Finding Your Perfect Push Back Recliner Chair: UK Buying Guide

Finding the right armchair for your living room can feel like a balancing act. You want something that looks good, fits your space and above all, offers a genuine sense of comfort after a long day. A push back recliner chair offers a simple, streamlined solution, providing relaxation without the need for complex levers or power cords.

As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options. This guide offers practical advice on what to look for in a manual recliner chair and presents a few carefully selected recommendations to help you find the perfect spot to unwind.

What to Consider Before Choosing Your Recliner

Making a good choice comes down to a few key factors. Here’s what to keep in mind to ensure your new living room armchair meets your needs for comfort and style.

1. Recline Mechanism and Footrest Style

The defining feature of a push back recliner is its simplicity. You use your body weight to lean back and engage the reclining function, often with an integrated footrest that rises as you recline. This creates a clean look with no side levers.

Alternatively, some models come as an armchair with footstool. This two-piece setup offers more flexibility; you can use the stool only when needed, position it at the perfect distance, or even use it as a spare seat. Consider which style better suits your space and how you prefer to relax.

2. Material and Upholstery

The material of your chair affects its look, feel and maintenance.

• Fabric Recliner Chair: Materials like textured weaves or soft teddy fabrics offer a warm, cosy feel and come in a wide array of colours. They are comfortable in all seasons and can add a soft, inviting texture to a room.
• PU Leather Recliner Chair: PU, or polyurethane leather, provides the classic look of leather with the benefit of being easy to clean. A simple wipe-down is often all that’s needed, making it a practical choice for households where spills might occur.

3. Ergonomics and Support

True comfort is about more than just a soft cushion. Look for features designed for support, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time reading or watching television in your chair. A high back recliner provides crucial support for your neck and head, while a recliner with lumbar support helps maintain good posture by cushioning the lower back.

Recommended Push Back Recliner Chairs

Here are a few distinct options that showcase the different styles and features available.

Armchair & Footstool Apero Recliner Ice Blue

Why It Stands Out: The Apero set pairs a manual push-back recliner armchair with a matching separate footstool. Its design is distinctly modern, featuring sleek black metal star bases that contrast beautifully with the soft, textured ice blue fabric. The high back and rolled armrests create an inviting silhouette.

Pros:

• Separate footstool offers flexible positioning for personalised comfort.
• Modern design with a refreshing ice blue colour.
• High backrest provides full head and neck support.
• Sturdy metal base ensures excellent stability.

Who is it for? This set is ideal for someone seeking a stylish, contemporary accent chair that doesn't compromise on comfort. It’s a great fit for modern living rooms or reading nooks where design and flexible relaxation are equally important.

MCC Direct Push Back Recliner Chair (PU Brown)

Why It Stands Out: This is a classic, all-in-one push back recliner chair. It features an integrated leg rest and offers three distinct recline positions (90°, 120° and 160°), making it suitable for everything from sitting upright to napping. The brown PU leather recliner chair upholstery is practical and easy to maintain, and it includes built-in lumbar support and a handy side pocket.

Pros:

• Multiple recline positions for versatile use.
• Easy-to-clean and durable PU leather upholstery.
• Integrated recliner with lumbar support for enhanced comfort.
• Convenient side storage pocket for remotes or magazines.

Who is it for? This chair is well-suited for those who prioritise function and durability. Its robust features and low-maintenance material make it a practical workhorse for a busy family living room or a dedicated relaxation space.

MCC Direct Push Back Recliner Chair (Teddy Fabric Beige)

Why It Stands Out: Offering the same functional design as its PU leather counterpart, this version is upholstered in a soft, cosy teddy fabric. It retains all the practical features, including the three-position recline, integrated leg rest and side pocket, but wraps them in a material that’s exceptionally soft to the touch. The neutral beige colour makes it easy to integrate into various decor schemes.

Pros:

• Plush and comfortable teddy fabric recliner chair upholstery.
• Features three recline angles for sitting, lounging, or resting.
• Includes a side pocket and built-in lumbar support.
• Anti-slip foot pads protect all flooring types.

Who is it for? This model is perfect for anyone who loves the classic, all-in-one recliner design but craves the warmth and tactile comfort of a soft fabric. It’s an excellent choice for creating a cosy corner in a bedroom or living room.

Looking for Other Styles?

If these specific models aren't quite what you're looking for, or if you'd like to see a wider variety of reclining furniture, there are many other options to explore.

Discover more designs by browsing our full collection of Indoor Adjustable Chaise Lounge chairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a push back recliner work?

A push back recliner chair uses a simple, spring-loaded mechanism. To recline, you sit in the chair and push back against the backrest. Your body weight activates the mechanism, causing the back to tilt and the footrest to rise. There are no levers to pull or buttons to press, which gives the chair a cleaner, more streamlined appearance.

Are push back recliners durable?

Yes, a well-made push back recliner is built for longevity. The mechanism is relatively simple, with fewer moving parts than many electric models, which can mean fewer potential points of failure. Look for chairs with a robust metal frame, as this is the foundation of the chair's stability and durability.

How much space do I need for a push back recliner chair?

You will need to account for the space the chair occupies when fully reclined. Before purchasing, check the product's "fully extended" dimensions. As a general rule, you should leave at least 40-50 cm of clearance behind the chair to allow it to recline without hitting a wall or other furniture.