Finding the perfect Stressless recliner should be exciting, but sorting through all of its features and configurations can quickly get overwhelming. We’re here to make it simple by breaking down what actually matters for your home and personal comfort.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential features to consider, including style, base type, and seat cover material. Think of it as your head start before visiting T.Y. Fine Furniture to test them out in person and find your perfect match.
1. Know the comfort features.
It’s tempting to start your journey by exploring styles, but we’ve learned that fit and feel always come first. With years of experience helping clients find the right Stressless recliner, we know the true test is how a chair supports your body. Hardly anything beats experiencing that level of comfort in person at our showroom. Before you visit, it helps to understand the key features behind the signature support, so you know exactly what to expect.
Plus™ System. This is the original Ekornes innovation, and it’s still built into every Stressless recliner. As you shift your weight and recline, the Plus™ System simultaneously adjusts the headrest and lumbar support to track the curve of your spine, ensuring your neck and lower back stay properly supported in any position.
BalanceAdapt™. Available in manual models, BalanceAdapt™ works by sensing your body’s natural movement so the chair tilts and rocks gently in response. Rather than holding you in one fixed position, it moves with you whenever you lean forward, recline, or shift your weight.
ComfortZones™. Built directly over the recliner's steel frame, this perforated foam design uses small air pockets to give you a soft, supportive feel. It lets you sink naturally into the cushion rather than resting on top of it.
Power. This feature brings motorized movement to Stressless recliners. Discreet buttons let you adjust the footrest and backrest automatically, so you can dial in your exact position without pushing with your body weight. Specialized, heavy-duty power models like the Stressless® Sam and Scott include a remote control for effortless adjustments and to activate special comfort functions, such as heating and massage. The latest model, the Adam recliner, features a zero-gravity position that elevates your legs above your heart, creating a feeling of weightlessness.
2. Choose the style.
To help you get started, the Stressless recliner collection has three main categories:
Timeless Classics
These are the styles that have endured for years. Mayfair is one of the most popular classic models. It features a soft, rounded silhouette that fits easily into almost any room. Paul stands taller than most designs and offers an adjustable headrest, the ideal match for taller frames. Among the most iconic Stressless® designs ever made is Wing. Launched in 1994, the style is a blend of modern and classic silhouettes, which is perhaps why it works in almost any space.
Power Recliners
These models feature a whisper-quiet motor system to adjust the footrest, backrest, and headrest at the touch of a discreet button. The recent power models come with the Moon base, which gives the recliner a compact, modern look.
Advanced power models like the Stressless® Adam have a system that elevates your legs slightly above heart level in the Zero Gravity position, reducing pressure on your joints and spine.
Home Office Recliners
These recliners offer the full ergonomic support of a traditional Stressless® recliner, built onto a rolling office base. They help you stay supported and comfortable at your desk just as easily as you would in your living room.
3. Explore the base options.
Stressless recliners are designed for effortless movement, and the brand’s signature 360-degree swivel base is a big reason why. While several base styles are available, each is meticulously engineered for comfort, and the design you choose will significantly shape the chair's overall look. Keep in mind that base availability varies by recliner model.
Classic Base
The Classic Base is the original Stressless® base and has been a favorite for decades. Made from bent beechwood, it features a clean and simple look that defines traditional Scandinavian design. It is engineered to remain completely stable and stationary when you recline, so it does not rock or tilt. Because the 360-degree swivel mechanism is housed in the chair itself rather than the base, it works best on carpet or rug, or on wooden and tiled floors with rubber pads added underneath for grip.
Signature Base
The Signature Base has a unique style, with its blend of wood and metal. You can customize the wooden elements in various stains, paired with either a matte black or polished aluminum metal finish. Beyond its 360-degree swivel, it features a built-in BalanceAdapt™ system that responds to your body's movements. Unlike the Classic base, the swivel comes from the seat itself rather than at floor level.
Cross Base
Rather than a circular ring, the Cross Base features four legs in your choice of polished or matte black aluminum. The overall silhouette looks light and minimalist, fitting easily into modern interiors. It also includes the BalanceAdapt™ system for an intuitive sitting experience, making this sleek, compact base a true powerhouse of comfort.
Classic Power Base
This option retains the timeless look of the wooden Classic base while upgrading your comfort with integrated power adjustments. Discreet, accessible buttons embedded on the seat allow you to extend the footrest and recline the backrest independently. Since the power footrest is built directly into the chair, no separate ottoman is required.
Home Office Base
Built for the workspace, this base combines the full ergonomic support of a Stressless recliner with the utility of an office chair. Smooth-rolling wheels and an under-seat lever let you adjust the height, while full recline functionality helps you stay comfortable during long workdays. The base comes in sleek black for a clean, professional look.
Moon Base
The Moon Base is a premium, disc-shaped foundation designed for the Stressless® advanced power chairs, such as Max, Mike, Sam, and Adam. Sitting flat to the floor, its minimalist silhouette gives the chair a grounded, modern aesthetic.
Have questions before you visit? You can reach out here—we're happy to help.
And while you're in the showroom, you'll find more than just Stressless® chairs. Take a look around at our own solid wood furniture too, handcrafted right here in Ohio. You can browse the full collection online anytime at the T.Y. Fine Furniture Collection.
4. Pick the seat cover.
There are currently 13 Stressless® recliner models available in multiple sizes, along with a range of fabric and leather options—and the seat cover is how you can really personalize the recliner. Because the options are so tailored, we always recommend visiting our store so our team can guide you in choosing the best model, seat cover, and comfort features to suit you and your home.
Fabric
Aster. Woven entirely from recycled materials, Aster is a sustainable fabric featuring a textured weave that feels soft against the skin.
Calido. This fabric is a breathable wool blend that feels soft on the skin, warm when chilly and cool when warm.
Daisy. A strong, easy-maintenance fabric made from recycled bottles. It is exceptionally soft and comfortable.
Dinamica. A premium microfiber fabric that appears like suede. Breathable, non-static, and highly wear-resistant, it provides a high-end feel that is easy to care for.
Lilly. This fabric is a plush, soft chenille woven with a high percentage of recycled fibers. It is durable, comfortable, and sustainable.
Leather
Batick. A corrected, grain-embossed leather treated with a protective lacquer coat, making it fade-resistant, easy to clean, and ideal for heavy use.
Paloma. Soft, natural, and comfortable, Paloma is a very popular choice. It is a slightly corrected leather with a combination of dyes and pigments to smooth the material. While a thin coat of lacquer adds light protection and simplifies cleaning, Paloma retains its natural marks and color nuances.
Velaro. An elegant leather dyed all the way through for color consistency. It is only slightly corrected and lightly coated, offering a soft, silky feel while remaining robust for daily use.
Noblesse. An exclusive, top-tier full-grain semi-aniline leather offered by Ekornes, dyed all the way through with a thin protective coat to preserve its natural luster and softness.
5. Determine the right size.
| Measurement Label | Small (S) Range | Medium (M) Range | Large (L) Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Width | 27.5" – 29.5" | 29.9" – 32.5" | 33.5" – 36.5" |
| Total Depth | 27.5" – 29.0" | 28.0" – 30.0" | 30.0" – 31.5" |
| Total Height (Floor to Headrest) | 37.0" – 39.0" | 39.5" – 41.5" | 39.5" – 42.5" |
| Seat Height (Floor to Cushion) | 15.0" – 16.0" | 15.7" – 16.5" | 16.5" – 17.5" |
| Seat Depth | 18.0" – 18.5" | 18.5" – 19.3" | 19.3" – 20.0" |
The table highlights dimensional ranges across the standard Stressless Recliner collection, such as Consul, Mayfair, Reno, and Wing, on classic manual bases.
Most Stressless recliners are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. While measurements vary by style, standard models typically fall within the ranges shown in the table above, with an overall height between 38 and 42 inches. Specialty models, such as Max, Mike, and Sam, run slightly larger than the standard footprint.
To get the full benefit of Stressless® ergonomics, proper fit is essential. The integrated Plus™ System is designed to cradle your lower back and neck, making the placement of these support points key when choosing a size, rather than focusing solely on your height or body frame.
This blog post was published September 3, 2022, and has since been updated.
