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Arm Chairs

There's usually one chair in the house that belongs to someone. Not officially, not written anywhere, but everyone knows. It's the one angled right...
There's usually one chair in the house that belongs to someone. Not officially, not written anywhere, but everyone knows. It's the one angled right for the telly, or the one by the window, and it belongs to whoever got there first or claimed it years ago. A good armchair earns that kind of status. It holds one person properly, stays comfortable over a long sit, and doesn't end up being used as a coat hook between sittings.
The armchairs here are electric recliner models, available in fabric and leather. They're built around actually sitting properly rather than just perching. A motorised backrest and powered footrest give you precise control over your position, which matters whether you're settling in for a few hours or whether getting up from a low seat is harder than it used to be. If you already have a sofa in the room, most of these options work well alongside an existing scheme without needing to match exactly.
Finance is available on many of our armchairs, subject to status. We deliver across the UK and armchairs from this collection typically arrive within 7 to 14 days. If you'd like to try any of these chairs in person before you decide, you're welcome at our Manchester showroom. We're also happy to talk through measurements or options before you buy.

What's in this collection

The armchairs here are electric recliner models in fabric and leather. What separates an electric recliner from a standard armchair is the motorised mechanism: the backrest reclines smoothly and the footrest lifts at the press of a button, giving you real control over your position without having to wrestle a manual lever. That's a modest thing if you're young and fit, and a meaningful one if you're not, or if you plan to spend genuine time in this chair every day.

Fabric options tend to feel softer and warmer to sit in, and suit a room that gets everyday family use. Leather is easier to wipe down when something gets spilled, which in a family home is rarely a hypothetical. Both come in tones that sit naturally alongside fabric sofas or leather sofas already in the room.

Choosing the right size and fit

Armchairs are more compact than a sofa, but a recliner needs more thought because of how the footrest extends. When fully reclined, the chair's footprint can grow by 50 cm or more from the front leg to the tip of the extended footrest. Measure from the back of the chair to the nearest wall before you order, not just the upright footprint.

Seat height is also worth checking, particularly if you're buying with an older family member in mind. A higher seat makes getting in and out noticeably easier for people with knee or hip concerns. If you'd like exact dimensions for a specific model before committing, get in touch and we can give you those details. Doorways and hallways are worth measuring too. Armchairs are bulkier to move than they look, and a tight corridor or sharp turn can complicate delivery.

Fabric or leather: what to consider

Fabric armchairs tend to feel cosier and are often the natural choice for a sitting room that gets regular family use. The warmth and softness suit a room you actually live in, and the finish tends to feel more welcoming in cooler months. The practical trade-off is that fabric picks up pet hair and is harder to clean thoroughly after a spill.

Leather wipes down far more easily and tends to stay looking presentable with less effort over time. It can feel cooler initially, which some people like and some don't. It also tends to be the more durable surface in a chair that's in daily use. If you have young children or a dog with strong views on where they sit, leather is the more forgiving choice. Neither is objectively better. It depends on who is going to use the chair most and how.

Spreading the cost

An armchair is the kind of purchase that often gets delayed because it feels like a large spend for a single seat. Finance is available on many of our armchairs, subject to status, which means you can spread the cost rather than paying in full upfront. You'll find the details on our finance page, or you can ask us directly when you get in touch.

It's also worth knowing that the options vary. Depending on what suits your budget, it's often possible to choose a term that feels more manageable than a single outlay.

Why buy from Shawcross

We're a Manchester-based retailer with a showroom where you can sit in the chairs before you decide. For a recliner armchair in particular, that matters. Whether the mechanism feels smooth, whether the seat height suits you, whether the fabric or leather feels right, none of that is obvious from a product page.

For customers further afield, we deliver nationally across the UK, with armchairs from this collection typically arriving within 7 to 14 days. If you have questions at any point, whether about dimensions, suitability for a family member with specific mobility needs, or anything else, get in touch. We'd rather you got the right chair first time.

Arm Chair FAQs

What's the difference between a fabric and leather recliner armchair?

It comes down to feel and practicality. Fabric chairs tend to feel warmer and softer from the moment you sit in them, and suit a more relaxed, informal room. The limitation is that fabric is harder to clean after a spill, particularly anything oily, and over years of heavy use the surface can flatten and show wear more visibly.

Leather is easier to maintain day to day. Most spills wipe off cleanly, and the surface tends to hold its appearance well over time. It feels cooler initially, which is a matter of personal preference. In terms of durability in a high-use chair, leather tends to have the edge. If the chair is likely to be sat on by children or a pet, that's worth factoring in.

If you're genuinely torn, coming into our showroom to sit in both is the most reliable way to decide. It's a tactile choice and photographs don't tell the full story.

How much space does an electric recliner armchair need?

More than people usually expect. In its upright position, an armchair has a fairly compact footprint. When the footrest extends and the backrest reclines fully, the total depth of the chair can increase by 50 to 60 cm. A chair pushed close to a wall won't be able to recline fully without the backrest pressing against it.

Allow at least 30 cm of clearance behind the chair, and clear space in front for the footrest to extend comfortably. If your room is tightly laid out, measure the space properly before ordering. If you'd like to check a specific chair against your room dimensions, contact us and we'll advise.

Are electric recliner armchairs good for people with mobility issues?

They're frequently chosen for exactly this reason. The motorised mechanism removes the need to push yourself up from a low seat, which makes a real difference for people with knee, hip, or back problems. You can adjust the recline to a position that feels properly supported, and hold it there without effort.

If you're buying with a specific person's needs in mind, it's worth checking the seat height and the ease of the controls before ordering. We're happy to give you detailed measurements for any model in this collection, and if travelling to our Manchester showroom is practical, you're welcome to bring the person the chair is intended for so they can try it in person.

How long does delivery take?

Armchairs from this collection are typically delivered within 7 to 14 days. We deliver nationally across the UK. If you have access restrictions at your property, narrow doorways, a staircase, or a tight hallway, let us know at the point of order so the delivery team can prepare. It's also worth measuring the route from your front door to the room yourself before delivery day. Armchairs are heavier and bulkier than they look, and a tight corner can be more awkward than expected.

Can I try an armchair before I buy?

Yes. Our Manchester showroom carries armchairs you can sit in and assess before committing. For a recliner especially, trying it makes sense. You can feel how the mechanism moves, check whether the seat height is right for you, and see the fabric or leather properly in natural light rather than a product image. You're welcome to come in during opening hours.

If travelling to Manchester isn't realistic, we can talk through any of the practical details by phone or email, including dimensions and how each mechanism works, so you feel confident before you order.

Is finance available on armchairs?

Finance is available on many of our armchairs, subject to status. If you'd prefer to spread the cost rather than pay in full upfront, the details are on our finance page or you can ask us when you get in touch. We'll explain clearly what's available so you can decide what works for your budget before placing an order.