Electric Rise & Recline Chairs

What is an electric rise & recline chair?

An electric rise & recline chair is a comfortable powered armchair with two smooth, motorised movements. It reclines back and raises a footrest so you can relax with your feet up, and it also tilts gently forward and upward to bring you comfortably to your feet when you want to get up. Everything is controlled from a simple handset, so both movements are effortless and you can stop at any position you find comfortable. To see the wider choice of reclining seating across the store, our recliner sofas collection is a good place to start.

How does the rise and recline action work?

Both movements are powered by a quiet motor and controlled from a handset. Press and hold to recline, and the backrest eases down while a footrest rises, stopping wherever you let go so you can settle into a comfortable position; press again to return upright. Press for the rise function and the whole chair tilts gently forward and upward, moving you smoothly from sitting towards standing and bringing you to your feet. Because it's powered, each chair needs to sit within reach of a mains socket. To compare the wider powered range, our electric recliner sofas collection is a helpful reference.

What ranges are available?

There are three ranges to choose from, each a comfortable rise & recline armchair with its own style. Bilbury, Hunson and Kingsbury each offer the same effortless handset-controlled recline and rise action, so the choice really comes down to the look, proportions and finish you prefer. Each range's exact features and dimensions are listed on its product page, so it's worth comparing them side by side. Being single armchairs, they're easy to place in a living room, bedroom or conservatory. To browse other single seats across the store, our armchairs collection is a good reference.

What colours are available?

There are five easy-to-live-with colours across the ranges. Black is smart and forgiving, hiding everyday marks well. Grey is a versatile contemporary neutral and, as a mid-tone, reasonably forgiving of daily life, while light grey is a softer, paler, airier grey that keeps a room feeling bright. Tan is a warm, natural mid-brown with a relaxed, classic feel. And cream is a soft, light neutral that looks beautiful and airy — though, as a paler shade, it shows everyday marks more readily than the darker colours, so it rewards a little more care. Each product photo shows the exact tone. To compare grey tones across the store, our grey sofas page shows the wider choice.

What's the difference between grey and light grey?

They're two distinct tones, so it's worth choosing carefully. Grey is a mid-toned, contemporary neutral — the versatile all-rounder that grounds a scheme and is reasonably forgiving of everyday life. Light grey is noticeably paler and softer, closer to a pale silver-grey, which keeps a room feeling bright, open and airy; being lighter, it shows everyday marks a little more than the mid grey, though still less than the cream. If you want a practical, grounding neutral, choose grey; if you want a light, airy feel, choose light grey. Because screens vary, always check the product photo for the true shade. To see the wider grey choice, our grey sofas page is a good reference.

What are they upholstered in?

Each chair's upholstery is shown on its own product page, so that's the best place to confirm exactly what a particular chair is made from before you order. Whatever the covering, our advice is the same: follow the care guidance on the product page and care label for your chair, deal with spills promptly, and keep the chair out of prolonged direct sunlight to protect the colour — particularly for the paler shades like cream and light grey. If you'd like us to confirm the material of a specific range for you, our showroom team are happy to help.

Are they easy to operate?

Yes — everything is controlled from a straightforward handset with clear buttons, so reclining back or rising forward is as simple as a press and hold. There's nothing to lift or lever by hand; the motor does the work smoothly and quietly, and you can stop at any point that feels comfortable. The handset typically tucks neatly at the side of the chair when it's not in use. As the chairs are powered, just make sure there's a mains socket within reach when you decide where to place one, and our showroom team can demonstrate the handset if you'd like to try it before choosing. To compare the wider powered range, our electric recliner sofas collection is a good reference.

How to choose and measure your chair

A rise & recline chair needs a little space to move, so measure carefully. Allow clearance behind the chair for the backrest as it reclines, and space in front for the footrest to rise, plus a little extra room in front for the forward tilt of the rise action — the product page lists the reclined dimensions. Plan for the chair to sit within reach of a mains socket, and, as with any furniture, measure your access route — doorways and hallways — before you buy. Our sofa buying guide covers measuring up in detail.

Are the chairs fire-safe?

Yes. Every rise & recline chair in this range meets UK Fire Resistant (UKFR) standards, so the materials and construction comply with the fire-safety regulations required for upholstered furniture sold in the UK. This is a baseline legal requirement rather than an optional extra, and it applies across every range and colour.

How long does delivery take?

Most in-stock chairs are delivered within 7–10 working days, with free delivery. Delivery is carried out by a two-person team who bring the chair into your chosen ground-floor room, access permitting, and set it in place; old furniture removal can be arranged if you'd like your existing chair taken away at the same time. It's worth measuring your doorways and hallways in advance so delivery day runs smoothly. Full timescales and coverage are on our delivery information page.

Can you spread the cost with finance?

Yes. You can spread the cost of any rise & recline chair using one of our named finance providers, all subject to credit check. Simply select your preferred option at checkout; the exact terms for your order are shown before you confirm. Full details are on our finance options page.

Finance is provided by third parties and is subject to status and affordability checks. Missing payments may affect your credit rating.

Why choose Furniture Instore?

We specialise in upholstered furniture, and our electric rise & recline chairs pair effortless, handset-controlled comfort with a choice of three ranges and five colours. We describe things plainly: the chair reclines back and raises a footrest, and tilts forward and up to bring you to your feet, all at the touch of a button — a comfort and convenience feature we describe by what it does. We're honest about colour, too: black is forgiving, while cream is a beautiful paler shade that shows marks more. You're welcome to visit our Coventry showroom to try the action and see the colours in person before you decide. Every order comes with free delivery by our own two-person team and our 14-day change-of-mind returns, we hold a 4.8★ Excellent rating from over 4,800 genuine Trustpilot reviews, and you can spread the cost interest-free with Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal Pay in 3, or over a longer term with DivideBuy, all subject to credit check. To see the wider reclining choice, browse our recliner range, and call us on 02476 705 600 if you'd like a hand choosing.

Frequently Asked Questions