Recliners: A History

What comes to mind when you think about recliners? Is it a super comfy living room staple, your dad’s favorite chair, or the furniture piece on the top of your wishlist? How about that scene from Sweet Home Alabama, where Melanie’s dad, Earl, wants everyone to try out his new recliner? You can’t blame him, because a recliner is something to be proud of and show off. And, you can’t help but enjoy that hilarious episode of Friends where Joey and Chandler get recliners! It makes you want to crawl through the screen and try it for yourself! No matter what pops in your mind, we can all agree that recliners are the most coveted seat in the house!

History of the recliner

According to Wikipedia, around 1850, the French introduced a reclining camp bed that could serve as a chair, a bed and a chaise longue. It was portable and featured padded armrests and a steel frame. In the late 1800s, many designs were found for motion chairs that were made of wood with a padded seat and back. Designs from France and America included a document or book holder. The first reclining chair was reportedly owned by Napoleon III.

Knabush and Shoemaker, two American cousins, are credited with gaining a patent on a wooden recliner. The design was the same wooden bench recliner found in other designs. Issued in 1928, the patent led to the founding of La-Z-Boy. In 1930, Knabush and Shoemaker patented an upholstered model with a mechanical movement.

In 1959, Daniel F. Caldemeyer patented a recliner as owner of National Furniture Mfg. Co based in Evansville, Indiana. His name was based on the fact that he developed his chair based on the science of kinetics that he used while serving in the US Air Force. This design was used by NASA for the seats in Projects Mercury, Gemini and Apollo.

His chairs were used in the ready room for these missions and can be seen in the movie Apollo 13. The Secret Service bought 50 of them for President Lyndon Baines Johnson as a Christmas gift. The Presidential Seal was embossed on these chairs with one currently in the Smithsonian Institution and another at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. With over 300 patents, Caldemeyer added the foot lift rest, heated seating and massage features to this chair and had the patent for the first entertainment center.

Modern recliners often feature an adjustable headrest, lumbar support and an independent footstool that adjusts with the weight and angle of the user’s legs to maximize comfort. Additional features include heat, massage and vibration. Some models are wheelchair accessible.

Recliners for every room

Living rooms may seem like the obvious placement for your recliner, especially if you do the most tv watching in that room. But, don’t leave out the other recliner-possibilities. Picture your den or man cave with a super comfy recliner. It will be the envy of everyone at your next Super Bowl party or Oscar watch party. And don’t forget about your home office. Desks and office chairs aren’t the only thing that can help you stay productive. Recliners are the perfect piece for any place that requires a lot of comfort!

Franklin Recliners

Your recliner should be your favorite seat in your house. Franklin recliners make it happen. Franklin specializes in providing the ultimate in reclining comfort. Comfortable, cozy, durable, and stylish – you’ll find the perfect chair for you.

Coaster Recliners

Coaster recliners are known for their incredible comfort and attractive style. Make a welcome statement in style. Coaster has a wide selection of carefully crafted recliners in an array of styles that will make this room one you’ll love.

At Quality Sleep Shops, we are more than just mattresses. Come in and see for yourself or browse our catalogue of products online. Right now, we are offering $50 off recliners and lift chairs. Click here to learn more about this and other specials going on now.