Recliner is beautiful to look at, but too stiff to be comfortable. I'm a senior, 5'3", 145 lbs, and the chair is just plain hard, especially the seat. It's difficult to push the chair back from a reclining position to an upright position. This isn't a chair for elderly PPL.  I hope this mechanism will loosen up a bit with use. I don't have the money to send it back for another. I couldn't afford to shop locally, and Wayfair prices are quite appealing. If you want soft comfort I think you'll need to buy a fabric recliner.