A power recliner is a reclining chair driven by an electric motor, so you change position with a button instead of a lever or by pushing back with your body. It suits anyone who wants precise, effortless adjustment, including people with limited strength or mobility, and it lets you stop at any angle between upright and fully reclined. This page gathers the motorized models from our main recliners category.
The range is large, with more than 300 chairs. List prices start near $280 and reach about $6,700 for the most elaborate pieces, but most sit between around $700 and $1,300 per chair. About 70% are in stock. Reclining chairs make up roughly half of the range, with lift chairs, massage chairs, rockers, swivel gliders and a few reclining sofas making up the rest.
Single, Dual and Zero Gravity Motors
Motor layout decides how much control you have.
- Single motor: the backrest and footrest move together. Simple and affordable, ideal for most living rooms.
- Dual motor: separate control of back and legs. A dual power recliner lets you raise your feet while sitting upright, which helps with swelling and long TV sessions.
- Power headrest and lumbar: extra motors tilt the head cushion or push out lumbar support. A power headrest recliner keeps your eyes on the screen when you are nearly flat.
- Zero gravity: a zero gravity model tips the seat so your knees sit near heart level, spreading weight evenly across the back.
Lift, Rocker and Glider Variations
Not every motorized chair simply reclines. Lift models tilt the whole chair forward to help you stand; if that is the main reason you are shopping, our lift chair page goes deeper into sizing for seniors. Power lift recliners make up a sizable share of this collection as well.
A power rocker recliner rocks freely when upright and reclines by motor, and a power glider recliner glides on a track for a smoother, quieter motion. If rocking or swivel motion is your priority, compare the rocking recliners and swivel models ranges, which include manual options too.
Heat, Massage and Convenience Features
A power recliner with heat and massage adds vibration motors and a heating pad, usually in the lumbar zone, controlled from the same remote. It is a comfort feature, not a medical device, but many buyers find it helps tired backs after a long day. Other common extras in this range:
- USB charging ports in the arm or remote.
- Cup holders and side pockets for remotes.
- Extended footrests for taller users.
- Ambient lights in the base on some designs.
Each feature adds wiring and controls, so decide which ones you will really use.
Fitting a Motorized Recliner Into Your Room
- Wall clearance. A standard recliner needs space behind it to lay back. A wall hugger power recliner slides the seat forward as it reclines, so it can sit just a few inches from the wall.
- Footrest reach. Measure the chair's fully reclined length and leave a walkway in front.
- Outlet location. Plan where the cord will run; an outlet behind the chair or a cord along the wall avoids a trip hazard. Some buyers add an optional battery pack where a cord is not practical.
- Seat size. Compact models have a narrower seat and shorter back that suit shorter users and apartments; big and tall models need wider doorways for delivery.
Leather vs Fabric Upholstery
Leather wipes clean, resists pet hair and looks good with age, but it feels cool in winter and warm in summer. Chenille and other fabrics, common in this range in gray, brown, beige and charcoal, feel soft and warm and hide wear, though spills need quicker attention. Faux leather sits between the two on price and care. Brown and black leather suit traditional dens; gray chenille works in most modern living rooms.
Caring for the Motor and Upholstery
Keep the area under the chair clear of toys, pets and cables before reclining. Plug the chair into a surge protector, and if it stops moving, check the plug and transformer connections first. Vacuum crevices regularly. Clean leather with a damp cloth and condition it a few times a year; spot-clean fabric with a mild upholstery cleaner. For a matching sofa with the same motion, browse our reclining sofas.
Power Recliner FAQ
Are heat and massage features worth paying for?
If you often sit for long stretches or have a sore back, heat and massage add comfort and the price difference is moderate. If you mainly want easy reclining, a standard motorized model gives most of the benefit with fewer parts.
What happens to a motorized recliner if the power goes out?
Most stay in their current position until power returns. A battery backup, sold separately for many models, lets you return the chair to upright during an outage, which is worth considering for anyone who depends on the chair to stand.
How close to the wall can a wall hugger recliner sit?
Wall huggers move the seat forward as they recline, so they need only a few inches of clearance. Check the specific listing for the recommended distance, since it varies by frame.
Are power lift recliners good for elderly users?
Yes. The lift function tilts the chair forward to help you stand, and smooth motorized recline avoids pulling a lever. Choose a seat height and depth that let your feet rest flat and your back reach the backrest.
What size motorized chair suits a small living room?
Look for a compact seat width, a wall-hugger mechanism and a shorter back. Measure the fully reclined length and leave room for a walkway in front.