One of the comforts of the home that is slowly becoming an essential is the recliner. It’s a luxurious and comfortable way to relieve stress. After the rigors of your workaday world, you deserve to have some pampering, and what better way to do that than to relax on a comfortable recliner?

Although all recliners are made with the same general intent, to provide the best comfort, they do not necessarily offer the same level of luxury. So if you’re in the market for a good piece, get to know a few ideas on what materials could come together to give you the best quality recliner.

Aside from the range of reclining positions, the comfort provided by a good recliner is dependent on the cushion or filling used. There are different materials that can be used but the most popular ones are fiber and foam. Fiber cushions last a long time, but because the loose fibers do not stay in one place, you may end up having a bunchy recliner.

Some recliners use memory foam, which is lightweight and easily molds to the contours of the body. It relieves pressure and gives more support. Dacron wrapped foam is also used in making good-quality recliners. It is more durable and also fills in any slack in the foam.

Another material that contributes to a recliner’s comfort is the kind of upholstery used, the most popular being real or synthetic leather. Furniture made of real leather is a bit more expensive than ones made of synthetic leather. However, real leather is more breathable so it’s cool in hot weather and warm in the cold season. It is also more durable and even grows more beautiful over time. Be careful, though, not to put your leather recliner in an area where there is direct exposure to sunlight because it will cause your leather to age faster.

Synthetic leather requires less maintenance than real leather and also doesn’t crack or fade easily. It is not breathable, however, and sweat can accumulate because air doesn’t pass through the upholstery.

A recliner can have a metal or wood frame. If the frame is of hardwood, then it may be more expensive than if metal were used, but it will also be more durable. A metal frame can be bent and shaped more easily than wood and can give it a sleeker look.

When buying a recliner, it pays to know more about what materials are used. A little knowledge may determine whether you’ll get a piece that will be comfortable for a long time or one that will last only a short while. A good recliner is not just what you see. Its comfort and durability is determined by how you feel when reclining on it and what is under the upholstery.