Buying a decent living room chair can be painful if you suffer from back pain. First of all, massage chairs are expensive and cost upwards of $1000. Not only that, but furniture does not eliminate the core issue of back pain.
Thankfully, lounge chairs do not have to break your bank aside from an already broken back. We compiled 10 of the best living room chairs for back pain sufferers for under $500 (except for 2).
What to look for when buying ergonomic living room chairs
Back support
Whether the chair is for lounging, work, or for outdoor patios, an ergonomic chair is one that provides ample support for your lower back. Your lower back (lumbar) has an inward curve shape that without sufficient support, will lead to slouching. This in turn strains your lower back and causes bad posture issues such as osteoporosis. The backrest should also support your spine’s natural curve while keeping your head in a neutral position.
Adjustable angles
Contrary to popular belief, an ergonomic chair should not be positioned at a 90-degree angle. In fact, according to a study by the Radiology Society of North America, the best position for your back is actually a reclined angle of 135 degrees. Sitting at a 135-degree angle actually puts less strain on your spine than at the 90-degree angle. Less strain on your back means fewer back issues so straighten out your sitting posture by reclining more.
Armrests
When buying a living room chair for back pain sufferers, buy one that has armrests. Not only are they comfortable for your elbows, but they also take some strain off your upper spine shoulders. Without armrests, you tend to tighten your shoulders to avoid dropping your elbows and inadvertently strain your body. If possible, the armrests should be collapsible to make room.
Footrests
Good sitting posture means that your feet should be flat on the floor or on a boosted surface such as an ottoman. These flat surfaces will help support your body weight and reduce stress on the hips and spine. If your feet cannot reach the ground, a footrest or ottoman can help fill in the gap. Even if your feet can touch the ground while you’re sitting, an additional footrest will still provide extra comfort and may come in handy for other furniture sets.
Personalized comfort
Everyone’s body is built differently with varying heights, body proportions, and degrees of spinal curvature. So, just because a chair is ergonomically designed does not mean that it is ergonomically designed for you. If you’ve found a chair from this article that you like, take some time to visit the store and test it out for yourself. Ultimately, the chair should be comfortable for you and this may differ from one person to another.
10 best living room chairs for back pain sufferers – Comparison chart
| Brand | Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMUG | 31 x 31 x 41 inches | Textile | Yes | 250 lbs. | 51 lbs. | View price here |
| Babyletto | 36 x 29 x 41 inches | Fabric | Yes | 300 lbs. | 123.2 lbs. | View price here |
| La-Z-Boy | 40 x 37 x 40.75 inches | Textile | Yes | Unavailable | 83 lbs. | View price here |
| IKEA | 37.75 x 32.25 x 39.75 inches | Polyester | No | Unavailable | 110 lbs. | View price here |
| Christopher Knight | 35.5 x 28 x 39.5 inches | Textile | Yes | 250 lbs. | 61 lbs. | View price here |
| GDF Studio | 34.75 x 28 x 41.25 inches | Textile | No | 250 lbs. (estimate) | 67.5 lbs. | View price here |
| IPKIG | 28.7 x 31.5 x 42.5 inches | Linen fabric | Yes | 300 lbs. | 108.2 lbs. | View price here |
| Explore Land | 23 x 29 x 42 inches | Suede fabric | No | 440 lbs. | 17.76 lbs. | View price here |
| Human Touch | 43 x 31 x 47 inches | Vinyl | Yes | 400 lbs. | 160 lbs. | View price here |
| HOMHUM | 31.5 x 23.6 x 40 inches | Fabric | Yes | 330 lbs. | Unavailable | View price here |
SMUG Recliner Chair
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 x 31 x 41 inches | Textile | Yes | 250 lbs. | 51 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Lightweight
✔️ Easy assembly
✔️ Massage mode
Cons:
❌ Not for people taller than 6 feet
❌ Wobbles if you are above 200 pounds
Product overview
The seat dimensions of this recliner chair are 21.2 inches (depth) x 20.8 inches (width) whereas the seat’s height is 17.3 inches tall. It is not too small and not too heavy either as it boasts a feather-like weight of 51 pounds (23 kg). Moreover, the back is reclinable with three degrees for your choosing: the standard 106 degree-angle, a 125 degree-angle for reading, and a 141 degree-angle for napping.
Push-back recline or remote-controlled model
You have to push back this chair manually to obtain your desired recline angle. On the other hand, SMUG does offer remote-controlled models that also come with a massage mode. However, that option is only available for the black and gray colors of this chair. A recliner chair that can massage your back with one of 8 modes may be comfortable but that model features a smaller seat of 20 x 19.3 x 17.3 inches (depth x width x height).
Materials
This recliner chair from SMUG has a solid hardwood frame that provides stability when you lean back. Thick sponge padding is stuffed throughout the insides for extra comfort. Moreover, you can make use of the foot extension to provide your legs some rest and reduce strain from your back. The legs are made of wood and require you to screw them in during assembly.
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Babyletto
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 x 29 x 41 inches | Fabric | Yes | 300 lbs. | 123.2 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Electric-powered and can swivel 270-degrees
✔️ Uses sustainable materials
✔️ Water and stain-resistant
Cons:
❌ Heavy
❌ Costs more than $500
Product overview
This is an electronic recliner chair by Babyletto, a company that specializes in beautiful nursery furniture. It stands out from other chairs on this list because it has a Greenguard Gold certification and features an environmentally conscious design.
The depth of this recliner chair’s seat is about 22 inches whereas the distance from the ground to the front is approximately 20 inches. If you find your legs too short, you may utilize the footrest that you can activate with a remote controller. Furthermore, this recliner chair features a lumbar pillow to provide extra support for your lower back.
Sleek electronic swivel chair
As this recliner chair is electric-powered, you can adjust its reclination by using the buttons at the side. Speaking of electricity, there is also a USB port that you can use to charge your phone as you sit back and relax. You can swivel up to 270 degrees with the aforementioned button which saves you the trouble of manually moving this 123-pound chair.
The footrest may be slightly too low for taller people but is negatable with one of Babyletto’s ottomans (sold separately).
Environmental-friendly materials
Babyletto’s recliner chair truly stands out in using sustainable materials that are also safe and chemical-free. During the manufacturing process of this chair, Babyletto used more than 50 recycled plastic bottles and at least 30% recycled yarn. The result is the only Greenguard Gold Certified chair on this list with fabrics that are water-repellent, stain-resistant, and emissions-free.
The foam padding of this chair meets all CA TB117-2013 flammability requirements and is CertiPUR-US® certified, making it safe for children Moreover, the frames of this chair are made of FSC® Certified Wood. These wood come from FSC®-certified forests as part of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) sustainable forest management program.
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La-Z-Boy
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 x 37 x 40.75 inches | Textile | Yes | Unavailable | 83 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Trusted brand
✔️ Long-lasting
✔️ Uses recycled leather
Cons:
❌ Slightly heavy
❌ Limited color choice
Product overview
Not to be confused with popular rapper Jay-Z, La-Z-Boy is another industry forerunner on this list and has been building high-quality furniture for the past 90 years. This chair is no different and features a comfortable seat size of 23.5 inches (depth) x 22 inches (width). Moreover, the backrest is 20 inches tall while the overall product has a decent weight of 83 pounds (37.6 kg).
This recliner chair also has a rocking function for you to cozily rock away any worries or stress. Unfortunately, one downside of this chair is that it only comes in two contemporary colors that may not be to everyone’s liking.
Ample support for your body
The backrest of this recliner/rocking chair by La-Z-Boy is specially designed to support the natural curve of your spine. To support your lumbar spine, this chair also has lower back pillows and armrests to reduce strain on your shoulders. You can also adjust the backrest and leg rest to a lower inclination for personalized comfort according to your activity.
Materials
La-Z-Boy used recycled leather as this chair’s choice of upholstery. This recycled leather looks and feels almost exactly like genuine leather, making it a more sustainable and cost-friendly material. In terms of comfort, this recliner-rocking chair excels in that aspect because high-quality padding fills this chair from head to toe.
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IKEA STRANDMON
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37.75 x 32.25 x 39.75 inches | Polyester | No | Unavailable | 110 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Extremely affordable
✔️ Ample seating space and large backrest
✔️ Sustainable materials
Cons:
❌ Lacks lumbar support
❌ Not reclinable
Product overview
No list of living room chairs is complete without IKEA, the powerhouse furniture brand from Sweden. While the IKEA STRANDMON has a status backrest and does not have a footrest, it is the most affordable recliner on this list. Personally, I own an IKEA STRANDMON wing chair so I can personally attest to its comfort.
The seat depth is a roomy 21.25 inches with a wide seat depth of 19 inches. Moreover, the backrest stands at an enormous height of 25 inches. So, even the tallest people can sit in the IKEA STRANDMON comfortably. This chair does not have a footrest, but you can buy a separately sold ottoman with the same color palette. As such, the IKEA STRANDMON is one of the most affordable and deserves to be on this list of 10 best living room chairs for back pain sufferers.
Comfortable and ergonomic design
The IKEA STRANDMON line of wing chairs has thick padding, evenly spaced armrests, and a tall backrest. All these provide support to your spine and reduces when sitting for long periods. I personally have this chair in my home and we even had guests falling asleep after sitting for 10 minutes.
However, the IKEA STRANDMON chair is static and not adjustable. Moreover, it does not have a footrest or other massage functions that other chairs on this list provide. The lack of lumbar support is another drawback too. All things considered, you can buy this chair for less than $200 so it is still worth the buy. Overall, the IKEA STRANDMON is not the best but is good enough for back pain sufferers.
Note: As previously mentioned, you should always try on chairs before buying them. Ergonomic chairs that are comfortable for others may not be comfortable for you.
Sustainable yet high-quality materials
As a whole, IKEA is committed to using sustainable or recycled products and this chair is no different. IKEA used 100% polyester for the fabric and polyurethane foam for the cushioning. As for the frames and legs, IKEA utilized particleboards and solid wood for better stability.
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Christopher Knight
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35.5 x 28 x 39.5 inches | Textile | Yes | 250 lbs. | 61 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Fairly lightweight
✔️ Trusted brand
✔️ Thick padding
Cons:
❌ This model has limited color options
❌ Lower weight capacity than other chairs on this list
Product overview
Christopher Knight is a well-known brand for home furniture because of its beautiful yet functional designs. This recliner by Christopher Knight has a decently sized seat of 19.75 inches (depth) x 17.25 inches (width). The backrest is 18 inches tall which is good enough for most people.
Reclinable back support
This recliner chair has everything to look for in a good living room chair for back pain. It has lower back cushions, a tall backrest, and thick padding. Moreover, you can adjust the backrest to recline to a considerable depth. However, it is a pushback recliner and not automatic, meaning that you have to manually adjust the backrest.
Materials
The chair’s primary material is fabric while the legs are made of birch wood. Moreover, the overall design is stylish and will surely accentuate your living room. The chair is also fairly lightweight at only 61 pounds (27.6 kg), allowing you to move it easily. The fabric is made of 100% polyester, a common material for furniture. Polyester can last a long time because of its water and mildew-resistant properties.
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GDF Studio’s Elizabeth recliner chairs
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34.75 x 28 x 41.25 inches | Textile | No | 250 lbs. (estimate) | 61 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Beautiful design with ample color choices
✔️ Trusted brand
✔️ Durable
Cons:
❌ Not reclinable
❌ Actual weight capacity not provided
Product overview
GDF Studio is another popular furniture brand because of its beautiful designs and superb build quality. GDF Studio’s Elizabeth line of recliner chairs is a customer favorite because of its aesthetic appeal and comfortable seat. The seat dimensions are 21.5 inches x 20.5 inches x 19 inches (depth x width x height). Like the IKEA STRANDMON, this chair is not reclinable nor does it have a footrest.
Beautiful and ergonomic design
GDF Studio’s Elizabeth recliner chair shares various similarities with IKEA’s STRANDMON line of chairs. This Elizabeth recliner chair by GDF Studio features a long backrest and a spacious seat. The ample space allows most people to fit in this chair comfortably.
The price range is slightly higher than the aforementioned competitor. However, GDF Studio’s Elizabeth has a more elegant design and is one of the best-looking lounge chairs available. The combination of beauty and functionality makes this wing chair by GDF Studio deserve a spot on our list of the 10 best living room chairs for back pain sufferers.
Materials
The GDF Studio Elizabeth recliner chair is made of 100% polyester fabric. Moreover, durable birch wood is the material of choice for the chair’s legs. There are 5 colors available for this chair. They are light beige, charcoal, dark blue, light gray, and light sky. Our favorite colors are charcoal and light beige (shown above) and will surely garner compliments from your guests.
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IPKIG
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28.7 x 31.5 x 42.5 inches | Linen fabric | Yes | 300 lbs. | 108.2 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Extremely thick paddings
✔️ Massage and heating
✔️ Has cup holders and side pockets
✔️ Electric recliner chair
Cons:
❌ Quite heavy
❌ Recommended height is only 5’1″ – 5’9″
Product overview
This is an electric wingback recliner that features a massage mode that you can activate via a remote controller. With the remote control, you can choose from 3 vibration intensities which will thoroughly massage 8 points on this chair. The chair also has a lumbar heating mode to ease any stress accumulated throughout the day.
Unlike other chairs on this list, IPKIG’s electric recliner chair comes with additional features for your convenience. Firstly, there is a USB charging port for you to plug in and charge your devices. Moreover, there are side pockets and cup holders on each side. Thanks to these additional features, the IPKIG electric recliner deserves a place on the 10 best living room chairs for back pain sufferers.
Impeccable back support
As this chair by IPKIG is electric-powered, you do not have to manually push back the backrest. You can choose one of 4 postures to recline from 90 degrees all the way to 160 degrees. Moreover, your spine and lumbar will thank the generous amount of stuffing in this chair. As mentioned, you can also activate vibration massage and lumbar heating to relax your back muscles.
Materials
IPKIG used linen fabric to make this chair. Linen is a soft material and also a natural insulator to keep you warm during winter or cool during summer. Furthermore, linen can last a long time when taken care of properly. All the pillows and cushions in this chair are overstuffed with foam to support your spine. Moreover, you can select the upsized model of this chair for more seating space at less than $20.
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Explore Land
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 x 29 x 42 inches | Suede fabric | No | 440 lbs. | 17.76 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Exceptional weight capacity
✔️ Extremely lightweight
✔️ Anti-rust steel frames
✔️ Thick paddings
Cons:
❌ May tear if in contact with sharp objects
❌ Smaller seating space than other listed chairs
Product overview
This upholstered accent chair by Explore Land has a seat size of 15 inches (depth) x 17 inches (width). It is smaller than other chairs on this list but is sufficient for most body sizes. Nonetheless, the tall backrest (24 inches) compensates for the less seat space. Moreover, this petite chair is also much lighter than others as it is only 17.76 pounds.
Decent back support
You are unable to recline this chair does it have a leg rest. However, the backrest is designed at a comfortable 125-degree angle to support your spine. Moreover, the seat and back have plentiful padding to support your body weight and reduce strain on your muscles. You also have the option to buy the inexpensive set that comes with a footrest to support your legs and hips.
Stainless materials
The frames of this chair are made of anti-rust steel. While steel may not have the unique texture of wood, it is much more durable and stronger. This lightweight chair is only about 17 pounds heavy but it can support up to 440 pounds. Moreover, suede fabric covers the entire chair accompanied by abundant padding.
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Human Touch
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 x 31 x 47 inches | Vinyl | Yes | 400 lbs. | 160 lbs. | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Will last you for many years
✔️ Premium-quality materials and build quality
✔️ Supports up to 400 lbs.
✔️ Sustainable materials
Cons:
❌ Much higher price than $500
❌ Quite a large chair
❌ Extremely heavy
Product overview
We know that this product well exceeds over $500 but no list for living room chairs is complete without mentioning Human Touch. Human Touch has been providing high-performance chairs for the past 40 years including the Perfect Chair® PC-420. As a result, Human Touch’s massage chairs are endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC).
The Perfect Chair® PC-420 is on the heavier side at 160 pounds (72 kg). However, it can also support up to 400 lbs (181 kg) of weight. This chair is a manual pushback chair rather than electric-powered but reclining the backrest is fairly unchallenging.
Superb comfort and back support
The Perfect Chair® PC-420 comes with the complete set of back support — a head pillow, extended armrests, leg supports, and adjustable lumbar supports. Furthermore, its patented 3D EasePoint Technology™ evenly distributes your body weight over the entire chair.
Premium materials
The chair is covered by Human Touch’s SofHyde upholstery. It is an eco-friendly polyurethane that has similar properties to leather without actual animal skin. Moreover, the wooden frames are hand-carved by trained professionals that undergo a strict 2-year apprenticeship program. They utilized wood from the rubber tree which is strong, durable, and will last for decades.
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HOMHUM
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | Material | Adjustable Backrest? | Weight Capacity | Product Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.5 x 23.6 x 40 inches | Fabric | Yes | 330 lbs. | Unavailable | View price here |
Pros:
✔️ Skin-friendly and breathable fabric
✔️ Ample back and lumbar support
✔️ Thick cushions with side pockets
✔️ Adjustable headrest and backrest
Cons:
❌ Lacks massage or heating functions
❌ Slightly smaller than other listed chairs
Product overview
The HOMHUM accent chair is spacious with a seat size of 22.4 inches (depth) x 23.6 inches (width). Moreover, it has a large backrest that is 30.7 inches tall. Overall, the generous spacing this chair provides is sufficient for even the tallest of people.
Has everything in a lounge chair
If you have read the buying guide above, then you will know that a living room chair should have several things if you are buying it for back pain sufferers. They are padded armrests, backrests, sufficient lumbar support, headrest, and leg rests. This accent chair by HOMHUM has it all.
You can adjust the backrest and choose from one of three angles between 95 degrees to 175 degrees. Moreover, this living room chair is a whole furniture set that comes with an ottoman to support your feet. The cushions are thick to help distribute your body weight evenly and provide extra comfort.
Materials
HOMHUM used high-density foam to fill as padding for a slightly bouncy cushion. Moreover, the fabric is skin-friendly and breathable which contributes to extraordinary seating comfort. On the other hand, the legs are made of wood-like material and are not actual wood. They are accompanied by metal frames to keep the chair sturdy and enable it to support up to 300 lbs (149 kg) of weight.
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Tips to relieve back pain when sitting
Ultimately, even the best living room chairs will not eliminate back pain. If you want to get rid of a sore back forever, you would have to visit a chiropractor and attend physical therapy. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t hurt to invest in a chair that you are comfortable in and relieves some of that backache.
To further alleviate back pain while sitting, follow these expert tips that are tested and true:
- No matter how comfortable a chair is, get up and stretch every 30 minutes.
- Regularly do back exercises and strengthen your core muscles.
- Use a lumbar roll to support your lower back when you are driving.
- Invest in a heating pad to soothe your muscles and promote blood circulation.
- Consider investing in an adjustable desk especially if you are working from home.
Key takeaways
There are several aspects to watch out for when buying a living room chair especially if you suffer from back pain. The chair must provide ample back support with its backrest (preferably adjustable), headrest, armrests, and footrest. Additionally, the chair should also have massage and heat functions to soothe your back muscles.
Our list of the 10 best living room chairs for back pain sufferers covers most if not, all of these areas. Here is the summary of the list:
- SMUG
- Babyletto
- La-Z-Boy
- IKEA’s STRANDMON line of chairs
- Christopher Knight
- GDF Studio’s Elizabeth recliners
- IPKIG
- Explore Land
- Human Touch’s Perfect Chair® PC-420
- HOMHUM
Know of any other living room chair that is great for back pain? Let us know in the comments below!
Nice Post.Thanks for sharing
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