Club chairs are traditionally made with leather, but other designs have become common; one of the first decisions you will need to make when purchasing a reclining club chair is what kind of material you want and what you can afford. Leather tends to be more expensive than other materials, but it is also a durable material that will likely last several decades while only improving in visual appeal as it ages. Other materials can become less attractive with age, though they may be less expensive to purchase. The style of your reclining club chair will also be an important consideration before purchasing.
The most popular designs of reclining club chair models have rounded features, but some feature straight arm rests and seat backs. Be sure to pick a design that fits the aesthetic of the room in which the chair will be placed. The color of the leather or other material will also have an impact on the visual appeal of the chair in relation to the rest of the room, so be sure to consider the material color as well. Club chairs are usually fairly compact, but some chairs are larger than others; be sure to measure how much space you have available in your room for the chair, and don't forget to measure the space for the reclining club chair when the chair is fully reclined. The chair will take up more room in this position.
The reclining feature should be easy to use and well-designed. Some reclining club chair models will activate the recliner feature simply by putting pressure on the seat back, while others may feature an arm built into the side of the chair that will activate the reclining feature. Be sure to try both methods, or other methods that may be available, and choose the one that is easiest to use. Getting the chair back upright should also be a simple process, and you should be able to do so without any significant effort.
Check the chair for creaking or a feeling of looseness, especially when the chair is reclined. Squeaking or creaking may be a sign that the joints of the frame are loose, which can be a potential problem after the chair has seen some use. The chair should also not move too much when you shift your weight in it; if excess movement is present when you shift your weight, the construction of the chair may not be the highest quality, and a different reclining club chair may be a better option.