What Is The Difference Between A Lift Chair And A Lift Recliner?

Author: Hunter Appliances and Mobility  Date Posted:4 April 2025 

Indeed, having the right chair is a blessing for those with mobility issues, seniors, or those recovering from surgery. When someone visits their local market to buy a comfortable chair that assists them when standing up, they are often confused with two.

Difference Between A Lift Chair And A Lift Recliner

Indeed, having the right chair is a blessing for those with mobility issues, seniors, or those recovering from surgery. When someone visits their local market to buy a comfortable chair that assists them when standing up, they are often confused with two options: a lift chair and a lift recliner.

Though these terms are used interchangeably, lift chairs and recliners aren’t the same. Buying the wrong one may cause problems. However, not everyone knows the difference between the two and can make mistakes. To ensure you buy the right one, read this blog till the end, as it contains vital information on the difference between a lift and a lift recliner.

What is a Lift Chair?

A lift chair is a specialized chair designed to assist individuals with mobility challenges in sitting and standing up. It’s helpful for seniors, people with disabilities, or anyone facing difficulty rising from a regular chair due to arthritis, joint pain, or other health conditions.

This type of chair uses an electric lift mechanism that gently tilts and elevates the chair, allowing the users to stand with minimal effort. It helps reduce the risk of falls and provides extra support during transitions from sitting to standing. Many lift chairs offer added comfort features like reclining, heated seats, and massage functions.

What is a Lift Recliner?

A lift recliner is a type of chair that combines the comfort of a traditional recliner with a built-in lift mechanism. It is similar to a lift chair and helps people with mobility challenges, such as seniors or individuals with disabilities. However, in addition to providing lift assistance, a lift recliner also allows users to recline, offering a more relaxed and comfortable sitting experience.

The lift mechanism gently tilts the chair forward to help the user stand up with minimal effort, while the reclining features let them adjust the backrest and footrest to their preferred angle. It allows them to enjoy their movies and rest comfortably, preventing problems like back pain. Many lift reclines offer features like heat, massage functions, and adjustable controls.

Key Differences Between a Lift Chair and Life Recliner

Though you must have gained enough clarity on the differences between a lift and a lift recliner from the above content, if you haven’t, here are the key differences between the two:

Key Differences Lift Chair Lift Recliner
Purpose Assist with standing up. Assist with standing up and offer a full reclining feature.
Reclining No reclining feature. Includes a full reclining feature.
Design More of a medical look. Styled like a traditional recliner.
Targeted People Individuals with mobility issues. People who need help stand up and desire luxury.
Features It has a few extra features. Heat, massage, and more adjustable positions.
Insurance It may be covered by insurance. Typically not covered by insurance.
Comfort Level Secondary to mobility assistance. Designed for ultimate comfort.

Note: This table may not contain all the information regarding the differences between a lift chair and a lift recliner. Please consult a local mobility aid provider for more accurate and detailed information.

Which One Is Right for You?

Now that you know the difference between a lift chair and a lift recliner, you must have decided which one to buy. But if you haven’t, go through the points below to determine which one is right for you:

  • Buy a lift chair if you only need assistance standing up and do not desire luxury and comfort.
  • A lift chair would be perfect if you don’t require a stylish design and are okay with a medical look.
  • If features like heat and massage are not a requirement, don’t buy a lift recliner, which can be more expensive.
  • Stick to a lift chair if you plan to buy this mobility aid under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme).

To determine whether a lift chair comes under NDIS, please consult one of your local mobility aid providers or a professional health expert.

Lift Chairs in Hunter Valley by Hunteram

After going through the above content, you must have figured out that lift chairs are best for those who need assistance standing up and sitting down.

To help you choose the right lift chair, here are some of the best options:

S. No

Best Lift Chair in Hunter Valley

Price

Image

1.

Firm VMotion Seating System Suede Sage

$3,349.00

2.

Firm VMotion Seating System Vinly Cognac

$3,349.00

3.

Monarch Lift Chair Single Motor

$1,999.00

Note: The prices of the above daily living aids are for your reference only and are subject to change at Hunteram’s discretion.

On the Final Note

A lift chair and a lift recliner can positively change the lives of individuals with limited mobility. While a lift recliner offers full reclining features, a lift chair only assists in standing up and down. All the key differences between the two are above. You can read them to determine which one is right for you.

If you are looking for lift chairs in Hunter Valley, contact Hunteram immediately. It is an NDIS-registered mobility aids provider committed to positively changing the lives of individuals with limited mobility.

You can read our other informative guide to choosing daily living aids for seniors.