a prestigious design school, as well as a profound understanding of material quality and fabric care, she offers spot-on advice on how to furnish your place with reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.

Updated 06/05/2021

A seemingly peculiar concept, we have scoured the earth to bring you a low back recliner that was designed for smaller spaces. Perhaps you don't need a recliner that is so tall you can't actually use it unless you move it every time you wish to lay back. Or perhaps traditional recliners are just too tall for you. Whatever the case might be, you will appreciate our efforts to bring you an extensive collection of low back recliners.

Buying Guide

After a challenging day, there's nothing like kicking back in a comfortable chair. Finding the best low back recliners that fit your decorating and budget needs are sometimes challenging. Not only should these quality pieces of furniture last for ten years or longer but they should also not go out of style. Because there are a plethora of low back recliners available, as well as styles, features, and materials, we've put together this buying guide to help inspire your decisions.

How to Pick the Best Low Back Recliners?

One of the best ways to pick low back recliners is by sitting in them. While the look of the recliner is essential, its comfort is critical. Those who will spend the most time relaxing in it should be testing it out. Try sitting in it for five minutes or longer. In doing so, you'll know for sure which are the best low back recliners regarding comfort. When sitting in them, ask yourself:

When the back is upright, are my feet touching the floor?
Is the headrest adequately supporting my neck and head?
Does the cushioning feel good?
Are there bumpy areas in the seat or back?

What different designs of low back recliners are there?

There are many designs of low back recliners including:

Rocker or glider bases: these are optimal for nursing mothers or those who have trouble sleeping.
Swivel base: you can pivot in any direction with these recliners.
Massage: with the touch of a button, you can experience massage features.
Wall hugger: these low back recliners feature styles that will allow you to place them much closer to walls.
Lay flat: in these recliners, you can lay all the way flat in them.
Power: instead of using a lever, these recliners have button controls.

What's the best type of upholstery for low back recliners?

You'll find that the most durable upholstery is leather. However, it's also the most expensive. Choosing a top-grain leather will last the longest and be the hardest wearing. Those who prefer suede-like upholstery, synthetic microfiber is an excellent option. It's wrinkle and moisture resistant, as well as cost-effective. Wool fabric is the highest quality upholstery you can find. It's naturally stain-resistant and long-wearing. However, out of each of these options, it's the most expensive.

How to make sure the recliner frame is good quality?

When looking at low back recliners, pay close attention to their frames. The non-moving parts of a recliner are typically the first to break. Therefore, it's vital to inspect the undersides of these chairs. Look for heavy-duty screws. If you see plastic fasteners or small screws, this is not the best recliner. Gimmicky descriptions touting all-wood construction may be a cover-up for sub-par pressboard construction. The frame's construction should feature high-quality wood including birch or poplar. Plywood is an excellent secondary choice and is also more cost-effective.