If you spend hours hunched over a desk – working, studying, gaming or even just scrolling through your phone – then any old office chair can probably do the job. But what if you could have something more: a chair that gives your back support, lets you recline and treats your legs to some respite as well?

An office chair with footrest to recline in combines all of that. It is the only piece of furniture that offers ergonomic support, adjustability and comfort from conception to college. If you are in the market for an office recliner, or a reclining office chair with footrest, this post is here to give you the lowdown.

Key Features of Reclining Office Chairs vs. Regular Office Chairs

Most standard office chairs are pretty much designed to keep you sitting up straight. You might get some adjustment for the height of the seat, the armrests and a wee bit of tilt to boot. But the ergonomic office chair with footrest is a whole different story. They offer up features that are geared toward long hours, loads of comfort and a heck of a lot of support for your posture.

Here are a few of the key differences:

• Backrest recline and tilt locks: Reclining chairs let you slouch way back, rather than just a bit of a tilt, and will often lock into several different positions.
• A footrest that tucks away: This gives some much needed support to your legs and lets you stretch them out. It can help ease the pressure on your hips, legs and spine.
• Ergonomic features (lumbar, neck, head): Loads of reclining chairs come with adjustable lumbar support, a headrest and sometimes even a neck rest that you can adjust – which is a real bonus if you spend a lot of time sitting around.
• Wheels and swivel function: Most recliners will have 360° swivel and wheels just like your standard chairs, so you still get to move around.
• The ultimate in comfort for breaks & relaxation: Since you can kick back and put your legs up, these chairs are essentially a seamless transition from your work chair to relaxation time – which can be a lifesaver on those short breaks or even just when you want to sneak in a quick snooze.

Different Materials for Reclining Chairs with Footrests

When it comes to picking a office recliner with a footrest the material used is a massive factor in how comfy it’ll be to use and how well it’ll hold up over time. Most recliners come down to two basic types: PU leather (or padded upholstery) and mesh or fabric models – each has its own set of pluses and minus points, which depends on things like where you work, the weather outside, and what you like best.

PU Leather / Upholstered – The Classic Office Look

Loads of recliner chairs come with PU leather wrapped around thick foam – it feels pretty soft and comfy to the touch and is the most popular choice for an office that’s aiming for an executive or high-class vibe.

The Good Stuff:

• It’s super comfy – the foam absorbs loads of the pressure so you can sit for hours on end without feeling like you’ve been put through the wringer.
• It looks super professional – fits right in with any office or fancy setup you might have.
• If you get a good quality one it’ll last you ages – even after a few years the leather can still look like new.

PU-leather chairs are an excellent option for a room with air conditioning or for people who prioritize ultimate comfort and don’t mind sacrificing the airflow.

Mesh / Waterproof Fabric / Plastic Frame – What Could be Better?

Some manufacturers opt for airflow and easy portability by using mesh, fabric or both combined with a plastic frame – Some of them also generously provide foam-padded seats for extra comfort.

The Good Stuff:

• Makes the chair extremely ventilated – the chair stays fresh and dry even during the longest sessions.
• Its featherweight is usually reflected with a lower price as well.
• It’s extremely easy to clean and maintain – neither mesh nor fabric can be causing cracking or peeling, thus they both require less TLC.

Such chairs as mesh or fabric models with reclining capabilities are certainly more suitable for hot places and, also, those, who prefer a cool seat with less care, rather than a super plush ‍‌‍‍‌one.

The Adaptability of Reclining Office Chairs to Different Body Types

Seat Depth and Height Adjustable

Ergonomic chairs can be adjusted for seat depth and height because they come with multiple adjustments. This is ideal for users with varying leg and hip lengths, especially when choosing an office chair for short person.

Support for Lumbar and Lower Back

When your chair is adjusted properly, the low back will be at the right angle relative to your lumbar and lower back support. A reclining backrest that is adjusted to between 120° and 135° will provide maximum comfort for the lumbar spine. A simpler ergonomic office chair for back pain might be just fine. A simpler ergonomic office chair for back pain might be just fine.

Ability to Sustain a Person’s Weight; Durability

To support larger persons, the chair’s frame must be strong enough; the chair must be made from durable materials such as higher-density foams to provide for maximum support.

Arm and Neck Support

Chairs that have adjustable armrests are ideal for individuals who have long arms and wide shoulders. Additionally, individuals who prefer to recline while resting their head will find that the proper adjustable armrest will provide additional comfort and relaxation.

Recline Angle and Support for the Legs

The proper footrest allows individuals who have long legs to kick their feet up and relax. Likewise, individuals who are considered average stature will still benefit from an adequate footrest because of the additional support it provides their feet and legs.

Popular Models (Boulies Types) and Buying Considerations

Here are two representative examples (based on your detail) of reclining chairs with footrests, plus what each type offers — and what to check when you buy.

Boulies EP460

• The Boulies EP460 Reclining Chair— is an office chair that has a built-in retractable footrest, and is made from mesh/fabric (hybrid).
• The chair has an adjustable height for its seat and backrest, which allows users of a variety of heights to use it comfortably.
• The adjustable backrest support includes both an adjustable lumbar and head/neck support, as well as armrests that can be adjusted in six different ways.
• The chair can also recline to ~135° with the ability to extend the footrest to support your legs, while still allowing the chair to turn 360° and glide easily over the floor.

This type of chair would be suited to those who enjoy breathing through their chairs, those living in warmer climates, those who use their chairs frequently and those who appreciate how adjustable the chair is. The mesh/fabric (hybrid) backrest also offers good airflow.

Boulies Master Rex The Armchair

• This armchair can be adjusted for height and depth around 48cm.
• It has a retractable footrest that can be extended when you need it and is great for resting your legs when you are sitting down.
• The back of the chair can recline 165 degrees, plus the 15-degree rocking can be added to this position.
• This armchair is comfortable due to being made with high-density foam, and the PU leather cover can be made in one of two finishes (microfiber suede or fabric).

It is constructed using a steel frame and a base from an aluminium alloy with PU casters that glide easily and allows for full 360-degree swivelling. So, whether you want to use it as a work chair, to play games, to take a nap or just incorporate it into your daily activities, you will find this armchair to be an excellent addition to your home.

Purchasing Considerations When Deciding Between Different Types

A chair with a leather/PU covering and foam seat (for example, the Master Rex) is the best choice for your needs if you want a comfortable and supportive chair. Getting a chair made of mesh/fabric or hybrid materials (such as the EP460) is ideal if you want a chair that will keep you dry and cool during hot summer months and have a lower weight.

The best way to find out which chair is best for you, is by reading reviews from users who are using the chair for the same reasons that you will be using it. Do you mostly use your chair at a desk? Do you sit at your desk for long hours, or do you take frequent breaks from your desk to relax? Are you an avid gamer or do you do a lot of daily heavy work on a laptop or phone?

Adjustability is very important when choosing a chair. Therefore, it is essential that you focus on the following types of adjustments when choosing a chair: armrests, footrests, seat height, seat depth and recline angle. Each of these types of chair adjustments are necessary for maintaining proper posture while sitting comfortably.

The last thing you want to consider is how long the chair will last. If you are paying attention to the chair’s construction (leather requires extra care), and if it is made from mesh/fabric, it will sag over time.

However, the Boulies Master Rex is very easy to clean and maintain. The EP460 mesh chair uses an elastic and environmentally friendly mesh material. It comes with a 2-5 year warranty.

Conclusion: Transform Your Home Office

To many individuals, reclining office chairs with footrests aren’t something that would be nice to have, they are a “must-have.” For those who work long hours or need to balance their time between working at home, these chairs can change the way they work dramatically by improving the position in which they sit or stand, relieving pressure from body parts such as the lower back, increasing comfort and expanding the way one can use the chair (for example, by sitting upright when taking breaks or leaning back in between tasks).

There are several options when choosing between a padded PU-leather chair like Boulies Master’s Rex or breathable mesh fabric like Boulies EP460.

As you consider both your work and personal lives; make sure to choose the right recliner chair with a footrest; your back, legs, and even possibly your mood will be very thankful for it!