Depending on the configuration, recliners can perform reclining and tilting action in varying degrees, from semi-reclined and full recline to automatic rocking and horizontal swivel. As mentioned before, most basic recliners need a minimum of one foot of space left behind the backrest, though several wall-huggers can be placed only 4 inches away from the wall.
Space-savers aside, recliners can be categorized into traditional recliners, glider recliners, swivel recliners, rocker recliners, push-back recliners, and lift recliners. Some of these types include more stylistic sub-categories that may include mission-style recliners, magnum-sized recliners, and more non-standard options.
Traditional recliners are classic two-position models activated by a lever or a button. They can be adjusted manually with a said lever or automatically with a touch of a single push button. The activation mechanism lowers the backrest while pushing up the foot set simultaneously. Traditional models normally require quite a lot of space—at least 3 feet saved behind the backrest—since they support full sleep-mode recline.
glider recliners are mounted on a rail mechanism that generates linear movement, so the chair moves forward and backward. Such design generally requires less space to work at its full capabilities but it can also depend on a model.
Swivel recliners are constructed over a special base with a circular design that uses rails and hinges to create extensive swivel movement as well as recline the backrest. Most swivel chairs can move left, right, and tilt backward, greatly expanding your relaxation positions but also demanding more workspace.