How to test comfort in-store

Recliner

• Sit longer than you normally would. Comfort that lasts often reveals itself after the first moment.
• Do you feel that the seat back reclines sufficiently?
• Does the chair provide good lumbar support in all positions?
• Does the recliner feel robust and safe?
• Does the gliding movement smoothly adjust to the weight of your body?
• Are the height and width of the chair right for you?
• Are you aware of how your entire body relaxes?
• Is the ottoman positioned in the right place to give you maximum leg support?
• Do the chair and ottoman move with you as you change position?
• Compare two or three models before deciding.

If high back recliner:

• Can you adjust the headrest so that it lies flat when you recline?

Dining chairs

• Sit down and move naturally – does the chair adapt to your body without any levers or adjustments?
• Lean forward – does the chair reduce pressure under your thighs while still supporting your back?
• Lean back – does the backrest recline smoothly while the seat adjusts to open your sitting position?
• Stay seated for a few minutes – does the seat and back continue to follow your smallest movements?
• Notice your posture – are your back and spine supported in both upright and relaxed positions?
• Check the seat comfort – does the seat adapt naturally to your body weight without pressure points?
• Sit at the table height – do the height and proportions feel right for relaxed dining?
• Stay longer than you normally would – do you forget about the chair and focus on the moment?

If armrests:

• Rest your arms – do they follow your body position and feel integrated with your posture?

If swivel base:

• Turn slightly – does the chair rotate smoothly and naturally as part of your movement?

Sofa

• Sit down normally – does the sofa immediately feel balanced and supportive?
• Sit longer than you normally would and also try to lay down. Comfort that lasts often reveals itself after the first moment.
• Does the sofa provide good lumbar support in all positions?
• Test movement, not only stillness.
• Does the sofa feel robust and safe?
• Are the height and width of the sofa right for you?
• Are you aware of how your entire body relaxes?
• Compare two or three models before deciding.
• Try different seats/modules – do they feel consistent, and can you find the position that suits you best?

If high back sofa:

• Can you adjust the headrest so that it lies flat when you recline?
• Is your head supported comfortably as you lie down to read or watch TV?