how to disassemble wells recliner from Pottery barn
Quick Scoop: The Wells recliner from Pottery Barn appears to have a removable back that comes off by accessing the release tabs on the back frame, usually behind a Velcro or flap cover, then lifting the back straight up after the tabs are pulled. Pottery Barn also provides assembly instructions for its furniture, and the Wells recliner product page confirms it is a manual recliner with a swivel base, so the safest approach is to remove the back rather than taking apart the mechanism itself.
How to remove the back
- Tip the recliner forward a little so you can reach the back seam.
- Look for a Velcro flap or fabric cover on the lower back.
- Lift that flap and locate the metal release levers or tabs on both sides.
- Pull both tabs outward at the same time.
- Lift the back straight up and off the base.
What to avoid
- Do not force the back sideways, because the bracket can bend or catch.
- Do not remove screws from the reclining mechanism unless the chair is already disassembled and you are repairing it.
- Keep fingers clear of the hinge and track areas while pulling the release tabs.
Moving tip
For transport, the usual goal is just to separate the back from the seat base, which makes the chair much easier to carry through doors and hallways. If the back does not pop off after the tabs are pulled, re-check whether there is a cover still blocking the release points or whether the tabs need to be pulled more firmly and evenly on both sides.
Best next step
If you want the exact Pottery Barn diagram for your version, use the assembly instructions for the Wells recliner or the store’s furniture instruction page, since the hardware layout can vary slightly by model year.
TL;DR: Pull back the Velcro/fabric flap, release the two back tabs, and lift the chair back straight up; don’t dismantle the reclining mechanism unless you are repairing it.