How Do Recliners Work? – Learn About Frames, Springs & Features!

Recliners have been popular for a long time and they continue to grow in popularity. They have been used for years to kick back and relax while reading a book, watching TV or taking a nap. The ability to be placed in offices, living rooms, bedrooms or in professional settings has allowed the recliner to become everyone’s favorite chair. From dealing with back pain to breastfeeding your baby, recliners have demonstrated their wide usage and functionality. And now, people are curious to know how do recliners work?

Recliners provide a ton of benefits when paired with the correct technology. They can feature power lift options for the elderly and zero-gravity immersion to reach complete weightlessness. A recliner can be adjusted or lowered manually or automatically with power recliners. Over the years recliners have developed and advanced with technology and can now feature as luxury items with significant health benefits. Lastly, once you know how a recliner works you will be able to better understand the functionality, mechanisms, features, and how the price is assigned to different recliners.

How Does a Recliner Work?

Frames

If you want to know how recliners work, you have to begin with the frame. The frame is typically made from hardwood or plywood and is aligned carefully with large screws to ensure the recliners stability when you recline. The user sits down and pulls the lever and their body weight moves backward. To make sure that the recliner does not break, the frame must be able to support the entire weight and the motion with which it is carried. If it does not hold the weight properly, your recliner will not work for very long.

Arms

The arms of the chair are separate components and are constructed to operate independently from the rest of the chair. They are composed of multiple panels that help the user while they are reclining. To ensure their stability the panels are bolted together. Unlike other pieces of furniture, the panels are bolted with cross bars for complete immovability. The security of the arms is important because they are frequently used to push off when reclining.

Springs and Levers

It is easy to understand how the basics of reclining springs work. Pressure is applied by the user and the springs absorb it and compress while easing the recliner backward. With this explanation, questions regarding how recliners work without levers can be understood. Lastly, by leaning forward or rising from the chair, the springs will expand and allow the recliner to come back to its original position.

Manual and Automatic Recliners

Reclining is the best part of any chair. It is the feature that separates recliners from other boring furniture. Excluding recliners with ottomans, every type of recliner chair is designed to recline. Naturally, readers are curious to know how reclining mechanisms work.

The first method is through manual recline. This accomplished through the common lever and handle. The user simply pulls and lifts and smooth recline motion pushes the back of the recliner with body weight. The second method is automatic reclining. This is accomplished through an electrical motor that reduces the physical strain for consumers. The user uses a remote control or operating touch system on the recliner chair to operate the recline function.

The difference between how the manual recline and automatic recline work is obvious. However, the biggest difference for consumers is seen in the price tag. This is because automatic chairs are much more expensive compared to manual chairs.

Electric Recliners

Electric recliners are relatively new pieces of furniture to the average American household. That is why we decided to go into greater depth. Electric recliners are often referred to as riser recliners have many advantages compared to manual chairs. For example, they spread your weight across the chair and maximize comfort and stability. For elderly folk or individuals with disabilities, this is a huge bonus as they do not have to put any pressure on their joints. They can rise to their feet easily and safely. This can aid in alleviating pain from medical problems, find the optimal comfort position, and easily adjust seating angles.

Features and Functionality

Contemporary recliners work to combine aesthetics and great features. Modern chairs now include heat and massage, storage compartments, vibrations, multiple cup holders, and detachable headrests/cushions. Furthermore, customers will find that these chairs are improving their operations by including adjustable mechanics and different motors.

These changes have led to improvements in overall functionality. However, users often report problems with tension in the chair while reclining or coming to a neutral position. This can be fixed by addressing the adjustable tension underneath the chair. Users should tilt the recliner on its side and look for the twist-able wing nuts. By loosening or tightening the nuts you will be about to solve the chairs tension issues.

Maintaining Your Recliner

The first thing you should do is check if your warranty period is still valid. You also want to examine the owner’s manual for any troubleshooting issues and the internet to see if other customers have solutions to your chair model. Many of the issues that recliners face can be solved by simple lubrication. You can use penetrating oils to deal with any squeaky noises or rusting that happens over time.

Conclusion

How do recliners work? We hope next time you hear that question you will be able to answer it. The reason we made this short guide was to answer frequently asked questions and provide more information on recliner chairs. If you are thinking about buying a recliner we highly recommend it. They are comfortable, fit with any room, and are relaxing after a long work day!