How To Make A Recliner More Comfortable?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Is Assessing Your Recliner Important?
- 8 Ways To Make A Recliner More Comfortable For You
- Upgrade Your Cushions
- Add Lumbar Support
- Consider Adjusting The Recline And Footrest, Too
- Fix The Broken Parts (If Any)
- Where And How You Position Your Recliner Also Matters
- Add A Footrest Or Ottoman
- Focus On The Armrest Comfort, Too
- Improve The Reclining Angles In Your Chair
- Final Words
Recliner chairs are solely designed to provide immense comfort. But this comfy furniture, over time, can develop problems, especially with regular use. Or, you might be dealing with a different scenario where your newly bought recliner chair isn't very comfy to lounge on. We know that not all recliners live up to the hype. Over time, even the coziest chair can start to sag, squeak, or lose its supportiveness. Maybe the cushions have gone flat, the frame is wobbling, or the armrests feel hard.
For whatever reason, the good news here is that you don't need to toss your recliner or spend a fortune on a new one. With a few smart tweaks, you can dramatically upgrade your recliner's comfort.
In this guide, we will walk you through practical, proven ways to make your recliner feel like new again.
Why Is Assessing Your Recliner Important?
Assessing your recliner first is important because it helps you identify the real sources of discomfort, like sagging cushions, upholstery issues, poor support, or mechanical issues, so you can target the right fixes instead of wasting time or money on unnecessary upgrades.
Before you start making improvements, take a few minutes to evaluate your recliner as it is.
Sit in the chair the way you normally would with your feet up, back relaxed, and ask yourself a few key questions:
- Is the padding still supportive, or does it feel flat or lumpy?
- Does the recliner glide smoothly between positions, or does it stick or wobble?
- Do you feel any pressure points in your lower back, neck, or legs?
- Is the footrest angle comfortable, or does it strain your knees or ankles?
- Does the fabric feel itchy, hot, or slippery against your skin?
Note down the answers and use them to identify problem areas. For example, if your lower back feels unsupported, you may need lumbar support. If the seat sags or creaks, it could be a sign of worn-out springs or foam. A too-slippery or scratchy fabric might benefit from a cozy throw or recliner cover.
By pinpointing exactly what’s off, you can target your fixes and get the most out of your upgrades.
8 Ways To Make A Recliner More Comfortable For You
1. Upgrade Your Cushions
Sagging seat foam is one of the most common comfort killers. So, replace worn-out padding with high-density foam cut to fit, layer memory foam over the existing material for instant softness.
You can opt for high-density foam that ideally measures 2.5 to 3lb and strikes a good balance between softness and long-term support. For extra comfort, consider layering memory foam on top for that plus, body-contouring feel.
And remember, if the existing foam still has some life but feels uneven or deflated, re-stuffing can help. Use loose polyester fiberfill or add a thin layer of foam to fill out sagging areas. This is a great low-cost fix that doesn't require major disassembly.
2. Add Lumbar Support
Not all, but some reclining chairs miss out on the lumbar support. So the plush cushions can't support the natural curve of your lower back, and it causes comfort issues. This is why lumbar support accessories are needed to bridge that gap. These accessories are specially sized for recliners for ergonomic support and comfort.
You can invest in a good-quality lumbar pillow, either in firm memory foam or latex. And check if the pillows are proportioned to fit comfortably into the natural curves of your back while you are seated.
Positioning the lumbar pillow properly matters a lot. It should be put in the triangle space between your mid and lower back and the chair. This way it works as it's intended to.
3. Consider Adjusting The Recline And Footrest, Too
If your recliner's footrest or backrest is stiff and you have a hard time adjusting the furniture to recline, then it's a sign that it requires some self-care. Clean the reclining chair using a vacuum around the joints and mechanisms, and then apply a silicone lubricant spray. Stay away from oils as they can damage the upholstery fabric.
Next, test the levers by letting the chair fully recline to its potential and check how the footrests and backrests work and where they get struck. If needed, repeat lubricating until the parts move smoothly again.
4. Fix The Broken Parts (If Any)
Because the recliner chair that has been serving you well for a long time suddenly loses its track, it might have some structural flaws that contribute to the problem.
If your recliner seat is sagging, check the springs and frame. You can restore support by securing broken or loose coils to the wooden frame using heavy-duty wire around 2mm thick.
If the chair is wobbling or showing any signs, stabilize the base with furniture shims or add non-slip pads if it's placed on a carpet.
For wooden frames that are warped or loose at the joints, reinforce them using wood glue and metal brackets.
5. Where And How You Position Your Recliner Also Matters
If you want to fully enjoy the recliner chair's features, like reclining the backrest or extending the footrest, you need enough breathing room. So, to make this happen, leave at least 3 feet of clearance behind and in front of the recliner so it can move freely without bumping into walls or the other furniture kept around.
Think beyond just physical space, though. We should focus on comfort and convenience, too. Place your recliner near essential items such as a side table, lamp, or, if needed, next to a living room set.
Check the seat height. This is crucial for those facing issues with their knee, hips, or general mobility. The seat should be 16 to 20 inches off the ground. If this chair sits too low, use a firm riser wedge or furniture risers to uplift it to a few inches. This makes it easier to sit down and stand up without strain.
6. Add A Footrest Or Ottoman
Standard recliner footrests often fall short, especially for taller users or those who are looking for full-leg support. If your feet dangle off the edge or your calves don't rest comfortably, your legs may start to feel cramped or unsupported. This is why you need to address it by adding extra leg support that can smooth blood flow and provide pressure relief.
But you can choose the right option:
A standalone ottoman is a cushioned ottoman that can be placed at the right distance for your leg length. Choose one with storage for bonus functionality. But make sure you match the ottoman's height to your recliner's footrest to avoid uneven pressure on your legs.
A footrest extender is also a decent option. You can attach it directly to your recliner, and it is designed to lengthen the built-in footrest, which is ideal for adding a few extra inches of leg support.
7. Focus On The Armrest Comfort, Too
Armrests are often overlooked. But this part also influences how cozy your recliner feels, especially during long lounging sessions. If the armrests are too hard, too narrow, or just not aligned with your posture, it can lead to shoulder and neck tension over time.
To enhance the comfort in this area, you can apply the simplest solution, which is to add padded armrest covers. These are widely available in various fabrics and can easily boost comfort and also protect the armrests from wear, spills, and grime. Look for models with slip-resistant backing or elastic bands to keep them in place.
If you prefer a homemade option, try wrapping a thick towel around each armrest and securing it with fabric ties or Velcro strips. It’s a low-cost, customizable fix that adds instant cushioning.
Pro Tip: If you find yourself slouching or leaning to one side, uneven or unsupportive armrests might be the reason. Adjusting them can improve not just comfort, but your posture as well.
8. Improve The Reclining Angles In Your Chair
A recliner should support your body in a natural, relaxed position, but if the angles are off, even a well-padded chair with all the upgrades you have can cause discomfort. This is why small adjustments can make a big difference.
Many recliners allow you to tweak the tension or resistance that controls how easily the chair reclines. If your chair either snaps back too fast or resists reclining altogether, look underneath for adjustment knobs or screws (usually near the base or mechanism arms). Turning these can loosen or tighten the reclining motion to better match your body weight and movement.
If your recliner lacks built-in adjustment features that are available in a power reclining chair, you can still improve your sitting posture with a few clever additions:
We have already mentioned about adding lumbar support. Besides that these two would help:
- You can add wedge pillows behind your back or under your legs to improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure on joints.
- For leg support, a knee wedge or folded blanket under your knees can relieve lower back strain and improve circulation.
Tip: The ideal reclining angle for relaxation is usually between 100° and 130°. Being too upright causes tension, while being too flat can make your back arch uncomfortably.
Experiment with positioning until you find a setup that feels just right, your spine and joints will thank you.
Final Words
When you want to sit and relax on a recliner chair, you want a place to feel comfy and not something you are constantly shifting around in, trying to get comfortable.
Yet, you don't need to replace the whole chair to fix what's not working. You just have to do some tweaks as given in this article, and you are all set. It's amazing what a few adjustments can do. So, before you start eyeing that expensive new model, try these upgrades first. You might be surprised how great your recliner can feel again.