Are you suffering from chronic back pain? Your furniture might be making things worse for you.
Most living room furniture isn’t designed with your back and posture in mind, so many chairs are either too low or don’t provide proper lumbar and upper back support. Either way, the bottom line is that your furniture could work against you by fostering bad posture habits.
The good news is that there’s an easy fix for that. While ergonomically designed furniture is still just a small slice of the overall market, it is rapidly growing. A number of respected brands now offer great designs at prices to suit every budget.
Who are Fjords?
If you live in the United States, you’ve probably never heard of Fjords, but they have a huge presence in the European market and have been making high-quality furniture for over 80 years.
Starting as a family business with two brothers, Otto and Mindor Hjellegjerde, and later joined by their third brother, Ingvald, Fjords has become one of Norway’s largest furniture groups.
They’re also one of the first companies to embrace ergonomic furniture design, and as such, few companies do it better. The Hjellegjerde Fjords recliners reviews you find all over the internet reflect this. They’re exquisite products.
Fjords Hjellegjerde makes a wide range of furniture, including office chairs, sofas, etc. In this piece, we’ll be looking primarily at their extensive collection of Fjords leather recliners.
About Fjords Recliners
Broadly speaking, Fjords leather recliners can be divided into four segments, as shown below.
Before we go into more detail about each of these product lines and the chairs themselves, let’s start by giving you a broad overview of each segment so you can compare and contrast them:
Euro-Swivel Chairs: Key Features to Consider
As you can see, all of the Euro-Swivel chairs are quite close in terms of their overall ratings. A few differences exist at the margins, with two models (the Mustang and Regent) adding extra padding and an extra pillow for an even more comfortable seating experience. The somewhat more minimalist Senator is the only real departure, and even it may be an excellent option, depending on your home décor scheme.
The Muldal has the best overall value, as the few tweaks and enhancements the other chairs offer aren’t terribly significant.
Obviously, it’s worth paying extra if you like the design of one of the other models more, but in terms of feature set and functionality, the Muldal has almost everything the others offer, and it costs less.
As to the standard features on offer here, they are as follows:
Adjustability & Customization
There’s a lot to say here because when you order a chair from Fjords, you have many options at the point of sale. Let’s start with upholstery options and wood finishes.
Upholstery Options
Color and upholstery finishing options are broken into three groupings: The Nordic Line, Softline, and the Astro Line. Note that not all options are available in all models. The Muldal, for instance, is only available with Nordic Line upholstery options, while most of the other chairs (the Regent being the exception) are available in all three, which is one of the reasons they cost a bit more.
Nordic Line vs. Softline vs. Astro Line
However, these three lines are more than just a different collection of colors.
The Nordic Line offers high-quality leather upholstery that is treated to be more resistant to liquids and the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. This upholstery stands up well over time and is ideal for furniture that is to be heavily used.
The Softline is a more supple finish designed to maximize comfort. The tradeoff is that it’s less stain and sun resistant than the Nordic Line.
The Astro Line is a semi-aniline upholstery finish, meaning that pigments have been applied to the leather to even out tones, mask blemishes, and make the upholstery extraordinarily more resistant to stains, wear, and the harmful effects of the sun.
The upholstery here is thicker than the other two but retains much of its natural softness and comfort. This is the most durable of the upholstery options.
Wood Base Options
Additionally, the wood base can be ordered in:
Chair Size and Configurations
Furthermore, these Fjords recliners can be ordered in “large” or “small” configurations. This is a description of the seat depth and width. If you’re a shorter person, you know the dilemma. If you’re sitting in a chair that’s too big for you, your knees won’t bend if you’re sitting all the way back in the chair because the seat is so deep that they physically can’t.
Offering each model in two different size configurations is Fjords’ solution to that problem.
Put all of this together, and you get a comprehensive set of menu options that allow you to design exactly the chair you want, ensuring a perfect “fit” into whatever home décor scheme you have.
Comfort
Comfort-wise, while there are a few differences from one model to the next (which will be noted below), all of the chairs in this product line are incredibly comfortable, utilizing “cold-cured” foam for padding.
Cold-Cured Foam Padding
Two things set cold-cured foam apart from the standard block foam used to pad so many other pieces of furniture:
Ottoman Design
You’ll also note that the ottoman isn’t level but built at a slant, which makes for a more relaxing seating experience and encourages better blood flow and circulation to your lower extremities. This is a nice, subtle touch that further enhances the overall comfort of all of these chairs. Like the chair itself, the Ottoman features cold-cured foam and is amazingly comfortable.
Ergonomic Support
Of course, we wouldn’t be talking about these chairs at all if they didn’t have full ergonomic support for both the lumbar region and the upper back. These features, combined with the chairs’ inherent comfort, just make them a joy to sit in.
Recline Function
Unlike conventional, lever-action recliners, these Fjords recliner chairs see the recline function controlled via the company’s patented “Active Release” system. The chair’s back is mounted on glide rails, which adjust the recline angle based on the weight of the person sitting in the chair. Grip the arms and gently push back, and you’ll automatically recline to the perfect angle. When you’re ready to get up, lean forward, and the chair will automatically move with you, helping you out of it.
Storage & Extras
None of these chairs come with magazine pouches or storage pockets; honestly, you won’t miss them. In fact, we’ve never seen any Fjords recliner reviews that mentioned it as a negative.
If they were present, they would detract from the design. You can tell that the company put all of its focus into making the best, most comfortable chair it could, to the point that “extras” like these are rendered unnecessary.
The only “extra” in this product line is the fact that the seats swivel on their bases, which makes reaching the remote, phone, or magazine stored on a nearby side table a bit more convenient.
Ultimately, it comes down to finding the model with the “right” aesthetic and offered in the colors you want. Below, we’ll provide a picture of each model so you can get a feel for its aesthetic and outline the color options available, noting other differences as applicable.
Some Assembly Required
Given that these chairs ship from overseas, it’s just more efficient to ship them disassembled, so don’t be surprised when you get the box and have to spend some time putting the chair together.
The instructions are clear, and the manufacturing quality is top-notch, so everything fits seamlessly together, and construction is a snap. As with most projects like this, while it’s possible to do it yourself, having a second pair of hands will greatly benefit you. Also note that for an extra charge, you can order the “White Glove” service and have it assembled for you. Well worth the extra money if you’d rather not be bothered.
Euro-Swivel Chairs Comparison Table
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|
|
Primary Rating:
4.8
|
Primary Rating:
4.8
|
Primary Rating:
4.8
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
|
$1,845.00
|
$2,195.00
|
$1,395.00
|
$1,895.00
|
|
Value:
5.0
|
Value:
4.8
|
Value:
4.8
|
Value:
4.5
|
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.9
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
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Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Best value of the Euro-Swivel lineup. Well-designed and rugged. Blends in well with most home décor schemes.
- None.
- *Only offered in Nordic Line colors.
- Beautifully designed, with a re-engineered headrest for added comfort. Full range of color options available.
- Pricey.
- Overstuffed, and featuring an extra pillow on the headrest, the Mustang offers a luxuriant seating experience that feels like being wrapped in a hug. Full range of color options available.
- Pricey.
- Full range of color options available. As beautiful and long-lasting as all of the chairs in this product line.
- Pricey. Slightly more austere design may not fit in as easily with some home décor schemes.
|
|
|
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Primary Rating:
4.4
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
4.4
|
|
Value:
4.5
|
Value:
4.3
|
Value:
3.8
|
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.0
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
|
Pros:
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Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Full range of color options available. As beautiful and well-built as all of the other chairs offered in this product line.
- Pricey.
- C-Framed Ottoman. Full range of color options available.
- Pricey.
- C-Framed Ottoman. Like the Mustang, it offers an extra pillow for the headrest, providing additional comfort.
- Pricey. Only available in Softline color options.
*While aesthetics is a matter of taste, aesthetic flexibility is a measure of how easily a given design would fit into a wide range of home décor schemes.
Euro-Swivel Series Chair Lineup
Muldal
Best value of the Euro-Swivel lineup. Well-designed and rugged. Blends in well with most home décor schemes.
The Fjords Muldal recliner is available only in Nordic Line colors, although all wood finishes are available. Consider this to be the “base model” of the lineup.
Bergen
Beautifully designed, with a re-engineered headrest for added comfort. Full range of color options available.
All three-color lines and all wood finishes are available when you order the Bergen. Not everyone may like the angle of the headrest on the Muldal, and if that’s a problem for you, note the slight difference in the design of the headrest of the Bergen. It may be more to your liking.
Mustang
Overstuffed, and featuring an extra pillow on the headrest, the Mustang offers a luxuriant seating experience that feels like being wrapped in a hug. Full range of color options available.
When you order the Mustang, you can choose from all three-color lines and all wood finishes. It is functionally similar to the Muldal, but with slightly more padding and an extra pillow mounted on the headrest for an even more comfortable seating experience.
Loen
Full range of color options available. As beautiful and long-lasting as all of the chairs in this product line.
When you order the Loen, you can choose from all three color lines and all wood finishes. The slightly more angled seatback may provide some users a more relaxing seating experience.
Senator
Full range of color options available. As beautiful and well-built as all of the other chairs offered in this product line.
All three-color lines and all wood finishes are available when you order the Senator. This is a bit of a departure from the other models in this product line and, in our view, a not-quite-successful experiment. It looks a shade too formal to us and, as such, will struggle more than the other models to fit in seamlessly with a wide range of home décor schemes. Still, this one might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for something more formal.
Manjana
C-Framed Ottoman. Full range of color options available.
When you order the Manjana, you have the option of all three color lines and all wood finishes. It’s a bit of a hybrid: the Manjana features a conventional swivel base, but the Ottoman is built on a C-frame.
Regent
C-Framed Ottoman. Like the Mustang, it offers an extra pillow for the headrest, providing additional comfort.
In a bit of a departure, only the Softline color options are available on the Regent, although all wood finish options are open to you.
This is another hybrid design featuring the chair on a swivel base with the Ottoman built on a C-Frame. This is like the Bergen but with slightly more padding and an extra pillow mounted on the headrest. In that regard, it’s akin to the Mustang’s improvements over the Muldal.
Euro-C Frame Chairs Comparison Table
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Primary Rating:
4.6
|
Primary Rating:
4.6
|
Primary Rating:
4.5
|
|
N/A
|
$2,745.00
|
N/A
|
|
Value:
4.0
|
Value:
4.0
|
Value:
3.8
|
|
Comfort:
5.0
|
Comfort:
5.0
|
Comfort:
5.0
|
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
|
Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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- Wonderfully designed chair, offering an exquisite seating experience and featuring a full range of ergonomic supports.
- Expensive.
- Wonderfully designed chair, offering an exquisite seating experience and featuring a full range of ergonomic supports.
- Expensive.
- Wonderfully designed chair, offering an exquisite seating experience and featuring a full range of ergonomic supports.
- Expensive.
Euro-C Frame vs Euro-Swivel: Key Features
The Euro-C-Frame chairs are functionally similar to the Euro-Swivel chairs we discussed earlier and have the same core features.
There are two key differences here.
While it’s certainly possible to enjoy a nice nap in the swivel models we discussed earlier, the three models in this product line could almost be considered chairs that also double as beds. Okay, that’s probably overselling it, but the simple fact is that these are glorious designs you could easily fall asleep in, albeit at a significant increase in cost.
We like both of the additions made by this line, but in our view, unless you’re specifically in the market for a chair for napping and aesthetics are super important to you, the additions just aren’t worth the added cost, which is why these chairs tend to rate a bit lower in terms of value.
That said, we understand that opinions will vary on both of those points, and if you are looking for an awesome-looking napping chair with a full range of ergonomic supports, you’ll find all three of these models well worth the extra money. Even if you’re not, we think you’ll agree that all of the C-Frame lineup chairs are exquisite and exceptional. As with the Swivel chairs, we’ll provide details on their (slight) differences, along with an image of each model, just below:
Euro-C Frame Series Chair Lineup
Trandal
Wonderfully designed chair, offering an exquisite seating experience and featuring a full range of ergonomic supports.
The Trandal is available in all three upholstery finishing options and is the most formal of the three C-Frame designs (although still not as formal as the Senator we mentioned earlier).
Admiral
Wonderfully designed chair, offering an exquisite seating experience and featuring a full range of ergonomic supports.
The Fjords Admiral chair is available in all three upholstery finishing options and sports a removable pillow on the headrest for added comfort. If maximizing comfort is your goal, this is the model you want.
Giske
Wonderfully designed chair, offering an exquisite seating experience and featuring a full range of ergonomic supports.
Like the Regent (the flagship of the swivel chairs mentioned earlier), the Giske is available only in the Softline color palette and finish. It boasts a more casual design, especially compared to the Trandal, but it still retains the ability to blend seamlessly with almost any home décor scheme.
Euro-Ami Fusion Chairs Comparison Table
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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Primary Rating:
4.6
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|
$1,945.00
|
N/A
|
$1,645.00
|
|
Value:
4.5
|
Value:
4.4
|
Value:
4.3
|
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Simple, unobtrusive design that retains all the features of the more expensive models in this product line.
- None – a little pricey.
- Functionally similar to the Ulstein, but offered in more colors.
- A little pricey.
- Features a lever-activated recline (a departure for Fjords), and a height adjustable headrest. All three upholstery options available.
- Pricey.
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|
|
|
Primary Rating:
4.6
|
Primary Rating:
4.6
|
Primary Rating:
4.6
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
$2,345.00
|
|
Value:
4.3
|
Value:
4.3
|
Value:
4.2
|
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
4.8
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Functionally similar to the Ulstein, but with all three upholstery options available.
- None – a little pricey.
- All three upholstery options available. Features a massive curved headrest that is also height adjustable.
- A little pricey.
- Functionally similar to the Oslo, but with all three upholstery options available, and with a height-adjustable headrest.
- Pricey.
Euro-Ami Fusion Chairs: Key Features
These chairs represent a bit of a departure from the ones we’ve looked at so far, and they have a different set of core features to talk about. We’ll start by looking at the features all the chairs in this product line share in common before taking a closer look at the color selections available in each model:
Adjustability & Comfort, Storage & Extras
We’re combining the “Adjustability and Comfort” and “Storage and Extras” sections because many of the features that this line of chairs offer count both as an “extra” and serve to increase comfort.
Ergonomic Support
As with the other chairs we’ve discussed in this article, these wouldn’t even get a mention if they didn’t come with a full range of ergonomic features, including plenty of support for both your lumbar region and your upper back. Right out of the gate, then, these recliners distinguish themselves from most of the others on the market, earning high marks for comfort and for being good for you and your posture.
Up to 360-degree Swivel
It gets better, though, because all of these chairs also swivel on their bases. Some swivel a full 360 degrees, and some have a more limited range (we’ll note that in the individual product sections below), and they all rock and recline.
Easy Recline
In most cases (except where noted in the individual products), the recline function works the same as it does for the chairs we’ve already discussed. Rather than relying on lever action, you simply grab the arms of the chair and push back. Your body weight determines the angle of the recline, giving you an optimally comfortable seating experience.
Zero-Gravity Recline
Best of all, though, all of the chairs in this product line also feature Zero-Gravity seating! You read that correctly—this is an entire line of Fjords zero-gravity chairs! That’s something you typically only find in massage chairs, so its inclusion here is nothing short of amazing. If you’ve never had the pleasure of sitting in a Zero-Gravity chair, prepare to be impressed!
Essentially, it means that when you recline, the chair will automatically move to a position where your knees rest slightly above your heart, giving you a feeling of weightlessness as you sit in the chair.
This position provides a whole raft of benefits, including improved circulation (which has been proven to help lower your blood pressure) and the fact that it takes stress off of your lower back. So, if you suffer from chronic back pain, you win in two ways: You get the benefits of great lumbar and upper back support, plus the added benefits of Zero-G. These chairs aren’t just comfortable; they’re genuinely therapeutic, too!
Comfortable Padding
As with Fjords’ other products, these chairs are padded with cold-cured foam, which is more comfortable and retains its shape better, meaning all these chairs wear well over time. You won’t have to worry about sagging cushions here!
Also, like Fjords’ other products, all of these chairs come in both “large” and “small” configurations, with the smaller variants having roughly 2” less in terms of seat width and depth. While there are some minor variations, in general, the large sizes of these recliners measure 42” x 36” x 34″, with an 18” seat depth.
Limited (Free) Color Options
If there’s one major departure between this line of chairs and the ones we’ve talked about previously, it is the fact that some models are only offered in a few colors (contrast this with the vast array of options available in the chairs that make up the other product lines).
Technically, you can get any of these chairs in the upholstery options and colors. Still, if you deviate from the standard offering, the chair will have to be custom-made for you, which will further add to the cost and delay its arrival by as much as three months. That’s not something most people have the patience for.
No Assembly Required
Unlike the other chairs Fjords produces, these come fully assembled and ready to enjoy when delivered to your door. Set it where you want it to go, kick back, and relax. Nothing else to do.
Note that this product line included a model called the Fjords Contura chair. First introduced in 2010, it has since been discontinued. You can occasionally find a refurbished one online, but they are becoming increasingly rare and should be considered unavailable.
Euro-Ami Fusion Series Chair Lineup
Ulstein
Simple, unobtrusive design that retains all the features of the more expensive models in this product line.
The Ulstein is this line’s “base model.” It is offered in three Nordic finishes: Havana, Sandel, and Cappuccino. You can also get it in one Softline finish color: Hassel. This model’s base can swivel 360 degrees.
Oslo Relaxer
Functionally similar to the Ulstein, but offered in more colors.
Like the Ulstein, the Oslo swivels 360 degrees on its base but is offered in the following (Nordic Line) colors:
It’s also offered in the following fabric colors, if you don’t want leather:
Madrid
Features a lever-activated recline (a departure for Fjords), and a height-adjustable headrest. All three upholstery options available.
This model also features a 360-degree swivel, but unlike the other two less expensive models, it is offered in all three upholstery options and the full range of colors. In addition to that, there are two other changes to make note of:
London
Functionally similar to the Ulstein, but with all three upholstery options available.
We’ll say upfront that this one may not be for everyone. We love the full-width, flared, curving, height-adjustable headrest, but it gives the chair a somewhat unusual appearance.
It features 360-degree swivel action and can be ordered in all three upholstery options, as well as in the full range of colors.
Norddal
All three upholstery options available. Features a massive curved headrest that is also height adjustable.
This fun, almost whimsical design features low-slung arms and a gently curving, segmented backrest that ends in a slightly flared headrest (not height adjustable).
It features full 360-degree swivel motion and can be ordered in all three lines’ color and upholstery options (Nordic, Softline, and Astro Line).
Atlantis
Functionally similar to the Oslo, but with all three upholstery options available, and with a height-adjustable headrest.
In most ways, the flagship of the Euro-Ami chairs represents the best of the features drawn from the less expensive models that inspired it. For instance, it utilizes a height-adjustable headrest, but not of the flared variety that London offers. It also features a flush, lever-activated recline feature like the Madrid and comes in the full spectrum of color options and all three finishing options (Nordic, Softline, and Astro Line).
The one curiosity is that, for some reason, the Atlantis only offers 120 degrees of swivel. We’re unsure why, given that the rest will swivel around completely. There’s nothing inherent in the chair’s design that would seem to prohibit it, which makes it a bit of a curiosity.
Not that many people will take issue with that. 120 degrees is a wide range of motion that most people would find perfectly acceptable. We just don’t understand why the company would choose to limit its flagship model in this way.
Experimental Chairs
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Primary Rating:
3.4
|
Primary Rating:
4.1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Comfort:
4.3
|
Comfort:
4.3
|
|
Value:
3.0
|
Value:
4.5
|
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
3.0
|
Aesthetic Flexibility*:
3.5
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- It’s a very pretty, comfortable chair designed with bleeding-edge technology. Not a Fjords recliner chair.
- The Fjords lobster chair is super expensive and won’t blend easily with many home décor schemes.
- A well-designed, fun side chair with ergonomic features. One of the most distinctive of Fjords chairs Hjellegjerde.
- Unfortunately, its unique design will make it difficult to blend seamlessly with many home décor schemes.
What’s This About the Fjords Stockholm Relaxer?
This is a motorized recliner, which makes it one of the most expensive chairs in its class
Technically, the Fjords Stockholm Recliner is part of the Euro-Ami lineup, but only just. While the styling is similar, it’s distinctive enough that it didn’t feel like a good “fit” with the rest of the lineup, so it didn’t appear in the table above.
The major difference between this model and the rest of the lineup is the fact that this is a motorized recliner, which makes it one of the most expensive chairs in its class (price-wise, it costs just as much as the Atlantis, which is the flagship model here).
It’s offered in three different colors from the Astro Line of finishes:
Like the other Euro-Ami recliners, this one swivels and rocks, although its range of swivel motion is limited to 170 degrees.
The synthesis of features (motorized recline, Zero-G, durable upholstery) makes it ideal for elderly people with mobility issues. Combining those things with the inherent comfort of Fjords’ designs in general makes it genuinely therapeutic.
Fjords Recliners Review – Final Thoughts
There’s a reason that the Muldal ergonomic lounge chair won top honors in our recent roundup review. Fjords is one of the best companies in the business, and they make a wide range of truly exceptional furniture, including, as you have seen, a vast array of Fjords urban recliners. Don’t take our word for it. A quick look around the web will reveal a plethora of glowing Fjords recliner reviews.
Even if the Muldal isn’t your top pick in the Fjords lineup, you’ll find the perfect Fjords recliner somewhere in this brand review. In our view, Fjords is simply the best in the business.
Yes, you’ll pay a premium for one of their chairs, but the quality and comfort make their products worth the investment. You won’t be disappointed. While we stand by the Muldal as our overall top pick, we recommend any of the chairs we’ve talked about here without reservation.
Recommended Reading
ScanSit 110 Leather Recliner and Ottoman Review
Check our thorough review comparing the ScanSit 110 to the Fjords Muldal for affordability without sacrificing quality.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
- Fjords Recliner Chair, Official Brand Website.
- Sitting and Chair Design, Cornell University.
- Posture and Increased Blood Pressure, First Step Chiropractic.
- Why Massages Really Do Keep You Healthy: a Cardiologist Explains, Mind Body Green.
- Electric vs. Manual Recliners: Which to Choose?, Home Interiors Zone.