Difference between Recliner and Rocker Recliner

Key Difference: A recliner is an armchair or sofa that reclines when the occupant lowers the chair's back and raises its front. A recliner is also known as a reclining chair, lounger and an armchair. A rocker recliner is a type of recliner that rocks back and forth in addition to reclining. Or it can have more than one reclining positions.

A recliner is a type of chair that as its name suggests reclines. Specifically it is a type of armchair in which the back of the chair leans back and a panel pops out for a foot rest. This allows a person to ‘recline’ in the chair, which is physically a much more pleasant and comfortable position than sitting.

A recliner is also known as a reclining chair, lounger and an armchair. It can be reclined by either pushing a button or a pulling on a lever, or it can be reclined shifting one’s weight to slide the chair into position. The recliners that resembled the modern recliners were first introduced in the 1920s by two American cousins. However, its predecessors have been in existence since around 1850.

The recliner is very popular as it allows lumbar support and allows one to rest in a position that is almost as comfortable as lying down, and for some even more. There are many different types of recliners available in the market. These include one that have an adjustable headrest, lumbar support and an adjustable foot rest. However, instead of a foot rest, a recliner may feature a footstool instead, which may be adjustable with the weight and angle of the user's legs. A recliner may also have additional features such as heat, massage and vibration. Some recliners may be wheelchair accessible.

A rocker recliner is a specific type of recliner. The actual definition of a rocker recliner varies as each manufactures’ rocker recliner may have different features that makes it stand out from the competition. Some rocker recliners may have the feature of actually rocking making them a cross between recliners and rocking chairs. However, some other rocker recliners may instead be able to recline in various different angles so that they may be adjustable as per the user’s preference. Some rocker recliners also have an added swivel feature.

A rocker recliner that rocks is a favorite of many people, especially people suffering from insomnia and for nursing mothers; as the rocking motion tends to put both adults and babies to sleep. Many people actually prefer to take their naps in the rocker recliner rather than in their bed.

Comparison between Recliner and Rocker Recliner:

	Recliner	Rocker Recliner
Description	A recliner is an armchair or sofa that reclines when the occupant lowers the chair's back and raises its front.	A rocker recliner is a type of recliner that rocks back and forth in addition to reclining. Or it can have more than one reclining positions.
Type of	Armchair	Recliner
Functions	It has a backrest that can be tilted back, and often a footrest that may be extended by means of a lever on the side of the chair, or may extend automatically when the back is reclined. May feature an adjustable headrest, lumbar support and an independent footstool. Additional features may include heat, massage and vibration. Some models are also wheelchair accessible.	May be able to rock back and forth. May be able to recline at more than one angle, hence giving more comfort and choices to the user.
Key Feature	Reclines	Reclines at more then one angle and/or rocks back and forth