We bought my mom a Pride lift chair a couple of years ago. It still looks very good and operates well. I didn't have an opportunity to shop around, as she had an injury and needed a chair right away. I happened to find one in stock at a medical supply store that fit her decorating scheme as well as operated easiliy. She is not a petite but her feet touch the floor, at least for a few seconds each day; she almost always has her feet up! :)

Good luck in your search.