What is a rise & recline chair?
A rise and recline chair is an electrically powered armchair. As well as being a comfortable place to sit, it can recline you back to relax and gently tilt forward and upwards to help you stand.
From the outside, a good one looks like any well-made armchair in your living room.
How it works
Inside the chair is an electric motor mechanism. You use a hand control to move the chair between positions. The movement is smooth and steady, and you can stop at any point along the way.
Sitting
In its normal position the chair is simply an armchair. Seat height, depth and firmness all affect how comfortable it feels, so these matter just as much as the powered features.
Reclining
Pressing the recline button tilts the backrest back and raises a footrest. You can choose a slight recline to watch television or a deeper one to rest.
The rising function
The rise function gently lifts and tilts the whole seat forward, bringing you towards a standing position so you need less effort to get up. Pressing the button again lowers you back down to sit.
Single motor vs dual motor
In general terms, a single motor chair moves the backrest and footrest together, while a dual motor chair lets you move them independently. Neither is automatically better — it depends on how you like to sit.
Our single vs dual motor guide explains the difference in more detail.
Chair size and fit
A rise and recline chair should fit the person using it, much like a good pair of shoes. Things to consider:
- Seat height — can your feet rest flat on the floor when sitting?
- Seat depth — does your back reach the backrest comfortably?
- Seat width — is there enough room without feeling lost in the chair?
- Armrest height — can you rest your arms naturally?
Room space
Remember the chair needs room to recline behind and to extend its footrest in front. Measure the space and think about the nearest plug socket and how you'll walk around the chair.
Fabric and style
The chair will be part of your living room for years, so choose something you'll enjoy looking at. Think about colour, how easy the fabric is to keep clean and how it feels to sit on.
Seeing and touching fabric samples at home, in your own light, makes this much easier.
Controls
Check the hand control is comfortable to hold, the buttons are clear and easy to press, and it's simple to understand which button does what.
Questions to ask before buying
- Does the chair fit me — height, depth and width?
- Do I want the backrest and footrest to move together or separately?
- Will it fit in my room, including when reclined?
- Is the hand control easy for me to use?
- Do I like the fabric and colour?
- Who delivers it and shows me how to use it?
Why trying the chair in your own home helps
A chair that feels right in a shop can feel different in your own living room. Trying it at home lets you check the fit, see how it suits the room and use the controls yourself.
With DHS, the showroom comes to you. Your home demonstration is free, with no obligation and no pressure.
This guide is general consumer information about home-comfort products. It is not medical advice. If you have a health condition or specific medical questions, please speak to your GP, occupational therapist or another appropriate healthcare professional.