What are the Best Leather Recliners for Large People?
I’m looking for something that is affordable, comfortable, & durable.
I am 65. I’m 5’4 and weigh 250 lb. I’m looking for a recliner that is nice looking and comfortable, with a firm seat.
I would also like something that is durable and will last longer than the 3 years I got from my current recliner.
Any suggestions?
Answer:
Hydeline & Barcalounger are the 2 best values for leather recliners.
Both Hydeline & Barcalounger sell sturdy recliners priced below $2000 that can support 350 lbs. per seat over 10+ years.
Fabric is not available for either brand.
Hydeline is a Direct-to-Consumer manufacturer.
The company manufacturers leather reclining and non-motion seating.
All Hydeline sofas and chairs feature solid hardwood frames and 9 inch thick pocketed coil cushions.
These cushions can comfortably support up to 350 lbs. for 10+ years (15 – 20+ years for individuals weighing less than 200 lbs.)
All models feature zero gravity power mechanisms and power headrests.
Reclining sectionals are not currently available, but will be introduced soon.
Hydeline is an outstanding value.
The brand has many competitors with similar styles and functionality at comparable or lower prices.
Hydeline’s leather recliners will provide comfortable seating more than twice as long as many similarly priced competitors.
The entire line is priced well below LaZBoy’s leather reclining sofas and chairs, but should outlast LaZBoy’s more expensive seating by several years.
Hydeline’s Premium Outlet section features discontinued models and current models with discontinued leathers at heavily discounted prices.
Hydeline’s furniture features pocketed coil spring/foam hybrid cushion construction.
These hybrid cushions should last several years longer than the industry standard 1.8 or 2.0 density foam cushions.
Hydeline’s leather, frame and cushions are built to last 10+ years.
Frame: Hydeline is solid hardwood and hardwood plywood.
Each seat is rated to support at least 350 lbs.
Foundation: Sinuous wire foundation.
Cushions: Hydeline’s coil spring/foam hybrid cushions have two foam layers above the fabric wrapped pocketed coil springs.
The top foam layer is 2.25 density .
The second foam layer (above the coil springs) is memory foam. Memory foam is denser and more resilient than polyurethane foams. (It’s also more expensive.)
Next come the fabric wrapped pocketed coil springs with another layer of foam underneath.
Below the coil springs is a layer of 1.8 density foam.
The cushions made exclusively for Hydeline/Amax in the U.S. They are not removable or reversible.
Mechanism: Zero gravity with Powered headrests.
Zero gravity mechanisms typically cost several hundred dollars more than standard recliner power mechanisms.
Zero gravity recliners are often recommended for health reasons, including bad backs or necks.
For more information on the health benefits, check out this article from the Healthy Back store. How Zero-Gravity Recliners Work and Why They Are Beneficial
Leather: Hydeline uses semi-aniline top-grain leather with leather-match.
The seats, backs and inside arms are made with semi-aniline top grain leather.
Outside arms and backs use a matching polyurethane faux leather.
All-top-grain-leather is available as a Special Order for a $200 up charge
Note: The Polyurethane leather match is not bonded leather.
Never buy anything with bonded leather.
Only leather match items are stocked.
For in-stock items:
Leather match reclining sofas are all priced below $3000.
Leather match reclining chairs are all priced below $2000.
Special Order leathers and softer cushions are available.
Hydeline’s website also features a Premium Outlet section with big discounts.
The outlet offers discontinued in-stock models at discounted prices.
Current models with discontinued leathers also appear in the Outlet.
Pocketed coil spring vs. Foam cushions
Hydeline’s pocketed coil cushions will last at least twice as long as most foam cushions.
The pocketed coil cushions are 9 inches thick and padded with layers of 2.2 density foam, memory foam, and a down/feather top layer.
Hydeline’s warranty is 10 years on frames, 5 years on mechanisms, and 1 year on foam.
*Hydeline offers a Special 5% discount to Insiders Guide to Furniiture readers.
Use Coupon Code IGF5X or Order Directly from Hydeline Special Discount Link.
Items already marked On Sale are not eligible for the 5% discount.
*Hydeline offers a Special 5% discount to Insiders Guide to Furniiture readers.
Use Coupon Code IGF5X or Order Directly from Hydeline Special Discount Link.
Items already marked On Sale are not eligible for the 5% discount.
Barcalounger also sells leather recliners under $2000.
Barcalounger and Hydeline have similar quality and value for leather reclining sofas priced below $3000 and for leather recliners priced below $2000.
Hydeline’s biggest advantage is its Premium Outlet section that sells heavily discounted discontinued models.
Barcalounger has a far wider range of styles and special features.
Some sofas are priced above $4000, but are still excellent values.
Barcalounger’s reclining furniture is leather and leather match.
Leather match uses top grain leather for seats, backs, inside arms, & split grain leather for the outside parts.
Barcalounger’s leather is top grain. The website does not specify whether it is also semi-aniline.
Each of Barcalounger’s products and groups is available in only a limited selection of leathers.
Fabric is not available.
All Barcalounger reclining sofas are powered.
Some models have additional motors for the headrest and/or lumbar support.
Most reclining chairs are powered.
Manual mechanisms account for about 1/3 of current chair sales.
Extra-Sturdy Recliner Construction
Frames:
Mortise & Tenon frames with 3/4″ plywood made with 11 & 14 plies (layers of wood veneer.)
Solid hardwood spring boards & corner blocks.
The most common plywood found on better quality recliners is 7/8″ thick with 5 – 7 plies.
Although the plywood used here is only 3/4″, it has twice as many plies. The extra plies more than make up for the reduced thickness.
Also, the plywood covers the entire side panels. That is superior to the normal construction, which leaves most of the side panels open.
There is a lot more wood in these frames than on many of Barcalounger’s competitors.
Foundation:
Sinuous wire.
Cushions:
Pocketed coils with 1.8 density foam.
Pocketed coil cushions last more than twice as long as solid 1.8 density foam seat cores.
Barcalounger’s furniture should have no problems lasting 10+ years for most people.
Estimated weight limit: 400 lbs. per seat.
Barcalounger features two primary style categories:
Vintage (traditional style)
Modern Expressions
Styles & Special Features include:
Big & Tall
Heating/Cooling
High/Low Legs
Rocker Recliners
Swivel Recliners
Wall Proximity
Zero Gravity
Heads Up recliners with power-tilt headrests
The video below shows a demonstration of Barcalounger’s unusual power headrests that can be adjusted to tilt-forwards
Lift Chairs
Barcalounger offers two types of Lift chairs:
Lux Recline & Lift
ThermaLift
Media (Theater) Seating
Sofas and console loveseats have hidden cup holder in the arms.
The loveseat also has hidden storage and a cell phone charger.
Matching recliner has hidden cup holder and hidden cell phone charger.
USB ports are available on all pieces.
Pedestal Recliner & Ottoman (Scandinavian Style)
Barcalounger’s Pedestal recliners & ottomans compare favorably with Fjords in both quality and price.
Check out my article, 25 Best Reclining Sofa Brands.
Most recliners sold today are not made for long-term use by 250 lb. people.
Recliners with 1.8 density foam cushions typically wear out within 3 years for people weighing 250 lbs. or more.
High end recliners with manual mechanisms & upgraded cushions should also last over 10 years for larger people.
Spring Down or 2.5 density seat cushions upgrades will maintain firm comfort over 10 years or more.
High end recliner brands that offer manual mechanisms and upgraded seat cushions include:
American Leather’s Comfort Recliner Collection – Seats are not removable or upgradeable, but the cold moulded cushions should last 15+ years.
Bassett’s BenchMade High Leg Collection
Ekornes Stressless – Seats are not removable or upgradeable, but the 3.5 density cold-moulded foam cushions should last 15+ years.