BILTRITE Furniture Talk

Your Guide To Finding A Great Power Recliner Chair

Power Recliner Chair Recliner Guide

Ever felt like your recliner has its own ideas about what's comfortable? You pull the lever, it clunks into one position. You push back, it goes too far. It's a constant battle to find that sweet spot!

That's where a power recliner chair changes everything. Instead of fighting with a handle, you get to settle in and find your ideal angle for relaxing, reading, or watching TV with the simple push of a button. It's not about adding complicated technology; it's about making true comfort effortless.

What Is a Power Recliner Chair?

Here at BILTRITE Furniture, we’ve been helping families in Metro Milwaukee find comfortable, quality furniture since 1928. Over four generations, we've seen trends come and go, but the move toward power reclining is one we're genuinely excited about. It brings an incredible level of ease and personalized comfort into our neighbors' homes!

A power recliner looks much like a traditional recliner, but it uses a quiet electric motor to move the backrest and footrest. This is the secret to its magic.

A person sitting in a power recliner chair, adjusting its position with controls on the armrest.

Power vs. Manual Recliners

So, what’s the real difference between pulling a lever and pushing a button? It comes down to precision and ease. A manual recliner typically locks into three positions, but a power recliner offers nearly infinite adjustments. You can stop it exactly where you feel most supported.

Here's a quick comparison of a modern power recliner chair and a traditional manual one to show you the benefits right away.

Power Recliner vs Manual Recliner At A Glance

Feature Power Recliner Chair Manual Recliner
Adjustment Smooth, motorized, infinite positions Manual lever or push-back, limited positions
Control Simple button, wand, or remote Requires body strength or reaching for a lever
Best For Precise comfort, limited mobility, relaxation Budget-conscious buyers, simple needs
Placement Needs to be near an outlet (or use battery pack) Can be placed anywhere

Ultimately, a power recliner offers a superior level of fine-tuned comfort that you just can't get with a manual chair.

Why Are Power Recliners So Popular?

This isn't just a local trend—it’s a reflection of what people want in their homes today: comfort without compromise. In fact, the global recliner market is projected to reach USD 7.2 billion by 2034, with power models driving much of that growth.

We see it in our showroom every day. Many people, especially those in the 65+ community, are looking for seating that helps with back pain or makes it easier to get in and out of a chair. The smooth, gentle motion of a power recliner is a game-changer. You can explore more about these market trends and their drivers to see just how popular these chairs have become.

The real beauty of a power recliner is the precision. You're not limited to pre-set angles. You can fine-tune your position for fantastic support, whether you're watching a movie or just want to take the pressure off your back.

What To Look For When You Shop

When you're ready to find a power recliner, you deserve something that's not only comfortable but also built to last. At BILTRITE, we focus on affordable, better-quality furniture, specializing in pieces made right here in the USA, including many from skilled Amish craftsmen.

We believe in a different way of doing business:

  • You Have to Try It: We don't sell our furniture online because we truly believe you need to sit in a chair to know if it’s the right one for you.
  • Real Expertise: Our non-commissioned team has a combined 400+ years of experience. We’re here to help you find what you love, not just make a sale.
  • Family First: We've been closed on Sundays since we opened in 1928, a tradition we proudly continue so our team can be with their families.

Ready to feel the difference for yourself? Come visit our Greenfield showroom, just a short drive from anywhere in Metro Milwaukee. We'd love to see you in our store! Come say hi and let us help you find the right power recliner for your home.

Comparing Power Recliners And Power Lift Chairs

It’s one of the most common questions we hear in our Greenfield showroom: “So, what’s the real difference between a power recliner and a power lift chair?” It’s a great question, and one we love to clear up for our neighbors here in Metro Milwaukee!

The simplest way to think about it is this: all lift chairs are power recliners, but not all power recliners are lift chairs. While both give you that wonderfully smooth reclining motion with just the push of a button, the lift chair has an extra feature that makes a world of difference.

The Standard Power Recliner For Ultimate Relaxation

A standard power recliner is all about finding your ideal sweet spot for comfort. With a quiet motor, it lets you effortlessly adjust your position for reading, napping, or catching the game. You aren’t limited to just a couple of settings; you can stop the recline at the exact angle that feels best for you.

This kind of chair is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their relaxation and bring a little effortless luxury into their living room.

The Power Lift Chair For Added Independence

A power lift chair does everything a standard power recliner can do, but it also has a special lifting mechanism that gently raises and tilts the entire chair forward. This brings you to a near-standing position, making it incredibly easy to get up without putting any strain on your back, knees, or arms.

This single feature is a true game-changer for so many people, especially:

  • Seniors looking to maintain their independence at home.
  • Anyone recovering from surgery, like a hip, knee, or back procedure.
  • Individuals with chronic pain or mobility challenges that make standing up from a seated position difficult.

Here at BILTRITE, we've seen firsthand how a power lift chair can bring incredible peace of mind to a family. Knowing your loved one can safely and comfortably get up on their own is a huge relief.

This added mobility support is a major reason for their growing popularity. In fact, the market for power lift chair recliners is projected to hit USD 2.5 billion by 2026, driven by the need for safe, comfortable seating in homes and senior communities. You can discover more about this impressive growth on Archive Market Research.

Which One Is Right For You?

Choosing between a standard power recliner and a power lift chair really comes down to your needs, both now and in the future. If your main goal is simply top-tier comfort and relaxation, a standard power recliner is an excellent choice. But if you or a family member could use a little extra help standing up, a lift chair is a wise investment in both safety and independence.

We are proud to specialize in both, with a huge selection ready to try right here in our showroom. We have many heavy-duty and USA-made lift chairs in stock. If you're exploring options for a loved one, you can learn more about lift chairs for the elderly in our detailed guide.

The best way to know for sure is to feel the difference for yourself. We invite you to come on down to our store in Greenfield and let our friendly, experienced team show you exactly how both types of chairs work. We’d love to help you find the ideal fit for your home and family.

Exploring Your Chair's Features And Controls

Now for the fun part—getting to know what your new power recliner can really do. A modern power recliner is so much more than just a comfy chair. It’s a piece of furniture designed to help you find that fantastic spot for relaxation with just the push of a button.

The market for these chairs is growing incredibly fast, and for good reason. It’s projected to become a USD 12.99 billion industry by 2026, largely because people are realizing the health benefits and comfort they offer. These chairs can help with circulation and make your home entertainment setup that much better. You can read more about the industry's impressive growth to see just why so many people are switching to powered comfort.

Single vs. Dual Motors

One of the first things you'll decide on is the motor system. Think of it as the engine of your chair.

  • Single Motor: This is the classic, straightforward option. One motor controls both the backrest and the footrest together. As you recline the back, the footrest rises in a smooth, synchronized motion. It's simple and effective.
  • Dual Motor: This setup gives you complete control. Two separate motors let you adjust the backrest and footrest independently of each other. Want to sit upright with your feet elevated? No problem. This allows for nearly limitless positions.

At BILTRITE, we keep both types on our showroom floor so you can feel the difference for yourself. Our team, with over 400 years of combined experience, is always happy to walk our neighbors through how each one works.

Easy-To-Use Controls

Forget about complicated remotes with a dozen mystery buttons. Today's power recliner controls are designed to be simple and intuitive. You’ll usually find one of these styles:

  1. Two-Button Wand: This is as easy as it gets—one button reclines, and the other brings you back upright. It’s simple, reliable, and easy to find without looking.
  2. Multi-Function Remote: These give you more options, like independent controls for a dual-motor chair, memory presets to save your favorite spot, or buttons for extra features like lumbar and headrest adjustments.
  3. Integrated Buttons: For a clean, modern look, many chairs have the controls built right into the armrest. These often include a handy USB or USB-C port, so you can charge your phone or tablet while you kick back and relax!

This chart is a great way to figure out whether a standard power recliner or a lift chair is the right fit for your needs.

Flowchart diagram guiding seating choices based on standing and sitting needs.

The main takeaway here is simple: if you or a loved one needs a little extra help getting in and out of a chair, a lift chair is the best choice for both comfort and safety.

Must-Have Comfort Features

Beyond the basic recline function, many of our USA-made and Amish-built chairs come with features that take comfort to a whole new level. We see customers' faces light up when they try these out in our store!

The most popular features are the ones that solve those little everyday annoyances. A power headrest means no more stuffing pillows behind your neck to watch TV! It's those small, thoughtful details that make all the difference.

Some of the most popular add-ons include:

  • Power Headrest: Tilts your head forward to the ideal angle for watching TV or reading a book, which really helps reduce neck strain.
  • Power Lumbar: Gives you adjustable support right where you need it in your lower back, helping to relieve pressure and aches from a long day.
  • Zero-Gravity Position: This setting reclines your body into a "weightless" position that eases pressure on your spine and can even help improve circulation.

We truly believe the best way to understand these features is to try them out. To get a feel for all the possibilities, check out our guide on the types of power reclining seating. Then, come on down to our Greenfield showroom and let us help you find the features that are just right for you.

Choosing The Right Fabric And Style For Your Home

Once you’ve settled on the ideal features and fit, the real fun begins—choosing the upholstery and style that will make your new power recliner chair a seamless part of your home. It’s not just about comfort; it's about finding a look that reflects your personal taste and stands up to your family’s lifestyle.

Three chairs showcasing different materials: a brown leather recliner, a beige fabric recliner, and a wooden armchair with light cushions.

Here at BILTRITE, we firmly believe you should never have to compromise on style to get the comfort and function you need. Whether you're drawn to the timeless appeal of genuine leather or the endless possibilities of modern fabrics, our Greenfield showroom is filled with options for everyone.

Leather vs. Fabric: What’s Right for You?

This is a question we get all the time, and the truth is, there’s no single right answer. It all comes down to what makes the most sense for your home and daily life here in the Metro Milwaukee area.

Leather Recliners
There’s a certain character to a leather recliner that is simply unmatched. It's known for being incredibly durable and surprisingly easy to clean. A quality leather chair is a true investment, developing a rich, beautiful patina over the years that only gets better with age.

Fabric Recliners
On the other hand, fabric opens up a universe of color, pattern, and texture. You can find a power recliner chair to match literally any decor you can dream up. Plus, many of today’s performance fabrics offer incredible stain and wear resistance, making them a fantastic and practical choice for active households with kids or pets.

We often tell our customers to think about their lifestyle first. A busy family might love the spill-proof nature of a performance fabric, while someone looking for a long-lasting statement piece might lean toward leather.

Whether you're leaning toward a buttery soft leather or a cozy, colorful fabric, you can learn everything you need to know about upholstery materials in our helpful guide.

The BILTRITE Difference: USA and Amish-Made Quality

As a 4th generation family business, one of the things we're most passionate about is our commitment to American-made furniture. We specialize in pieces built right here in the USA, including an incredible selection from skilled Amish craftsmen. When you choose one of these recliners, you're not just buying a chair—you’re investing in a legacy of quality.

These pieces come with benefits that are increasingly hard to find:

  • Solid Wood Frames: Unlike the particle board found in many cheaper alternatives, these chairs are constructed with real solid wood frames for unbelievable strength and longevity.
  • Exceptional Craftsmanship: The attention to detail is simply second to none. These are pieces built with pride by people who care, designed to be enjoyed for years and even passed down.
  • Supporting Local Artisans: Choosing USA-made or Amish-made furniture means you are directly supporting American craftspeople and their communities.

Finding A Style That Fits Your Milwaukee Home

Worried a power recliner won’t mesh with your home’s decor? Think again. The days of the one-style-fits-all bulky recliner are long gone. At BILTRITE, we stock a massive range of designs to suit any space.

We have everything from sleek, small-scale designs that are great for an apartment, condo, or senior living space to robust, heavy-duty models built for maximum support and durability. And because we know furniture isn't one-size-fits-all, we offer affordable custom order options so you can select the exact fabric, wood, and finish you want.

The best part? You can see, touch, and test them all for yourself. We don't sell online because we believe in the importance of finding the right fit in person. We invite you to come down to our showroom, say hi, and let us help you find a style that feels right at home.

How To Find The Right Size And Support For Your Body

Over our many years in the furniture business (since 1928!), we've learned a simple but powerful truth: one size absolutely does not fit all. This is especially true when you're looking for genuine, lasting comfort in a power recliner.

Finding a chair that truly fits your body is the most critical part of the search. It's just like buying a good pair of shoes—if they don't fit well, it doesn't matter how great they look. You'll never be truly comfortable. This is why trying a chair out in person makes all the difference, and our friendly team is here to help you get that "just-right" fit.

Why Size Is So Important For Comfort

Getting the right size isn't just about making sure the chair fits in your living room; it's about making sure the chair fits you. The right fit provides proper ergonomic support, which prevents those nagging aches and lets you relax completely for hours on end.

When we help someone find their ideal chair, we're looking at a few key things:

  • Seat Height: Your feet should rest flat on the floor when you're seated, with your knees bent at roughly a 90-degree angle. If your feet are left dangling, the chair is too tall. If your knees are pointing up toward your chin, it's too short.
  • Seat Depth: When you're sitting all the way back, with your lower back against the lumbar support, there should be about two inches of space between the front of the seat and the back of your knees. This simple gap prevents pressure on your legs and promotes healthy circulation.
  • Seat Width: You need enough space to feel settled and comfortable, not squeezed. At the same time, you don't want so much room that the armrests are too far away to provide support.

Finding A Chair That Is Built For You

At BILTRITE, we've always taken great pride in having something for everyone. We know our Metro Milwaukee neighbors have all kinds of homes and all kinds of needs, which is why we stock everything from smaller-scale recliners great for an apartment to heavy-duty models built for taller or larger individuals.

The wrong size chair can actually create new problems, like causing strain on your lower back if the seat is too deep. Our goal is to make sure your new favorite chair supports you wonderfully for many years to come.

This is especially true for furniture that needs to support a higher weight capacity. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, you can learn more about finding a great recliner for plus-size people in our dedicated article.

When you're browsing our showroom, keep an eye out for our "Heavy Duty" icon. This is our family's personal guarantee that the piece is built with a stronger frame and a more durable mechanism. It’s a sign of superior safety and durability, built to handle real life. You’ll find this robust construction in many of our USA-made and Amish-made chairs.

Ready to find your ideal fit? Come on down to our showroom in Greenfield! We’d love to say hi and help you find the power recliner that feels like it was made just for you.

Why Shopping Local At BILTRITE Makes A Difference

Our family first opened the doors to BILTRITE back in 1928 with a simple promise: to offer our Metro Milwaukee neighbors affordable, better-quality furniture. When you walk into our Greenfield showroom today, you’re not just another customer. You're part of our community, and we’ve built our reputation on treating you that way.

This is exactly why we don’t sell our furniture online. We genuinely believe you need to sit in a power recliner to know if it's the right one for you. How else can you feel the support of the cushions, test the smoothness of the motor, or see how a fabric really looks and feels? We know we’re different, and we’re proud of it. Here’s a little peek behind the curtain at what makes the BILTRITE experience so unique.

Come See For Yourself With Our In-Stock Selection

One of the best parts of visiting our showroom is our huge in-stock selection. We keep a massive inventory right here on our floor, including a wide variety of power recliners ready for you to try out. This isn’t about looking at a picture online; it's about sitting down, kicking back, and truly feeling the difference for yourself.

Seeing a chair in person lets you answer all the important questions:

  • Is the seat height comfortable for my knees and back?
  • Does the headrest hit me in the right spot?
  • Do I prefer the feel of this specific leather or fabric?

Having so many options on the floor means you can compare styles side-by-side, from our durable USA-made models to our beautifully crafted Amish pieces. Our team is always here to answer your questions without any pressure, just honest help to find a chair you'll love for years to come.

We often say that a chair has to "choose you" too. That "aha!" moment when you sink into a recliner and it just feels right is something you can only experience in person. That's why we're so passionate about our showroom experience.

Your Chair, Your Way With Custom Orders

What happens if you find a style you adore, but you’ve been picturing it in a different color? No problem at all. Alongside our huge in-stock selection, we offer affordable custom order options to make a piece truly your own.

You can choose from hundreds of fabrics and leathers, select the ideal wood finish for the legs, and even pick out the hardware. It’s the best way to get a power recliner that fits your home’s decor flawlessly. Best of all, "custom" doesn't mean "expensive" at BILTRITE. We make sure our special-order furniture is just as affordable as the pieces on our floor. Our team will happily walk you through all the swatch books and samples to bring your vision to life.

Here’s what makes shopping with our family-owned business a better experience for you and your family.

The BILTRITE Advantage For Your Power Recliner Purchase

What You Get The BILTRITE Way
In-Person Expertise Our non-commissioned team helps you find the right fit, size, and features without pressure.
Try Before You Buy Test out dozens of in-stock models to feel the comfort and support for yourself.
Affordable Customization Get the exact fabric or leather you want without a high price tag.
True White Glove Delivery We deliver, place, assemble, and remove all packaging. We can even haul away your old furniture.
Family Values We’re proudly closed on Sundays so our team can be with their families, just like we have since 1928.

It's a hands-on, personal approach that you just can't find anywhere else.

Our Delivery Service: The Final Touch

Once you’ve found the ideal recliner, we make getting it home completely effortless. We offer delivery throughout Metro Milwaukee and the surrounding areas, but we take it a step further with our White Glove Delivery service—which is free for qualifying purchases!

This isn't your standard curbside drop-off. Our professional delivery team will bring your new furniture into your home, place it exactly where you want it, assemble it completely, and clean up all the packaging. We even offer removal of your old furniture (if it’s in donatable condition). It’s the final, stress-free step in bringing home your new favorite chair.

This thoughtful service is similar to the approach we take with mattresses, where a personal touch and expert handling make all the difference. You can learn more about how we apply these same values by reading our thoughts on why you should buy a new mattress locally.

Proudly Closed On Sundays For Family

Since 1928, we've been closed on Sundays. It's a tradition started by our great-grandfather, and it's one we proudly continue today. We believe that everyone, including our amazing team, deserves a day to rest and spend with their families.

It’s a core part of who we are and a reflection of our family-first values. It's just one more thing that makes shopping with us a truly local, community-focused experience.

Ready to see what makes us different? Visit us in Greenfield today!

Answering Your Top Questions About Power Recliners

Every day in our showroom, we get to chat with people about what they're looking for in a great chair. We've heard just about every question in the book, so we’ve put together answers to some of the most common ones we hear about power recliners.

How Long Does A Power Recliner Chair Motor Last?

This is a fantastic question we hear all the time. With proper care, you can expect the motor in a well-made power recliner to last for many years—often 10 years or even longer.

The real difference-maker is the quality of the chair itself and how it's used day-to-day. At BILTRITE, we've always focused on affordable but better-quality furniture, which is why we carry so many USA and Amish-made chairs known for their durable, reliable components.

What Happens If The Power Goes Out?

There's no need to worry about getting stuck. If the power cuts out, most power recliners will simply hold their position until the electricity comes back on.

For total peace of mind, many of the models we offer have an optional battery backup pack. It’s a great little feature that stores just enough power to return the chair to a normal, upright position during an outage.

Do Power Recliners Need A Lot Of Maintenance?

Thankfully, no. They are surprisingly low-maintenance pieces of furniture. A few simple habits are all it takes:

  • Check Your Connections: Every now and then, just make sure the power cord is plugged in securely, both at the wall and into the chair's transformer.
  • Keep the Path Clear: Be sure there’s nothing under the chair that could get in the way of the mechanism, like shoes, pet beds, or kids' toys.
  • Listen for Changes: If you ever start to hear an unusual squeak or grinding noise, it's a good idea to unplug the chair and take a peek underneath to see if something has come loose.

The single most important thing you can do is to choose a well-built chair from the very beginning. A solid frame and a quality motor, like the ones found in our USA-made recliners, are your best insurance for years of trouble-free relaxation.

Where Should I Place My Power Recliner?

You'll definitely need to place your power recliner near a wall outlet. But what about the space behind it? That’s where modern designs really shine.

Many of today's chairs are "wall hugger" or "zero clearance" models. This just means they're engineered to slide forward as they recline, so you only need to leave a few inches between the chair and the wall. It's a brilliant space-saving feature, especially if you're working with a smaller room!

If you have more questions, there’s no substitute for stopping by and talking with us in person. We’re a 4th generation, family-owned business that’s been proudly serving the Metro Milwaukee community since 1928, and we’d love to help!


Ready to find your new favorite seat in the house? Come on down to the BILTRITE Furniture-Leather-Mattresses showroom in Greenfield to try out our huge selection of power recliner chairs for yourself. We can't wait to see you!
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