Thought to be an American invention, the recliner as we know it today was actually born around 1850, when the French military introduced a reclining bed for camp use that could serve as a chair, chaise lounge, and a bed. It was designed to be portable and featured a steel frame and padded armrests.

When did recliner chairs become popular?

With multiple brands marketing these upholstered, adjustable chairs as the ultimate way to relax at home, its no wonder recliners became a staple in our living rooms. By the time the '60s rolled around, reclining chairs were so popular that big name stars like Bing Crosby started popping up in ads.

When did recliners start?

According to Apartment Therapy, the recliner was born in 1790 at the hands of an enterprising dentist named Josiah Flagg. The Boston-based dentist unknowingly kicked things off when he added a movable headrest to a Windsor writing chair to make his patients more comfortable.