Recliner Chair Nicknames: What Do People Really Call Them?

You probably don't call your living room recliner a “recliner chair” every time you talk about it. Most of us call it something quick and familiar, like the “La-Z-Boy,” even if it’s not made by that brand. Some just say “the comfy chair,” “big chair,” or even “the dad chair.” At my place, Luna claims our recliner as her napping throne, while my dog Milo thinks it belongs to him every movie night.

These nicknames didn't just pop up out of nowhere. People like to keep things simple, so over time, these chairs picked up their own set of labels. 'La-Z-Boy' probably leads the pack—almost like how people use 'Kleenex' for tissues. You’ll hear 'lounger,' 'easy chair,' and sometimes 'the chair,' like everyone automatically knows which one you mean.

• Nicknames People Use for Recliner Chairs
• How These Nicknames Caught On
• Famous Recliner Brands and Their Influence
• Picking the Right Recliner for You

Nicknames People Use for Recliner Chairs

People rarely say “recliner chair” when they plop down at the end of a long day. The most common nickname you’ll hear is actually the brand name La-Z-Boy—even when the chair isn’t made by that company. That’s how you know a brand has made it big. It’s kind of like when you call any soft drink a “Coke” down South, no matter the brand.

The term “easy chair” is another classic nickname that’s stuck around for decades. It just tells you everything you need to know—these chairs make relaxing easy. Some families go with “lounger” or “lounging chair,” which pretty much describe what you do in them: lounge, watch TV, nap, or, if you’re like Luna, pretend you own the house for a bit.

Then there’s the “dad chair.” This one’s all about that family dynamic, where the big recliner is dad’s favorite seat. You’ll hear jokes about needing a permission slip to sit there. People might also use “the big chair” or “the comfy chair,” so everyone in the house knows which seat is the priority spot.

• Recliner chair – the original, but a bit clinical for everyday chat
• La-Z-Boy – the most famous brand nickname by far
• Easy chair – simple and still super common
• Lounger or lounging chair – for when you want to sound classy… or just honest
• Dad chair – more about the vibe than the make
• Comfy chair or big chair – straight to the point and always understood

No matter what nickname you use, it’s all about comfort. The one everybody claims first during a movie marathon—that’s when you know you’ve found the true ‘recliner’ of the house.

How These Nicknames Caught On

Nicknames for recliner chairs aren’t just random—they stick because of how folks actually live with these chairs. When the La-Z-Boy company invented their first recliner back in 1928, it was such a hit that people started calling all recliners by that name, even if they bought a different brand. The catchy brand name took off and never really slowed down.

The habit of calling things by a well-known brand isn’t new. Think about how people say “Coke” for any soda or “Band-Aid” for any adhesive bandage. Once a nickname starts rolling, it tends to spread fast among families, friends, and even in ads or TV shows. The phrase “dad chair” popped up in the 1980s sitcom boom—every family comedy seemed to have a scene where dad sank into his trusty recliner after work.

"When a product fits seamlessly into everyday routines, its name can take on a life of its own, often becoming a stand-in for the entire category," says Mark McGee, home furniture researcher at Design Weekly.

There’s some fun data on just how familiar these nicknames are. In a 2023 home survey, 57% of Americans said they use the word "La-Z-Boy" for any recliner chair, even if the brand tag says something else. Here’s a quick breakdown from that survey:

It’s a mix of advertising, pop culture, and just plain convenience that keeps these nicknames alive. If you hear someone shout, “Move, that’s my La-Z-Boy!” you know exactly which chair they’re talking about, no matter what’s stitched on the headrest.

Famous Recliner Brands and Their Influence

If you walk into a furniture store looking for a recliner chair, chances are you'll spot a La-Z-Boy first. The La-Z-Boy name has become almost interchangeable with recliners, kind of like how people call all running shoes 'Nikes.' The company started in 1927, and their classic lever recliner pretty much set the standard for what folks expect from a comfy chair you can lean back in. That’s probably why your granddad still calls his favorite seat the "La-Z-Boy," no matter what the tag actually says.

Other big names do matter, though. Brands like Ashley Furniture, Lane, and Barcalounger have their die-hard fans. Barcalounger, for example, has been around since the 1940s, focusing on a more 'fancy' recliner with good padding and smooth mechanisms. Meanwhile, Ashley has become known for making affordable options that don’t look out of place in a modern living room. Lane has a long history of American-made recliners that stand up to a lot of wear and tear—seriously good if you’ve got kids or pets like my Luna and Milo.

What’s wild is that these names actually changed the way people talk about furniture. I spotted a quote about this in the Wall Street Journal:

"When a brand becomes a household name, it’s not about the logo—it’s about how people connect with the product in everyday life.”

Check out how these brands stack up in popularity and when they started shaping the recliner world:

Folks definitely have their brand loyalties. Some stick with what their parents used, while others go for what fits their space and style. Either way, these recognized brands have shaped the nicknames and even the designs we expect from a solid recliner chair today.

Picking the Right Recliner for You

Nailing down the perfect recliner chair is honestly more about real life than style. A good recliner has to fit your size, your room, and, let’s be honest, your habits. Nobody wants a chair that eats up half the living space or feels weird when you sit in it.

Start with size. Measure the spot where you plan to put your recliner. Remember, most recliners need about 3 feet of clearance behind them when fully extended. If your living room is more tight than roomy, check out wall-hugger recliners—they slide forward instead of back, so they save space.

The type of material matters too. Leather looks sharp and is easy to clean if you’ve got pets like Luna or Milo. Fabric recliners are softer but might hold on to pet hair or stains more. If you want that ultra-soft feeling and don’t care about the random cat hair, microfiber is a solid pick.

Recliners come with a bunch of features these days. Want heat and massage? Plenty out there. Cupholders, USB charging ports, and power reclining (no cranking handles!)—they’re all on the table. Manual models usually cost less, while power recliners might go easier on your back and knees.

• Recliner chair height: Some recliners sit higher for folks who need a boost getting up. For shorter people, go for a lower-slung seat so your legs don’t dangle.
• Weight limit: Most standard recliners support up to 250-300 lbs, but heavy-duty versions go up to 500 lbs. Always double-check before buying.
• Style: Classic, sleek modern, oversized “big man” chairs, or compact contemporary models—you have tons of options, so don’t settle for an eyesore.
• Assembly: If you hate fiddling with tools, pick a model that comes mostly put together.

Here’s a quick comparison of what people like in their recliners, according to a 2024 survey from a popular home furniture site:

If you’re still stuck between choices, head to a store and do the classic ‘sit-test.’ That’s the only real way to know if you’ll sink into pure comfort or end up shifting around every few minutes. Just be ready to take turns with everyone else eyeing that same chair.