How to Choose the Best Lift Chair for Your Needs and Home

 The right lift chair can help get you back on your feet and out to run errands. With so many chairs on the market, you’ll want to know what you’re looking for in order to select a chair that will best suit your lifestyle, space, and budget.

In this buying guide, we’ll walk you through everything to consider before bringing home a lift chair—including size and style, features, and material.

Know What a Lift Chair Is

What Is a Lift Chair? A lift chair is a recliner with a powered lifting mechanism that tilts the entire chair up to assist the user in getting up and out of the chair. Electric motors raise it slowly and gently, tilting it forward to ease strain on joints and muscles—ideal for seniors or anyone with limited mobility who is convalescing from surgery.

Assess Your Needs

Here’s the first step of choosing a lift chair—figuring out why you’re looking for one:

Mobility Level

• Moderate assistance: A basic 2-position chair would be appropriate.
• Moderate and Severe Mobility Limitations: If you need to adjust your position, a chair that allows for at least three positions—four or five if possible, ideally with varying angles—might make your off-hours more comfortable.

Daily Usage

Intermittent use: A basic model will suffice.

• Heavy use: You’ll be looking for heavy-duty construction and great padding.
• Health Conditions

If you have certain medical conditions—arthritis or back pain, for example—speak with a health care provider. A few lift chairs offer lumbar support, heat, or massage options to add to your comfort.

3. Select the right size for you.

Lift chairs come in small, medium, large, and XL.

Why Size Matters

Comfort and safety can depend on proper fit.

A sugar-bowl-size drawer provided for storage of change could interfere with an averagely sized driver’s ability to mash the gas pedal; the armrest, if it hangs from the seat at an angle that makes it pendulous, will tend to get whacked by errant elbows. (These were solved by trial and error.) A chair that is too bloated might make it hopeless to receive support while standing, while a chair that is too flimsy will cause discomfort and aching.

How to Measure

• Height: Place your head against a wall and measure from the floor to the top of your head.
• Weight: Take a look at the chair’s weight limit.
• Width: Add 1 to 2 inches of width to each side when establishing the seat width for sitting.

Tip: Nearly all of the medical equipment manufacturers have a size chart; measure yourself first, and then check your measurements against the charts before purchasing.

Select One of Three Lift Chair Positions

Some common categories in which the majority of lift chairs can be placed are

3-Position Lift Chair

• Reclines further than 2-position.
• Comfortable and supportive shoe in every way.

4-Position Lift Chair

• Gives you full recline plus more control.
• Great for napping or resting.
• Infinite-Position Lift Chair

Offers a light, easy reclining mechanism at an angle of your choice.

The most comfortable and versatile choice.

Choose features based on what you need, not just because something seems cool—extra functions can mean more “ouch” on the price tag.

Match Your Home’s Style

Your lift chair should fit in with your decor. Consider:

• Fabric or Leather: Leather is low-maintenance, but fabric can be found in warmer, more colourful varieties.
• Colour: You want it to go with a lot of spaces, and if you opt for something neutral, even better.
• Style: Space-saving designs are convenient for narrower spaces.

Set Your Budget

Lift chair costs can vary quite a bit—from bargain models to top-end, luxury chairs.

What affects price?

• Number of positions and motors
• Added features (heat, massage, USB)

Build quality and warranty

💡 Tip: The most expensive chair is not always the best—find a comfortable, durable chair with features that you’ll actually use.

Test It Out (If You Can)

If you can:

• Visit a showroom.
• Sit in several models.
• Test different recline levels.

Comfort, of course, is personal—and you should try before buying to see if the chair’s style sits right with your personal fancy.

Check the warranty and service.

Solid warranty coverage can certainly offer some peace of mind. Look for:

• Frame warranty
• Mechanical/motor warranty
• Upholstery warranty
• Return or trial period

Find out if the retailer offers delivery and in-home setup as well.

Final Thoughts

There are so many things to take into account when deciding on which kind of lift chair would be best, everything from how well your bottom is going to fit in it to whether you will be comfortable and whether you can operate it properly. By knowing what challenges you’re up against, measuring a little bit, and considering the various features of medical equipment that will exist to meet your needs, you’ll be well on your way to finding a seat that brings comfort, independence, and even a dash of joy into your life.