Swivel Power Recliner vs. Manual Swivel Chair: Which Is Right for Your Home?

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If you are shopping for a chair that offers movement, comfort, and flexibility, you may be deciding between a swivel power recliner and a manual swivel chair. While both allow you to rotate and reposition with ease, the experience they provide is very different once comfort, customization, and long-term use are considered.

Vic Bozhko, a sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Cyrville, explains, "Some people may not even know we have swivel power recliners."

At La-Z-Boy, customers often ask whether upgrading to a swivel power recliner is worth the investment or if a classic manual swivel chair will meet their needs just as well. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can confidently choose the option that fits your lifestyle, space, and comfort priorities.

Key Takeaways:

• Swivel power recliners offer significantly more comfort features, including power reclining, adjustable headrest and lumbar, and optional heat and massage.
• Manual swivel chairs rotate a full 360 degrees, while swivel power recliners are limited to 165 degrees for cord safety.
• Power swivel recliners are better suited for those with back pain, mobility concerns, or long periods of seated use.
• Manual swivel chairs are generally more affordable and work well as accent seating.
• Both options are highly customizable at La-Z-Boy with hundreds of fabric and leather choices.
  
  

In This Article...

• Brief Overview of Each Option
• Pros and Cons Summary
• Price Comparison
• Customization and Upgrade Options
• Comfort and Ergonomic Support
• Movement and Swivel Range
• Reclining Features and Limitations
• What’s Right for You

Brief Overview of Each Description

Manual Swivel Chair

A manual swivel chair is designed primarily for upright seating with smooth, effortless rotation. These chairs are commonly used as accent pieces in living rooms, bedrooms, and reading corners. While they do not recline unless specifically designed as a swivel recliner, they offer flexibility in conversation areas and open-concept spaces.

At La-Z-Boy, manual swivel chairs are available in a wide range of silhouettes, from modern and minimalist to more traditional designs. Their simplicity, full rotation, and lower price point make them a popular choice for style-focused seating.

Swivel Power Recliner

A swivel power recliner combines powered reclining with swivel motion, offering a more advanced comfort experience. These chairs allow you to recline at the touch of a button while also rotating to reposition yourself in the room.

According to Vic, he says, “Many customers choose swivel power recliners because they want movement without sacrificing support. The power features make it easier to relax without strain.”

Swivel power recliners are designed for extended use, comfort customization, and ergonomic support, making them ideal for TV rooms, relaxation spaces, and users with physical support needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Difference Between Manual vs Power Recliners, take a look at this article.

Pros and Cons Summary

Price Comparison

One of the most noticeable differences between these two options is price.

Manual swivel chairs are typically more budget-friendly since they do not include motors, power mechanisms, or advanced comfort features. They are ideal if you want rotational movement without added technology.

Swivel power recliners cost more due to the inclusion of power reclining systems, adjustable lumbar and headrest support, and optional upgrades like heat and massage. While the upfront cost is higher, many customers see this as a long-term investment in daily comfort.

Customization and Upgrade Options

Customization is where swivel power recliners truly stand apart.

Manual swivel chairs can be customized with hundreds of La-Z-Boy fabrics and leathers, including performance and pet-friendly options. Some models also allow customization of the swivel base finish.

Swivel power recliners go further by offering power headrest and lumbar adjustments, as well as rechargeable battery packs for cord-free placement.

These features allow the chair to adapt to your body rather than the other way around. Vic notes, “Customers who sit for long periods notice the difference almost immediately once lumbar and headrest support are added.”

Comfort and Ergonomic Support

Comfort is subjective, but functionality matters.

Manual swivel chairs are comfortable for upright seating and short-term use. They are great for conversation, reading, or filling a design gap in a room. However, they do not offer targeted ergonomic support.

Swivel power recliners are built for full-body support. Adjustable lumbar and headrest positioning allows users to reduce pressure on the lower back and neck. This makes them a preferred option for individuals with back pain, joint stiffness, or mobility challenges.

Movement and Swivel Range

Movement is another key difference.

Manual swivel chairs rotate a full 360 degrees, making them ideal for open spaces where you may want to turn freely between multiple focal points.

Swivel power recliners are limited to 165 degrees to prevent power cord tangling and protect the internal wiring. While this reduces rotation, it ensures long-term safety and durability.

For maximum movement, manual swivel chairs are the winner. For comfort and function, the limited swivel of a power recliner is a worthwhile trade-off.

Reclining Features and Limitations

Manual swivel chairs do not recline unless designed as a swivel recliner, which is less common.

Swivel power recliners allow you to recline smoothly with a button and adjust multiple comfort zones independently. The primary limitation is reliance on electricity. During power outages, reclining will not function unless a battery backup is installed.

La-Z-Boy also offers manual swivel recliners, which combine 360-degree rotation with manual reclining for those who want flexibility without power dependency.

What's Right For You: Manual Swivel Chair vs. Swivel Power Recliner

Choosing between a manual swivel chair and a swivel power recliner comes down to how you plan to use the chair and the level of comfort you want in your space.

A manual swivel chair is ideal if you value flexibility and simplicity. With full 360-degree rotation, these chairs work well in open-concept rooms, conversation areas, or as accent seating. They are typically more affordable, lighter to move, and require no power. As Vic Bozhko explains, “Manual swivel chairs are a great option when you want movement and style without committing to power features.”

Choose a manual swivel chair if you want:

• Full rotation and easy movement
• Lower cost and minimal maintenance
• Stylish accent seating

A swivel power recliner is better suited for those who prioritize comfort and support. While its swivel range is limited for safety, it offers power reclining, adjustable headrest and lumbar support, and optional heat and massage upgrades.

“Customers who spend long periods sitting or need extra back support often prefer swivel power recliners for their personalized comfort,” says Vic.

Choose a swivel power recliner if you want:

• Enhanced ergonomic support
• Power reclining and comfort upgrades
• A chair designed for long-term lounging

In short, manual swivel chairs excel at versatility and value, while swivel power recliners shine when comfort and customization matter most. Your lifestyle, room layout, and how you plan to use the chair should guide your final decision.

What's Next?

You now have a clearer idea of the differences between swivel chairs and power recliners. We hope this article will guide you in making the right choice!

As you continue learning about swivel power recliners, you may find our review article about Swivel Power Recliners helpful!

You can also start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston. You can also schedule a visit online before coming in.

Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how our furniture could fit into your home design.

To learn more about recliners at La-Z-Boy in general, take a look at our comprehensive Recliner Buyer’s Guide.

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