The foot rest requires a big-burst kick downward to close; like a gym machine working the ham strings.  After a year and change, I reclined back . . . and never came back up! The wooden posts securing the backrest to the base broke off; it would have been funny if I didn't poke the top of my skull on an open cable jack on the wall behind me (what luck!).  Wayfair customer service was great. I'll try this again but a different model. I also found the seat a little too stiff and sort of lumpy.