There’s nothing better than sitting back and relaxing in your recliner after a long day. Because there are plenty of factors to consider when choosing the right reclining furniture for your space, we’ll go over different types of recliners, sizing considerations, and feature options in this comprehensive guide.

1. Consider the Types of Reclining Furniture

You don’t have to limit your laid-back lounging to a single reclining chair. Find reclining furniture to fit your space and seating capacity needs – choose a reclining sofa, sectional, or a set with different-sized pieces.

• Recliner Chairs: Your classic recliner will provide seating for one person at a time. A standard-sized recliner will quickly become the most coveted seat in the house.

• Recliner Loveseats: Loveseats provide seating for two people with separately reclining seats. This is the perfect addition to any small to mid-sized living room where you want to add comfort and reclining capabilities.

• Recliner Sofas: Standard reclining sofas provide three or more separately reclining seats. These are a great option for medium-sized living rooms to provide more seating without taking up a ton of space.

• Recliner Sectionals: Sectionals come in different shapes and sizes to suit your living room layout and seating capacity needs. Sectionals can seat anywhere from two to eight people, most reclining sectionals have three to four spots with reclining capabilities. Sectionals are ideal for providing versatile seating in medium- to large-sized living rooms.

Tip!

Need help choosing the perfect sectional for your living room? Check out our helpful guides on How to Choose the Best Sectional Sofa for You and How to Measure for a Sectional Sofa.

2. Find the Motion Option to Meet Your Needs

Whether you’re looking for basic functionality or more premium features, you’ve got options. Here are some motion options to consider when choosing reclining furniture.

• Manual Reclining: A manual recliner lets you recline back with a quick manual adjustment. There are three different types of manual recline: push back, button, or manual lever. With a push-back recliner, simply lean backward into the recliner – the pressure you exert on the chair will cause it to recline. With the other options, all you have to do is push the button or pull the lever to release the reclining mechanism. To get back to sitting upright, use your legs to push the footrest down and click it into place.

• Power Reclining: Power recliners have built-in motors, letting you adjust your recliner with a quick push of a button. You can stop your recliner at any position, giving you ultimate control of the reclining experience. The button is commonly located on the chair’s side, or a separate remote is provided. When deciding on the perfect placement for your power recliner, keep in mind that most power recliners need to be plugged into an outlet.

• Adjustability Features: Some recliners allow you to adjust the headrest, footrest, or lumbar support for ultimate customization. This adjustability is ideal if the chair is going to be used by someone who is taller or shorter than average. Some chairs allow you to make these adjustments manually, while others can be done with the press of a button.

• Motion Functionalties: When it comes to motion, recliners can do much more than recline. Choose from functionalities like swivel, gliding, and rocking, or combine functionalities with a swivel rocker or swivel glider. These functionalities offer enhanced comfort and versatility – go from facing the TV to rocking the baby in front of the fireplace with a quick swivel.

• Position Types: Recliners also offer a range of reclining and upright configurations. A two-position recliner typically allows you to recline back to a 45-degree angle, while three-position recliners offer more flexibility and allow you to recline further. Recliners with infinite reclining positions give you the chance to recline with or without the footrest, and give you the choice of activating the footrest regardless of the reclining feature.

3. Choose the Right Recliner Size

Consider both your space and the height of the person who will be using the recliner when choosing the right size. Recliners come in various sizes with different weight capacities and dimensions, so consider these factors when choosing the perfect one.

• Small: Small recliners measure less than 38" in width. This makes them the ideal recliner size for tight living room corners and small rooms while still providing ample lounge space. You can also consider purchasing a wall-hugging recliner, which is a recliner that can be placed against a wall without losing the ability to recline.

• Standard: Standard recliners typically measure between 39" and 49" wide and have adequate space for you to stretch out with some room to spare. You should also consider height when shopping for a recliner – you may want to choose a shorter or taller seat height depending on the height of the person who will be using it most.

• Oversized: Oversized recliners measure 50" wide or even wider! These are ideal if you want the maximum lounge space or room for an extra person (or pet) to recline with you.

Tip!

Make sure to choose a recliner that can support the amount of weight that will be exerted on it. Go by the weight of the heaviest person in your household who will be using it. If you plan to lounge with another person, children, or pets, make sure to account for the additional weight.

4. Pick the Best Recliner Upholstery Material

Upholstery is another key consideration when choosing the right type of recliner. To help you find the right fit, we've outlined the most popular upholstery materials below.

• Leather: Genuine leather is durable, soft, and long-lasting, while faux leather is made from synthetic materials that are designed to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather. Faux leather is a budget-friendly option that won’t force you to sacrifice style.
  The neutral tones and unique grain of leather add a natural feel that blends into any style – from traditional to rustic to mid-century modern.

• Polyester: With water-repellent and fade-resistant qualities, polyester upholstery is durable and long-lasting. Many performance fabrics are made of polyester blends and are great options for homes with pets or small children. Overall, polyester is an affordable and durable option for busy households.

• Velvet: This plush fabric is a staple in glam-style spaces. If you're looking for something that feels soft and luxurious, velvet is a great choice. The dense and smooth pile creates a subtle sheen, while the fabric itself is quite durable and pill-resistant.

• Microsuede/Microfiber: Microfiber is made of incredibly fine fibers bundled tightly together and cut into a short pile for a smooth, suede-like texture. This upholstery fabric is also water-resistant, which makes it easy to wipe up spills and avoid stains.

• Chenille: Chenille is made from yarn and woven into loops for a plush, fuzzy finish. This upholstery material adds plenty of warmth and softness to your space, making it a cozy pick for a comfortable recliner. Chenille fabric is a favorite in cozy modern- and transitional-style spaces.

• Linen: Linen is a soft, breathable natural fiber that's moisture-resistant and durable. Though it can be more costly than other fabrics, linen is a comfortable upholstery fabric that can outlast others.

5. Discover Luxurious Recliner Features

Recliners are available with a variety of features that can elevate your lounging experience. From a recliner with a tufted back to a recliner with massage capabilities, choose the best recliner with additional features that fit your needs.

• Storage Features: Store your remote (or snacks) nearby for easy reach by opting for a recliner with storage included. These recliners feature a pocket on the side of the recliner that blends in with the material of your chair, letting your storage area stay hidden but within reach. This is a great feature for smaller spaces since it can help you reduce clutter.

• Power Lift Assist: Power recliners with lift assist have a mechanism that lifts the chair to help the user safely sit or stand. This can be helpful for those with mobility issues.

• Zero Gravity: This unique feature allows you to lie back in a neutral position with your feet raised above your heart, which can be beneficial for circulation.

• Massage: Massage recliners have rollers inside that knead and vibrate, replicating the feeling of a massage. Most recliners focus on the back area, but some offer massaging in the lumbar area, thighs, and even legs. Massage chairs tend to use a standard power cord to power the massage options, so be sure to place the recliner near an outlet. Massage recliners often offer a heat option, making them great for achy joints or sore muscles.

• Built-In Charging: Recliners with built-in USB ports allow you to conveniently charge your devices while relaxing in your favorite chair. Keep using your device without having to rely on a wall outlet by choosing a recliner with this technology.

• Ergonomic: An ergonomic reclining chair looks just like a standard recliner but is designed with your posture and body support in mind. With extra cushioning and support in your lower back area and headrest, an ergonomic recliner prioritizes comfort and support over design. The slim design of most ergonomic recliners makes them a great addition to modern and minimalist style spaces.

• Home Theater: If your family lives for movie night, a theater-style recliner may be the choice for you. Commonly made of leather, they are thicker than your standard recliner and are designed to provide maximum comfort. Some home theater recliners have built-in cupholders in the armrests, creating the ultimate movie theater experience from the comfort of your home.

• Heat: Cozy up in a heated recliner on a chilly night, or take advantage of the heated seat and back to ease sore muscles after a long day. Easily control temperature with the press of a button or with a remote control for ultimate comfort and convenience. Heated models will need to be positioned close to an outlet.

• Assembled: Recliners can come fully assembled, letting you unpack your chair and relax right away. By opting for an assembled recliner, you can save time (and frustration) trying to put it together.

Tip!

When ordering assembled furniture, it’s important to make sure you measure properly to ensure a smooth delivery. Consult our guide on How to Measure Furniture before you place your order.

You May Also Like