Riser Recliner Chair Buying Guide
Riser recliner chairs – also called electric recliners or mobility chairs – gently rise to help you stand and recline to help you relax. Compare our chairs side by side below, then read on to find the right size, seat height and features for you.
How to choose the best riser recliner chair
What size riser recliner chair should you buy?
Getting the size right matters more than any other feature. A well-fitted chair supports your knees, back and neck, with your feet resting flat on the floor. Too big or too small, and it won’t give you the support you need – which is why our chairs come in four sizes: Petite, Standard, Grande and Extra Grande.
The most important measurement is seat height. Measure your own floor-to-knee height (standing, or seated with your feet flat), then choose a chair whose seat height matches it as closely as possible – ideally within half an inch to an inch.
Check the room too: the chair needs space behind and in front of it to recline fully.
How to measure for a riser recliner chair
All you need is a tape measure. Use a chair you find comfortable as a guide and take these five measurements.
Seat height
Measure from the floor to the top of the seat. It should match your floor-to-knee height, so your feet sit flat and your knees are supported.
Seat depth
Measure from the front of the seat cushion to the backrest. The seat should support your thighs without pressing into the backs of your knees.
Seat width
Measure from the inside of one armrest to the inside of the other. You should have room to sit comfortably, with the arms close enough to support you as you sit and stand.
Armrest height
Halfway along the armrest (between the front of the arm and the backrest), measure from the top of the seat cushion to the top of the armrest.
Back height
Measure from the back edge of the seat cushion to the top of the backrest. It should support you all the way from your hips to your head.
Riser recliners are electric, so the chair also needs to sit near a plug socket, with the lead safely out of the way.
Seat height guide
Use this as a starting point: find the seat height closest to your floor-to-knee measurement, then check width and depth.
| Chair | Sizes available | Seat height |
|---|---|---|
| Stirling Lightweight | Petite, Standard, Grande | 17″ (Petite), 19″ (Standard), 20″ (Grande) |
| Windsor | Standard | 18.5″ |
| Conwy | Standard | 18.5″ |
| Ascot | Petite, Standard, Grande, Extra Grande | 20.5″ (all sizes) |
| Blenheim | Petite, Standard, Grande, Extra Grande | 21″ (Petite), 22.25″ (Standard), 23″ (Grande and Extra Grande) |
What style and design of riser recliner do you want?
Many suppliers let you choose your chair’s fabric and pattern, so it suits your taste and your room. Ask whether they offer swatches, and think about which fabrics will work best in your home.
Whether you prefer a traditional or a modern look, we offer over 30 upholsteries in a range of colours and styles, from simple fabrics to leather and more detailed designs, with matching stools available for extra comfort.
How to buy a good riser recliner chair
A riser recliner chair is an investment you’ll use every day for years, so make sure it’s built to last. The simplest way to be confident of quality is to buy from a reputable supplier that meets Trading Standards requirements.
Look out for these logos to identify reputable companies:
Adjustamatic has over 50 years of British heritage. Our chairs are made from quality materials and rigorously tested at our factory in Wales, and every riser recliner comes with a two-year guarantee included in the price.
Get a feel for your riser recliner chair before you buy
Always try a chair before you buy, to check how it fits you and your home and how the rise and recline feel. We offer a free, no-obligation home trial, where one of our expert consultants brings a chair to you. Call us free on 0800 689 9823 to arrange yours.
Can you buy a riser recliner chair online?
Buying online is convenient, but you can’t get a true feel for the chair or check the fit. We recommend trying a riser recliner before you buy, so you know it suits your needs.
If you do buy online, you’ll find plenty of choice on price and style. Stick to brands you know or research the company first, and ask:
- Do they offer secure card payments?
- Do they have a clear returns policy?
- What are their delivery charges?
If you have any questions for us, use our contact form or call us free on 0800 689 9823 – we’re always happy to chat.
What accreditations should a riser recliner chair have?
Look for marks that show a chair has been fully tested for safety and quality. Check that the supplier is Trading Standards Approved, that the chair carries CE or UKCA marking, and that any chair sold with medical benefits – such as those fitted with Cyclo-Therapy® massage – has Class IIa medical device certification.
Should you buy a riser recliner chair in a high street shop?
A high street mobility shop is often the first place people think of. Before you go, research the types of riser recliner and the models you’re interested in.
Visiting a showroom lets you try the different features for yourself. You can see our chairs in person at our two showrooms: in Southampton, and at our factory store in Denbigh, North Wales.
Is it possible to buy a second-hand riser recliner chair?
You can buy second-hand from a shop or a private sales site such as eBay, but a used chair is less likely to fit you properly and may not come with a guarantee. Follow the same steps as you would for a new chair: measure yourself and the space, try the chair, and think about your needs.
Financial considerations
A riser recliner chair can feel like a big purchase, but a good one will serve you for many years. Look for finance options to spread the cost and make it more manageable.
You could even take advantage of VAT exemption
If you have a long-term illness or disability and the chair is for use at home, you may be eligible for VAT relief – a saving of up to 20%.
Why you should buy your riser recliner from a specialist manufacturer
A specialist manufacturer offers a wider range of chairs and can tailor features and support to you, so you get a chair that truly meets your needs.
At Adjustamatic, every riser recliner is made to order. Most of our chairs can also be fitted with optional NHC Cyclo-Therapy® massage technology to help ease back pain and everyday aches. Just sit back, put your feet up and let the massage do the work.
Riser recliner chair FAQs
A riser recliner is an electric armchair that rises and tilts forward to help you stand up, and reclines to help you relax. You control it with a simple handset, so it is ideal if you find it hard to get in and out of a standard chair.
Measure your floor-to-knee height, standing or seated with your feet flat, and choose a chair whose seat height matches it as closely as possible, ideally within half an inch to an inch. Our chairs range from a 17 inch seat height on the Stirling Petite to 23 inches on the Blenheim Grande and Extra Grande.
Look for a lower seat height and a smaller size. Our Stirling Lightweight chair has the lowest seat heights in our range, from 17 inches in the Petite size, and the Ascot and Blenheim are also available in Petite.
Choose a higher seat height and a larger size. Our Blenheim has the highest seat heights in our range, from 21 to 23 inches, and comes in sizes up to Extra Grande. The Ascot also comes in Extra Grande, with a 20.5 inch seat height.
Yes. Our Ascot, Blenheim, Conwy and Windsor chairs can be fitted with optional NHC Cyclo-Therapy massage technology, designed to help ease back pain and everyday aches while you relax.
Yes. Every Adjustamatic riser recliner chair comes with a two-year guarantee included in the price.
If you have a long-term illness or disability and the chair is for use in your home, you may be eligible for VAT relief, saving up to 20%. See the pricing section of our FAQs page for details of how to claim.
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation home trial, where one of our consultants brings a chair to your home so you can check the fit. You can also visit our showrooms in Southampton and at our factory store in Denbigh, North Wales. Call us free on 0800 689 9823 to arrange either.
Any questions about buying a riser recliner chair?
If you’re considering one of our riser recliners, our friendly team is here to help. Call us free on 0800 689 9823 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday) or send us a message. We can arrange a home visit for you to try any chair, and give you honest, expert advice.
