At first glance, you may not be able to tell the difference between a lift chair and a recliner. They look similar and are designed for comfort, with a back that leans and a footrest that rises. The key distinction is most obvious when it’s time to get up.

A recliner gives you a place to kick up your feet and relax. A lift chair, also known as a lift recliner, does the same, but with one addition: the seat tilts forward and rises, easing the sitter into a standing position.

That single feature impacts who each chair serves best. Let’s dive into how lift chairs and recliners compare, who they are designed for, and which features to look for before you buy.

Recliners: Feet Up & Laid Back

Designed to tilt you back and raise your feet, a recliner is made for everyday lounging. It’s the perfect spot to stretch out, watch a game, or drift off for an afternoon nap.

Recliners have two distinct operating styles:

• Manual recliners: Pull a lever or apply gentle pressure to the seatback to recline the seat and raise the footrest.
• Power recliners: Push a button or use a remote to activate a motor, and find the perfect angle and position.

There are several types of recliners to consider, all with their specific benefits:

• Push back: Recline the chair by gently leaning against the backrest. This style has a clean look with no levers or buttons.
• Wall hugger: Ideal for tight spaces, the seat moves forward as it recliners so it can be placed just inches from a wall.
• Layflat: Reclines to a fully flat position, providing a legitimate place to sleep.
• Zero gravity: Elevates the legs above the heart, allowing for a natural curve of the spine. This position puts less pressure on the back. Learn more in our guide to zero-gravity furniture.
• Dual power: Gives you the ability to adjust the recline and the headrest separately.
• Triple power: Gives you the ability to adjust the recline, headrest, and lumbar support separately.

Learn more about all of these styles, and more, in our Recliner Buying Guide.

Lift Chairs: Support from Sitting to Standing

A lift chair is a power recliner with a built-in power lift mechanism that raises the entire chair, tilting it forward until you’re nearly standing. Lift chairs also lower you back into a seated position with the press of a button.

While the chair helps you sit up and sit down, it also doubles as a comfy everyday chair, with the ability to recline and adjust the footrest like any power recliner. Some lift chairs only offer a slight recline – an ideal position for reading or watching TV. Other options have a deeper recline, some go to a near-flat position, which is better for resting or sleeping.

Who benefits most from a lift chair?

A lift chair is a sensible choice for anyone who finds it difficult to get from a sitting position to standing. That can include:

• Older individuals who don’t always have a helping hand nearby.
• People with joint pain or arthritis, especially in the knees or hips.
• Individuals recovering from surgery.
• People with limited strength or balance issues.
• Caregivers who need help getting someone into and out of a chair.

If getting up from a chair isn’t a problem, a manual or power recliner will deliver all the comfort you need. But if mobility is more difficult for you, a lift chair is worth your consideration.

Recliner vs. Lift Chair: Key Differences

While comfort, look, and size are similar, a recliner and a lift chair differ in several ways, including their main purpose, how they operate, and who they’re designed for.

	Recliner	Lift Chair
Main purpose	Easy relaxing at home	Comfort plus mobility support
How it operates	Reclines via a button, remote, lever, or by leaning against the seatback	Seat tilts forward and moves up when it’s time to stand via remote or button; seat also reclines like a power recliner
Best for…	Relaxing, watching TV, reading, or napping	Individuals who need help standing on their own
Available types	Wide variety, from wall hugger to zero gravity	Narrower; types are focused more on support
Common features	USB charging, heat and massage, lumbar support, storage, Bluetooth connectivity, interior lights	Power lift, USB charging, heat and massage, lumbar support, storage, Bluetooth connectivity, interior lights
Space considerations	Can be compact or oversized; most need clearance in back for reclining	Needs clearance in back for reclining and in front for the lift

Features to Look for in Recliners and Lift Chairs

Additional features add to the comfort and convenience of lift chairs and recliners. Some extras are shared by both, while others are specific to recliners.

Features in both:

• Power headrest and lumbar support: Adjust the headrest and the lower-back support to help you sit comfortably longer.
• USB charging: Built-in ports keep phones and devices fully charged and near your seat.
• Heat and massage: Ease sore muscles and loosen tension after a long day.
• Cupholders and side pockets: Keep drinks, remotes, chargers, and reading material within reach.

Recliner-only options:

• Swivel base: Turn the chair a full 360 degrees, allowing you to change your view without getting up.
• Rocker and glider base: Adds gentle motion when the chair is upright.

Pro tip: While not specific to lift chairs, it might be beneficial to choose one with battery backup power. This will ensure the chair continues working if the power goes out unexpectedly.

How to Choose Between a Lift Chair and a Recliner

Answer one simple question: Is standing up easy, or is it getting increasingly more difficult? The answer will point you toward the right chair.

Keep current and future needs in mind. If you anticipate mobility issues, a lift chair offers the same benefits as a power recliner until the lift function is needed. As with any recliner, make sure a lift chair has enough floor space and clearance to operate. And since it requires power, it will need to be close to an outlet.

Features are similarly available between both lift chairs and recliners, so ultimately it comes down to one simple function: the lift. If you simply need a chair to relax in, you can’t go wrong with a recliner. But if you need a little extra help getting into and out of a chair, a lift chair may just change your life.

Lift Chair FAQs

Can a lift chair be used as a regular recliner?

Absolutely! A lift chair reclines exactly like a typical recliner. Some include similar features as well, like heat and massage, adjustable headrests, and power lumbar support. So you can watch TV, read, or just relax in a lift chair like you would in any recliner.

Is a lift chair the same as a power recliner?

The two are very similar, but a lift chair has one additional feature: the seat raises and tilts forward to help you stand. In fact, every lift chair is a power recliner, but not every power recliner is a lift chair.

Can you sleep in a lift chair?

Some people do, especially if laying flat is uncomfortable. If you plan on sleeping or napping regularly in a lift chair, look for one with a deeper recline angle.

Is a lift chair worth it if mobility isn’t an issue yet?

There’s no downside to prioritizing comfort now and support later. If standing is starting to take more effort, a lift chair can certainly assist.

How much space does a lift chair need?

Generally, a recliner needs 12–18 inches of space between the back of the chair and the wall so it can fully recline. This can be cut to about 4 inches if you have a wall-hugger recliner. In the front, a power recliner or lift chair requires about 2 feet to provide room for the footrest or the lift function.