
Today, we’re going to answer the question: How does a lift chair work? to give beginners some basic information. We’ll cover what these chairs are and what they do, and how they can work well in many people’s lives to improve their quality of living.
What Is a Lift Chair?

A lift chair, also called a power lift recliner, is an upholstered armchair with a motor that allows the seat, leg rests, and back to move up or down so that the user can sit or stand without effort. Lift chairs are designed for people with mobility limitations to ease them gently in and out of the chair at the touch of a button on a hand-held controller.
There are three main categories of lift chairs:
Two-Position
Two-position lift chairs don’t recline too much as they’re designed for lifting the user into sitting and standing positions only. The seat and leg rest move, while the back moves only a tiny amount to remain mainly at a 45-degree angle. These are ideal lift chairs for relaxing, watching TV, or reading and are priced lower than the reclining versions.
Three-Position
In addition to the two-position chair features described above, the three-position models include a reclining capability that lets the seat lie almost flat and the lifting mechanism to work from that position and in sitting mode. So along with providing comfort for watching TV or reading, the three-position lift recliner can also be used for napping.
Infinite-Position
Infinite-position lift recliners are the most expensive type of lift chair but also the most versatile. They have sitting, standing, and full reclining capability. Infinite position chairs include a zero-gravity position that is a treatment often recommended by doctors for some medical conditions to help improve blood flow, reduce anxiety or tension, lessen lower back pain, or improve circulation.
What Is the Difference Between a Lift Chair and a Regular Recliner?
Lift Chairs
At first glance, a lift chair looks just like a regular recliner. Upon closer examination, though, many differences become apparent. Traditional recliners aren’t powered by a motor or have a backup battery and don’t lift the user gently to sit or up to a vertical position to stand. Because of these features, there is a significant price difference between regular armchairs and lift chairs since the first is furniture only while the second is medical equipment.
Regular Recliners
Like lift chairs, regular recliners are available in different fabric choices, colors, sizes, and styles. These non-lift upholstered chairs offer more variety for color and pattern choice as lift recliners are typically limited to mainly solid, neutral colors – although often very stylish ones. Regular recliners are adjusted manually and not electric-powered as they don’t work for lifting. Although a standard recliner may be highly well-built, it isn’t a medical device like a lift chair, so it will never be as heavy-duty as its powerlifting counterparts.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Lift Chairs?
Pros
Cons
How a Lift Chair Works – The Mechanics
Lift Chair Parts
Lift Chair Set-Up
How To Use a Lift Chair Safely
Well, that’s the basic beginner scoop of how lift chairs work. If you’re still wondering: How does a lift chair work for your specific condition, it might be a good idea to talk with your doctor to see if this type of medical equipment could be right for you.