A recliner is a type of chair that can recline its back and raise its front, often with a footrest that can extend or retract. Recliners are popular for their comfort, versatility, and style. But how did they come to be? Here is a brief overview of the history of the recliner chair, from ancient times to modern days.
Ancient Origins Of The Recliner Chair
The idea of reclining while sitting or lying down is not new. In fact, some of the earliest forms of recliners can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These cultures used various types of furniture such as chaise lounges, daybeds, and couches that allowed people to relax and lounge in different positions. Some of these furniture pieces were also used for dining, socializing, and sleeping. They were often decorated with cushions, fabrics, and ornaments to reflect the status and taste of their owners.
The History Of The First Recliner Chairs
The first recliner (the kind with intricate moving parts) appeared in 1850 as a camp cot in France. It’s France where the story of recliners begins. This prototype was designed for Napoleon III (Napoleon’s nephew), and it doubled as a bed. It featured padded armrests and upholstery for the frame, but it wasn’t exactly adjustable.
Around the same time, another type of recliner emerged in England: the reclining barber chair. This chair was designed to make shaving and hair-cutting more comfortable and convenient for both the barber and the customer. It had a mechanism that allowed the chair to tilt back and forth, as well as a footrest that could be raised or lowered.
The Rise of Recliners
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, recliners became more popular and diverse in their designs and functions. Thanks to the development of woodworking techniques and metalworking skills, various types of chairs that could swivel, slide, raise, lower, and recline were invented. Some of these chairs were used as novelty items or conversation pieces, while others were used for practical purposes such as medical treatments or relaxation.
One of the most influential inventors of this period was Daniel F. Caldemeyer, an American engineer who patented a recliner in 1959 as the owner of National Furniture Mfg. Co based in Evansville, Indiana. His design was based on the science of kinetics that he used while serving in the US Air Force. His recliner was used by NASA for the seats in Projects Mercury, Gemini , and Apollo . His chairs were also used by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who received 50 of them as a Christmas gift. Caldemeyer added features such as a foot lift rest, heated seating, massage functions, and an entertainment center to his recliners.
Another notable inventor was Edward Knabush , who along with his cousin Edwin Shoemaker, filed a patent application for a wooden reclining bench in 19284. This patent led to the founding of La-Z-Boy , one of the most famous brands of recliners today. In 1930, they patented an upholstered model with a mechanical movement4. La-Z-Boy recliners became known for their comfort, quality, and durability.
Modern Recliners
Today, recliners are widely available in various shapes, sizes, styles, materials, and features. They can be found in homes, offices, theaters, airplanes, trains, cars, and even wheelchairs. They can offer different levels of adjustability, support, and comfort. They can also include additional functions such as massage , heat , vibration , speakers , USB ports , cup holders, storage compartments , and remote controls . Some recliners can even help people stand up or lie down with ease.
Recliners are not only functional but also fashionable. They can match different types of décor and personal preferences. They can range from traditional to modern , from leather to fabric , from neutral to colorful . They can also express one’s personality and taste.
Recliners are more than just chairs. They are symbols of relaxation , leisure , luxury , and style. They are part of our culture and history . They are the ultimate seats for dads everywhere.
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