How do you choose the right riser recliner chair? Start with the seat height, width and depth, then compare single-motor and dual-motor operation. Check the lifting mechanism, controls, weight capacity and room clearance. If the intended user has a qualifying disability or long-term condition, a qualifying riser recliner may also be eligible for VAT relief under HMRC rules.
Browse rise and recline chairs
A riser recliner chair is designed to provide adjustable seating and powered assistance when moving between sitting and standing.
But not every riser recliner is suitable for every person. Seat dimensions, controls, motor operation and support can make a significant difference to everyday comfort.
In this guide, we'll explain how riser recliners work, how to choose the right size, which features are worth paying for and how UK VAT relief works.
We'll also look at two riser recliner ranges available from Furniture Lovers.
Explore Riser Recliner Chairs →
What Is a Riser Recliner Chair?
A riser recliner chair is an electrically powered armchair with a mechanism that raises and tilts the seat to assist the user when sitting down or standing up.
It also allows the backrest and footrest to move into reclining positions.
Most models provide three main functions:
- Sitting: A normal upright seating position.
- Reclining: Powered adjustment for resting.
- Rising: A lifting and forward-tilting action designed to assist standing.
The exact movement varies between models.
Riser recliner vs ordinary electric recliner
An ordinary electric recliner adjusts the backrest or footrest using a motor. A riser recliner adds a powered lifting function.
This distinction matters when comparing products and considering VAT relief.
| Feature | Riser recliner | Ordinary electric recliner |
|---|---|---|
| Powered reclining | Yes | Yes |
| Powered lifting | Yes | Usually no |
| Main purpose | Adjustable seating and assisted standing | Adjustable seating |
| VAT relief | Potentially available when qualifying conditions are met | Not simply because it is powered |
Which motor arrangement should you choose?
The number of motors affects how independently the chair's backrest and footrest can be adjusted.
Single-motor riser recliners
A single-motor riser recliner generally moves the backrest and footrest in a linked sequence.
Advantages:
- Usually straightforward to operate.
- Often fewer control buttons.
- May cost less than a comparable dual-motor chair.
Disadvantages:
- Less independent control over the backrest and footrest.
- May offer fewer comfortable resting positions.
Best for: Buyers who prefer simple operation and don't require extensive positioning options.
Dual-motor riser recliners
A dual-motor chair generally allows the backrest and footrest to be adjusted more independently.
For example, the user may be able to elevate their legs while remaining relatively upright.
Advantages:
- Greater flexibility when adjusting the seating position.
- Independent backrest and footrest movement on many models.
- More positioning options for resting.
Disadvantages:
- Often more expensive.
- May have a more complicated handset.
Best for: Buyers who want greater control over their resting position.
Our recommendation: Choose the motor configuration according to the user's needs, rather than assuming more motors automatically means a better chair.
How to Get the Right Size
Correct sizing is essential. A chair that is too deep, too high or too wide may make sitting and standing more difficult. For more detail, you can compare recliner seat measurements.
Where possible, the intended user should try the chair before buying.
For complex mobility or posture needs, consider an assessment by an occupational therapist or other qualified professional.
Seat Height
Seat height is measured from the floor to the top of the seat cushion.
When sitting comfortably, the user's feet should ideally rest securely on the floor, with their thighs adequately supported.
A seat that is too high can leave the feet unsupported. A seat that is too low can make transfers more difficult.
How to check seat height
- Have the intended user sit in a supportive chair.
- Check whether both feet rest comfortably on the floor.
- Observe whether the thighs and back are supported.
- Compare the position with the riser recliner's published dimensions.
- Where possible, test the actual chair and its lifting action.
Seat Depth and Width
Seat depth
Seat depth is measured from the front of the cushion towards the backrest.
The user should be able to sit fully back without uncomfortable pressure behind the knees.
If the seat is too deep, they may struggle to use the backrest properly.
Seat width
Seat width is the usable space between the armrests.
The chair should provide adequate space without leaving the armrests too far away to be useful.
Other important measurements
- Backrest height and head support.
- Armrest height.
- Overall chair width and depth.
- Clearance required when fully reclined.
- Clearance required when rising.
- Maximum permitted user weight.
Buying tip: Check both the chair's overall dimensions and its usable seating dimensions.
Use our Check If It Will Fit tool to compare furniture dimensions with your available room space.
Features Worth Paying For
1. A suitable lifting mechanism
The lifting action should be smooth and appropriate for the intended user.
Someone with significant mobility limitations may need professional advice to determine whether a particular chair is suitable for safe transfers.
2. Easy-to-use controls
Look for clearly labelled buttons and a handset that is comfortable to hold.
Consider hand strength, dexterity and whether the user can easily understand the controls.
3. Battery backup
Some chairs include emergency battery backup for limited operation during a power cut.
Check whether the model provides this feature and how it works.
4. Comfortable cushioning
Consider seat firmness, back support, cushion construction and the chair's overall shape.
Comfort should be assessed by the intended user wherever possible.
5. Practical upholstery
Fabric, faux leather and leather have different cleaning requirements.
Choose upholstery that suits the household and follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
6. Suitable weight capacity
Check the maximum user weight specified by the manufacturer.
Never assume that every riser recliner has the same capacity.
7. Warranty and repair support
Check coverage for the frame, motors, lifting mechanism, controls and upholstery.
Ask about replacement parts and servicing.
8. Massage and heating
Some riser recliners include massage and heating functions.
These can be pleasant extras, but correct seating dimensions and reliable lifting should take priority.
Users with reduced sensation or relevant medical conditions should seek professional advice before using heating functions.
Our Riser Recliner Chair Picks
Furniture Lovers currently lists two relevant ranges: the Cornwall Rise and Recline Massage Chair and the Sienna Rise and Recline Chair. For more detail, you can read about choosing a recliner for an older person.
Both are listed at approximately £698, although prices and availability can change.
Cornwall Rise and Recline Massage Chair
Cornwall Rise and Recline Massage Chair Beige
Cornwall Rise and Recline Massage Chair Beige
£698
Unavailable
- Type
- Recliner
- Seats
- 1
- Dimensions
- W 92 cm × D 100 cm × H 98 cm
- Function
- Electric recliner
- Material
- Polyester
- Colours
- Beige, Blue, Brown, Grey
Price: £698 at the time of checking.
Available colours: Beige, blue, brown and grey.
Features: Electric rise-and-recline mechanism, eight-point massage and heating.
Best for: Buyers who want a powered lifting chair with additional comfort features.
Why we picked it
The Cornwall combines powered rising and reclining with an eight-point massage function and heating.
Its range of colour options may make it easier to coordinate with an existing living room.
The massage and heating features are worth considering if the intended user values these extras, although they should not replace an assessment of seating fit.
Things to consider
Check the seat height, seat depth, weight capacity and controls before purchasing.
Confirm the motor configuration and whether the heating and massage functions are suitable for the intended user.
Our verdict: Worth comparing if you want a riser recliner with massage and heating in addition to powered lifting.
View the Cornwall range at Furniture Lovers →
Sienna Rise and Recline Chair – Mink
Price: £698 at the time of checking.
Available colours: Mink and grey.
Features: Electric lift-and-recline operation and upholstered seating.
Best for: Buyers who want a conventional-looking upholstered riser recliner without prioritising massage functions.
Why we picked it
The Sienna offers powered rise-and-recline functionality in a relatively traditional armchair style.
The mink finish can work well with warm, neutral interiors, while the grey version offers another colour option.
It's worth comparing with the Cornwall if the main priority is seating and powered lifting rather than additional massage features.
Things to consider
Confirm the motor configuration, dimensions, weight capacity and handset functions on the product page.
The correct seating fit is more important than the upholstery colour.
Our verdict: A useful alternative for buyers who prefer a straightforward upholstered riser recliner.
View the Sienna range at Furniture Lovers →
Cornwall vs Sienna: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Cornwall | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Powered rise and recline | Yes | Yes |
| Massage | Eight-point function listed | Not confirmed |
| Heating | Listed | Not confirmed |
| Colours | Beige, blue, brown, grey | Grey, mink |
| Listed price | £698 | £698 |
Our recommendation: Consider Cornwall if massage and heating are important. Consider Sienna if you prefer its upholstery and chair design. For either model, check the seating dimensions and lifting mechanism before ordering.
VAT Relief on Riser Recliner Chairs
Can you buy a riser recliner without VAT? In some circumstances, yes.
HMRC permits VAT relief on qualifying rise-and-recline chairs supplied to eligible people who are chronically sick or disabled for their personal or domestic use.
However, not every customer or every reclining chair qualifies.
See HMRC VAT Notice 701/7 for the official rules.
Who Qualifies
HMRC generally considers someone chronically sick or disabled if they have:
- A physical or mental impairment with a long-term and substantial adverse effect on everyday activities; or
- A condition treated by the medical profession as a chronic sickness.
Eligibility is not automatically determined by age.
You do not necessarily need to receive disability benefits or be registered disabled.
A temporary injury or short-term illness does not automatically qualify.
Does every recliner qualify?
No. An ordinary electric recliner without a qualifying lifting facility does not become VAT-free simply because the purchaser has a disability.
The chair and the customer's circumstances must both meet the relevant conditions.
How to Claim
Step 1: Check the product
Confirm that the chair qualifies under HMRC's rules.
Step 2: Confirm eligibility
The intended user must meet the relevant definition of chronically sick or disabled, and the purchase must be for personal or domestic use.
Step 3: Complete the declaration
The supplier will normally ask for an eligibility declaration.
HMRC VAT Eligibility Declaration →
Step 4: Confirm the price before paying
Where all conditions are met and the supplier can apply VAT relief, the qualifying supply can be zero-rated.
Ask the retailer to confirm the process before ordering.
Important: Furniture Lovers customers should confirm whether VAT relief is supported on their chosen product before purchase. Do not assume it will automatically be applied at checkout.
How much could VAT relief save?
If a chair would otherwise cost £720 including VAT at 20%, the equivalent price without VAT would be £600 — a difference of £120.
Here are illustrative examples:
| Price including VAT | Without VAT | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £600 | £500 | £100 |
| £720 | £600 | £120 |
| £900 | £750 | £150 |
These examples are not advertised VAT-free Furniture Lovers prices.
How Much Does a Riser Recliner Cost?
Prices vary according to the chair's motor system, upholstery, construction, dimensions and additional features.
Single-motor models may cost less than comparable dual-motor chairs, but this is not a universal rule.
At Furniture Lovers, the Cornwall and Sienna ranges are currently listed from £698.
When comparing prices, check the following:
- Motor configuration.
- Seat dimensions and user weight capacity.
- Available reclining positions.
- Handset design.
- Battery backup availability.
- Warranty and repair arrangements.
- Delivery and installation arrangements.
- Whether VAT relief is applicable and available through the supplier.
Our verdict: A chair that fits the intended user and operates reliably is a better purchase than one chosen mainly for additional features.
Riser Recliner FAQs
What is the difference between a riser recliner and a normal recliner?
A riser recliner has a powered lifting mechanism designed to assist standing. An ordinary recliner adjusts the seating position but does not normally lift the user towards standing.
Is a single-motor or dual-motor riser recliner better?
Single-motor chairs are generally simpler, while dual-motor chairs usually provide more independent backrest and footrest adjustment. Choose according to the intended user's needs.
How do I know what size chair I need?
Compare the seat height, width and depth with the user's seated position. Ideally, try the chair before purchasing.
Can a riser recliner help someone stand?
Yes, its lifting action is designed to assist the transition from sitting to standing. It may not be suitable for every person's mobility needs, so seek professional advice where appropriate.
Do riser recliners need electricity?
Most require a mains connection. Some have emergency battery backup for limited use during a power cut.
Can I get VAT relief on a riser recliner?
Potentially, if the chair, customer and intended use meet HMRC's eligibility conditions and the supplier applies the relief.
Do pensioners automatically qualify for VAT relief?
No. Age alone does not establish eligibility.
Do I need to receive disability benefits?
No. VAT relief is not means-tested and does not depend solely on receiving disability benefits.
Can I buy a riser recliner for someone else?
Yes, provided the relevant conditions are met for the qualifying person's personal or domestic use.
Can I claim VAT back directly from HMRC?
VAT relief is normally applied by the supplier when the qualifying purchase is made. If VAT was charged incorrectly, contact the supplier.
Can I sleep in a riser recliner?
Some people nap in reclining chairs, but they should not automatically be treated as a substitute for a suitable bed. Seek professional advice where prolonged sitting or sleeping is necessary.
How much space does a riser recliner need?
Check the manufacturer's dimensions for the upright, fully reclined and raised positions. Leave sufficient clearance around the chair.
Our Final Verdict
The best riser recliner chair is the one that fits the intended user properly, offers the required lifting and reclining functions, and can be operated comfortably.
Start with the seat measurements, then compare motor configuration, controls, warranty and room clearance.
At Furniture Lovers, the Cornwall and Sienna ranges provide two options worth comparing.
If VAT relief may apply, confirm the eligibility conditions and supplier process before ordering.
Related sofa guides
For broader advice on recliner chairs for older adults, see our separate elderly recliner buying guide.
Find the Right Riser Recliner Chair
Compare chair sizes, lifting functions and available features before ordering. Explore the Furniture Lovers recliner collection to find an option suited to your home.