Recliners have been around for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt, but modern recliners as we know them today didn’t start to appear until the early 1900s. The first recliner was invented by Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker in Monroe, Michigan in 1928.
The idea of a recliner was first brought up by Knabusch while he was sitting in a metal folding chair. He told Shoemaker that he wished he could tilt the chair back and relax in it. After a few months of hard work, the two created a recliner that was made of wicker and had a lever on one side. When the lever was pulled, the chair reclined, allowing the user to sit back and relax.
The recliner was an immediate success, and the company went on to become La-Z-Boy, one of the most well-known furniture brands in the world. Within a few short years, La-Z-Boy had introduced electric recliners with motorized controls for adjusting the back and footrest. This allowed users to adjust the position of the chair quickly and easily.
Since then, recliners have become a staple of living rooms and bedrooms around the world. They are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials, and new features and designs are constantly being introduced. From leather to microfiber, power recliners to rocking chairs, there is a recliner out there for everyone.
So the next time you’re lounging in your recliner, take a moment to appreciate the long history of this iconic piece of furniture. It has come a long way since Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker first introduced it in 1928.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ #1: When did recliners first come out?
Answer: The first recliner was invented in 1928 by Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker.