If you love the comfort of a recliner but have limited space, a wall hugger recliner is the perfect solution. These chairs can be placed close to the wall and still fully recline. Read on to learn all about their benefits and top models to consider.
What Makes Them “Wall Huggers”
Wall hugger recliners are engineered so the base remains close to the wall, even when fully reclined. Traditional recliners need several feet clearance behind them in order to fully recline. Wall hugger models only need inches.
This is achieved through a modified reclining mechanism. As the backrest reclines, the seat tilts forward to prevent the chair from moving away from the wall.
Benefits of Wall Hugger Recliners
- Ideal for small spaces like apartments, RVs, studios
- Don’t have to rearrange furniture to recline
- Avoid blocking windows, aisles or walkways
- Can be placed in corners or against walls
- Often have forward tilting headrests
- Saves floor space for tighter living areas
What to Look for When Buying
- Distance from wall: Look for models that stay within 4-6 inches of walls when reclined.
- Smooth reclining: Make sure the tilting seat doesn’t feel awkward or disruptive.
- Padding: Thinner padding helps with wall clearance but may sacrifice comfort.
- Fabrics: Tighter backs and synthetic leather allow closer wall positioning.
- Size: Measure your space carefully to ensure a proper fit.
- Head tilt: For maximum comfort, look for a headrest that angles forward when reclined.
Top Wall Hugger Models
Some popular and highly rated wall hugger recline models include:
- Ashley Yandel – Stylish faux leather with comfort coil cushions
- Homelegance Laurelton – Textured polyester in expresso or dark brown
- Divano Roma Furniture – Bonded leather with nailhead trim
- Mega Motion Wall Hugger – Power lift chair great for seniors
- Best Choice Products PU Leather – Padded headrest and side storage
Prices range from $200 up to $1,000+ for larger power lift chairs. Measure your space and look for chairs with smooth reclining, padding, and attractive upholstery within your budget.
Enjoy Ultimate Relaxation and Save Space
Wall hugger recliners provide the comfort of a fully reclined position without eating up your valuable floor space. With the right model, you can relax close to the wall and avoid having to rearrange your whole room. Just be sure to measure carefully so you get a chair that perfectly fits your needs and living area.
FAQs
A wall hugger recliner is designed to be positioned close to the wall – usually within 4-6 inches – even when fully reclined. Standard recliners need several feet clearance behind them in order to fully recline. Wall hugger models have mechanisms that prevent the chair from moving away from the wall when you put the footrest up. This makes them perfect for small spaces.
Most quality wall hugger recliners stay within 4 to 6 inches of the wall even in a fully reclined position. This allows you to place them against a wall without needing the several feet of clearance standard recliners require. Always check the manufacturer’s specs to confirm the exact wall clearance. Some may recline slightly further from the wall.
Not necessarily. Wall hugger recliners come in a similar range of sizes as standard recliners, from compact to extra large. The key difference is the specialized mechanism that prevents them from shifting away from the wall when reclining. Their dimensions when upright are generally no smaller than comparable standard models.
Yes, wall hugger models are available in a wide variety of styles and upholstery materials. You can find them with traditional rolled arms or sleek track arms, in fabrics like leather, microfiber, polyester, and many more. There are manual and power wall hugger options. The mechanisms are adapted to standard recliner frames and styles to maximize close-to-wall abilities.
That depends on your needs and preferences. Manual wall hugger recliners involve pulling a side lever up to recline. Power wall huggers let you recline automatically at the touch of a button. Power models often cost more. If you have mobility issues, the powered option offers easier positioning. But manual works well for most buyers looking to conserve space.
The main furniture consideration with a wall hugger recliner is leaving enough clearance around the chair for it to fully recline. Avoid placing bulky furniture right next to it that could obstruct the reclining action. It’s ideal to position a small side table next to the chair for holding drinks, remotes, and reading materials.
Not usually, since wall hugger models come in standard chair sizes and heights. Their close-to-wall abilities depend on the internal mechanism, not the external dimensions. You sit in and get up from a wall hugger recliner the same as a normal recliner. Just take care not to bump the wall when sitting down.
Many people find wall hugger recliners quite comfortable for sleeping in overnight thanks to their plush padding and full recline capability. Look for a wall hugger model with generous dimensions and upholstered in a soft, flexible fabric rather than harder leather. This allows more breathability and flexibility to encourage restful sleep.
While pricing fluctuates, on average wall hugger recliners cost about the same as traditional recliners. There is usually no major premium for the specialized internal mechanism. Low-end wall hugger models start around $200, with high-end versions running up to $1000 or more.
Reputable manufacturers use high quality components on wall hugger mechanisms to ensure years of smooth performance. Metal gears, levers and springs are rigidly tested. Better wall huggers feel very stable when reclined and don’t shift noticeably closer to walls. Opt for established brands with good warranties.
Yes, wall hugger recliners fully recline just like standard models. The different internal lever system still allows the backrest to lay flat. This distinguishes wall huggers from rocker/tilt chairs that don’t fully recline. Look for wall huggers with a minimum 135 degree reclining angle.
Some of the top rated wall hugger recliner brands include Mega Motion, Jackson Furniture, Catnapper, Lane Home Furnishings, Homelegance, and Best Home Furnishings. Each offers a variety of styles catering to different budgets. Look for solid steel mechanisms and smooth recline motions.
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