Complete guide

How to choose a riser recliner chair

Everything you need to know before you spend a penny — sizing, motor types, fabric, features, VAT exemption, and what questions to ask before you sign anything.

In this guide
Step 1

Getting the size right

This is the most critical decision and the one most people underestimate. A chair that is the wrong size will be uncomfortable regardless of how good everything else is. It can also create postural problems over time.

The three measurements that matter most are your seated hip width, your thigh length (seat depth), and the height from the floor to the back of your knee when sitting. Most manufacturers offer sizes from petite/small through to extra-large or bariatric. Here is what each measurement is checking for:

Seat width — should be roughly 5cm wider than your hips when seated. Too wide and your arms won't reach the handrest comfortably. Too narrow and it's restrictive.
Seat height — when seated with your back against the chair, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees at roughly 90 degrees. If your feet don't reach the floor, the rising action will not work correctly.
Seat depth — the seat should support the full length of your thigh without pressing behind the knee. If the seat is too deep you will either sit forward and lose lumbar support, or have the edge pressing into the back of your legs.
Weight capacity — check this against actual bodyweight, not a rough estimate. Manufacturers typically specify maximum user weight per model. Bariatric models from some manufacturers accommodate up to 35 stone.
The best way to get sizing right is a free in-home assessment. The adviser measures you in your actual chair, on your actual floor, and checks the space the chair will need when fully reclined. It is a much better basis for a decision than a showroom visit where conditions are different.
Step 2

Single or dual motor?

This is the question we get asked most often. The short answer: single motor is fine for most people, dual motor is worth having if you have a specific health condition that benefits from independent leg elevation.

Single motor — back and footrest move together as one linked action. Simple handset with two or three buttons. Lower cost. Fine if you primarily need help standing up safely.

Dual motor — back and footrest adjust independently. You can raise your legs while sitting upright, which is the key clinical use case: oedema, poor circulation, swollen ankles. Also useful if you spend a lot of the day in the chair and want to vary your position without committing to a full recline.

A third option, tilt-in-space, is a specialist product for significant pressure or postural needs — not a general purchase. If an OT has mentioned it, read our dedicated motor types guide before buying anything.

Read the full motor types guide →

Step 3

Leather or fabric?

Both work well. The choice depends almost entirely on your lifestyle and the room the chair is going in.

Leather
Wipes clean easily. Better if you have pets, children nearby, or any risk of spillage. Tends to look smart and holds its shape well. Can feel cold initially and warmer in summer. Easier to slide in and out of. Slightly more expensive.
Fabric
Warmer feel, softer texture. Wider choice of colours. More at home in a traditional living room. Slightly harder to clean if accidents happen. Can pill or wear in high-friction areas over many years. Often less expensive than leather equivalents.
Neither fabric choice significantly affects comfort or function. Do not pay a premium for leather unless you have a reason to prefer it. The motor type and sizing are far more important decisions.

Most manufacturers offer both. If you want made-to-measure with a specific colour or weave, fabric gives a wider range. Supreme Comfort, for instance, have a large fabric library. Camelot Chairs are strong on premium leather ranges.

Step 4

Features worth paying for

Not all features matter equally. Here is an honest assessment of what to prioritise and what is mostly marketing.

Essential
Battery backup
If the power goes out while you are fully reclined, you need to be able to return the chair to upright. This is a safety feature, not a luxury. Check it is included as standard — some manufacturers charge extra.
Essential
Handset design
A simple rocker switch is far easier to use than a multi-button controller if hand strength or dexterity is limited. Ask to see the handset before you buy.
Heat and massage
Useful for circulation, muscle comfort, and general wellbeing in the chair. Worth having if you spend significant time seated. Not clinically significant for most conditions.
Independent lumbar adjustment
Useful if lower back support at a specific position matters to you. Standard on dual motor; sometimes optional on single motor.
Removable / washable covers
Practical advantage if incontinence is a consideration. Not all chairs offer this — worth asking specifically.
USB charging port
Useful for charging a phone or tablet without getting up. Minor practical convenience. Not worth paying significantly more for.
Step 5

VAT exemption — a 20% saving many people miss

Riser recliner chairs are zero-rated for VAT under HMRC Notice 701/7 when purchased by a person with a qualifying disability or chronic long-term illness. Most people buying a riser chair qualify. This is a 20% saving on the chair price — on a £1,200 chair that is £240.

You do not need a GP letter. You do not need to provide any documentation. You sign a self-declaration at the point of purchase confirming you meet the criteria. Any reputable manufacturer handles this as part of their standard sales process.

If you are buying for a family member who has a qualifying condition, they or their carer can sign the declaration. The buyer does not need to be the person with the condition.

Read the full VAT exemption guide →

Step 6

Delivery, installation and warranty

Delivery from a reputable manufacturer should include delivery to the room of your choice (not just the front door), assembly, and a demonstration of how the chair operates. These should be included in the purchase price, not charged separately.

Watch for separate charges for stair delivery, second-floor installation, or 'difficult access' — these are sometimes added after quote. Ask specifically before you agree to anything.

On warranties: a reasonable minimum is 2 years on the motor and mechanism, 5 years on the frame, and 1-2 years on the fabric. But warranty length is meaningless without knowing the response time. A 5-year warranty that takes 3 weeks to honour and requires you to transport the chair yourself is worse than a 2-year one with 48-hour in-home service.

Ask these three questions before you buy:

Does the warranty cover parts and labour, or parts only?
What is the typical call-out response time for a repair?
What happens if a part needs to be ordered — do you provide a loan chair?
Step 7

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying without a home assessment. Showroom chairs are rarely on the same flooring or at the same height as your home. Sizing feels different. Most reputable suppliers offer free in-home assessments — use them.
Choosing the cheapest option first. If you buy a single motor chair and then realise you needed dual, you are buying again. Being honest about your health needs at the outset saves money overall.
Not claiming VAT exemption. Most buyers qualify. This is a 20% saving. There is no reason not to claim it.
Signing without reading the returns policy. Made-to-measure chairs are often non-returnable. Know what your options are before you commit.
Falling for pressure selling. Reputable manufacturers do not pressure you to sign on the day of the assessment. If you feel hurried, walk away and request a quote in writing.
Step 8

What to do next

The fastest route to the right chair at a fair price is to get quotes from two or three vetted manufacturers and compare on a like-for-like basis. That is exactly what our free service does.

1
Fill in our short form — takes under 2 minutes. Tell us your upholstery preference, motor type, and postcode.
2
We match you with the most suitable vetted UK manufacturers for your requirements and location.
3
Manufacturers contact you — usually within a few hours — to arrange an in-home assessment and provide a quote.
4
Compare and decide at your own pace. You are under no obligation to proceed with any of them.

Ready to get quotes?

Free, no-obligation quotes from vetted UK manufacturers matched to your requirements.

Start free comparison 0808 304 9012

Related guides

Guide Single vs dual motor — detailed breakdown Everything about how each motor type works. Guide Riser chair VAT exemption How to save 20% and who qualifies. FAQ 22 common questions answered Costs, warranties, NHS availability and more.