Lift Chair Buying Guide – Choose the Right Chair

A lift chair is more than just a comfortable seat — it can make everyday life easier by helping you sit down gently, recline in comfort, and stand up with less effort. For many people, especially after surgery, during injury recovery, or when managing reduced mobility, the right lift chair can make a real difference to comfort, confidence, and independence at home.

At MoveSmart, we help Kiwis choose lift chairs that suit their body, home, and daily routine. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to look for, including lift mechanisms, chair types, sizing, upholstery, and practical features, so you can choose a chair that feels right for both now and the years ahead.

1. Start with your needs

Before comparing models, it helps to think about how the chair will actually be used day to day. A lift chair that works beautifully for one person may be the wrong fit for someone else, even if they look similar on paper.

• Who will be using the chair, and how often? Is it mainly for short rests, or will it be used for several hours every day?
• What is the main challenge? Is it standing up safely, finding a comfortable recline, improving circulation, or reducing pressure during long sitting periods?
• What is the room setup like? Check the available space, wall clearance, and where the nearest power outlet is located.

If the main goal is easier sit-to-stand support, a strong and reliable lift mechanism matters most. If long periods of sitting, resting, or napping are more important, then recline range, pressure relief, and general support become even more valuable.

2. Features that make the biggest difference

When people first start looking at lift chairs, there can seem to be a lot of options. In practice, a few key features tend to matter most for comfort, ease of use, and long-term satisfaction.

• Lift and recline mechanism: Two-position chairs offer basic recline and lift support, three-position chairs recline further for resting, and infinite-position chairs allow more independent adjustment of the backrest and legrest.
• Easy-to-use remote: Large buttons, clear labelling, and simple controls are especially helpful for people with reduced grip strength, arthritis, or vision changes.
• Supportive cushioning: Look for good lumbar support, a comfortable headrest, and armrests that feel stable and well padded.
• Wall clearance: Some chairs need more room behind them to recline fully, while wall-hugger designs work better in tighter spaces.
• Weight capacity: Always check that the chair is comfortably suited to the user’s weight and body size.

Once those fundamentals are right, extras like heat, massage, USB charging, or storage pockets can add convenience and comfort, but they should come after the basics.

3. Types of lift chairs

Two-position lift chairs

These are a simpler option that offer lift assistance and a moderate recline. They are often more compact and easier to fit into smaller rooms.

Best for: Occasional use, smaller living areas, and people who mainly want help standing up safely.

Three-position lift chairs

These recline further than two-position chairs, making them more comfortable for resting, elevating the legs, or taking short naps.

Best for: Daily use, people who like to recline regularly, and those wanting a balance between comfort and practicality.

Infinite-position lift chairs

These allow the backrest and legrest to move more independently, which gives a wider range of seating and recline positions. This can be especially helpful for circulation, swelling, or pressure relief.

Best for: Long periods of sitting, post-surgery recovery, and users who need more flexibility in positioning.

Zero-gravity lift chairs

These are designed to place the legs above the heart and spread body weight more evenly. They can feel noticeably more supportive for people with swelling, circulation issues, or chronic discomfort.

Best for: Pressure relief, long-term seating, and users needing a higher level of comfort and support.

You can compare these options in our lift chairs and seating collection.

4. Sizing, fit, and room placement

A lift chair should fit the user properly, not just the room. A chair that is too deep, too low, or too high can reduce comfort and make transfers harder rather than easier.

• Seat height: The user’s feet should rest flat on the floor when seated, with knees at a natural angle.
• Seat depth: The user should be able to sit back comfortably without the seat edge pressing behind the knees.
• Back height: Taller users often need extra support for the neck and head when reclined.
• Armrest height: Armrests should support the arms naturally without forcing the shoulders upward.

It’s also worth measuring the room carefully. Make sure there is enough space for the chair to lift and recline fully, and check that the power cord can reach safely without creating a trip hazard.

5. Upholstery and materials

The outer material affects comfort, cleaning, and how well the chair suits your home environment.

• Fabric: Soft and breathable, often comfortable in warmer conditions, but may need more care if spills are common.
• Vinyl or leather-look finishes: Easy to wipe clean and practical in busy homes, though they can feel warmer or stickier in hot weather.
• Genuine leather: Durable and premium-feeling, but generally more expensive and requires ongoing care.
• Microfibre or suede-style fabrics: Comfortable, family-friendly, and often a good balance between softness and easy maintenance.

If the chair will be used every day, it’s worth choosing a material that feels good to sit in for longer periods and is realistic to keep clean.

6. Extra features worth considering

Some additional features can make a lift chair even more practical and comfortable, especially for everyday use.

• Dual motors: Give more flexibility by allowing separate adjustment of the backrest and legrest.
• Battery backup: Useful during short power outages so the user is not left stuck in one position.
• Side pockets: Handy for keeping the remote, phone, or glasses within reach.
• Heat and massage: Can be very welcome for people with muscle stiffness, back discomfort, or circulation concerns.
• USB charging: Helpful for keeping devices charged while seated.

These extras are often nice to have, but the best chair is still the one that gets the basics right first: safe lifting, good fit, and lasting comfort.

7. Budget considerations

Lift chairs vary in price depending on the mechanism, number of motors, upholstery, and optional features. It’s usually best to start with the features that are most important for safety and everyday comfort, then consider extras after that.

• Choose the right lift and recline type first.
• Make sure the chair suits the user’s size and weight.
• Think about how many hours a day it will realistically be used.
• If it will be used heavily, invest in durable materials and a quality mechanism.

Sometimes the cheapest option can end up being less comfortable or less reliable over time. A well-chosen chair often provides better value in the long run.

8. Safety and everyday use

A lift chair is designed to make transfers safer, but a few simple habits help keep it working well and keep the user secure.

• Place the chair on a flat, stable surface.
• Keep cords clear of walkways and away from pets.
• Use the remote slowly and deliberately rather than pressing multiple directions at once.
• If the user has limited vision or memory, choose simple controls and consider clearly labelling the buttons.

If you are ever unsure about setup, sizing, or whether a chair is suitable for someone’s mobility needs, it’s worth getting advice before buying.

9. Maintenance and care

A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping a lift chair comfortable and dependable.

• Wipe the upholstery regularly and clean spills promptly.
• Check moving parts and joints from time to time for signs of wear.
• Test the lift and recline functions regularly so any issues are noticed early.
• If the chair has a battery backup, replace or check it in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.

If anything starts to feel less smooth, less stable, or noisier than usual, it’s a good idea to have the chair checked before the issue becomes bigger.

10. Try one in store

On paper, two chairs can look very similar, but comfort is personal. The way the seat feels, how the armrests support you, and how smooth the lift movement feels can be quite different in real life.

Visit us at 25 Mānuka Street, Taupō to try different sizes, recline styles, and remotes. We can help you compare options and choose something that feels comfortable, practical, and right for your home.

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Need help choosing a lift chair?

If you’re unsure which chair best suits your body, mobility needs, or living space, our team is happy to help.

Contact us or visit us in Taupō for personalised advice. We can help confirm sizing, explain the different chair types, and make the decision much easier.

Lift Chair FAQ

What’s the difference between two-position, three-position, and infinite-position lift chairs?

Two-position chairs offer basic lift assistance and a moderate recline, which suits occasional use well. Three-position chairs recline further and are often better for daily comfort and short naps. Infinite-position chairs give more flexibility by allowing the back and leg sections to move more independently, which can be especially helpful for circulation, pressure relief, and longer sitting periods.

Is a lift chair suitable after surgery or for limited mobility?

Yes, for many people a lift chair can be extremely helpful after surgery or when standing up has become more difficult. The lift action reduces strain through the hips, knees, and lower back, while the recline options can support comfort and rest during recovery. The most important thing is choosing a chair that suits the user’s size, strength, and how much support they need.

How much space do I need behind a lift chair?

That depends on the design. Some standard lift chairs need up to around 60 cm of clearance behind them to recline fully, while wall-hugger chairs can work with much less space. It’s always worth measuring your room before buying so the chair can recline and lift safely without hitting walls or nearby furniture.

Are heat and massage features worth it?

For some users, yes — especially if they experience stiffness, sore muscles, or like extra comfort during long sitting periods. Heat can feel soothing and massage functions can add a little extra relaxation, but they are best thought of as comfort extras rather than essentials. It’s usually wiser to choose the right size, fit, and mechanism first, then decide whether those extras are worth adding.

How long do lift chairs usually last?

A good-quality lift chair can last for many years when it is well maintained and used appropriately. Longevity depends on the strength of the motor, the quality of the frame and upholstery, and how heavily the chair is used. Regular cleaning and checking for wear will help keep it performing well over time.

Can I plug a lift chair into a regular NZ power outlet?

Yes, most lift chairs sold in New Zealand are designed to plug into a standard household outlet. It’s still important to make sure the chair is positioned safely, the cable is tidy, and the plug is easy to access if needed. If power cuts are a concern, a battery backup can be a very worthwhile feature.