Now, reclining couches are available in a variety of stylish options – from trendy mid-century modern styles with chic metal legs, to traditional overstuffed chenille and leather sofas that beg you to put your legs up after a long day. According to interior designer Kevin Francis O’Gara, “Recliner sofas can add a new level of comfort to your living room.”
With adjustable headrests, backrests, and power lumbar support, plus the addition of power reclining mechanisms, dual reclining options, hidden storage, USB charging ports, and LED lights, today’s reclining sofas are not your grandparents’ La-Z-Boy!
Our team put together a guide to ten of the best recliner sofas of 2024, as well as information on styles, features, and more to look for when shopping for one.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Homebody's The Couch
Best Splurge: Room & Board's Gio Power Reclining Sofa
Best Budget: Tulen's Manual Reclining Sofa
Best for Pets & Kids: Crate & Barrel's Leisure Power Reclining Sofa
Best Power Recliner: Raymour and Flanigan's Skye Microfiber Power Reclining Sofa
1. The Couch
Brand: Homebody
Price: From $2,950
The Couch by Homebody is completely modular and designed for comfort with the option to add reclining seats to your chosen configuration. Each reclining module is fully automatic and instantly adjustable, with just 2 inches of clearance necessary at all times.
The Couch is made with a 5-layer eco-friendly down alternative foam seat, ergonomic head rest, edgeless armrests and endless configurations. Plus, your choice of seven colors and three upholstery materials. One color selection (Velvet and Beach Day) includes A/B two-tone seat cushions so you can mix up the design of your sofa by simply flipping the cushions.
↦ Shop now at stayhomebody.com
2. Skye Microfiber Power Reclining Sofa
Brand: Raymour and Flanigan
Price: $1,529.95
With power reclining seats and easy-to-clean microfiber upholstery, the Skye Microfiber Power Reclining Sofa allows you to adjust your positioning to maximize comfort. Whether you’re chatting with friends, binge watching a new show, or looking to take a nap, this sofa adjusts to whatever position fits your activity of the hour. Its transitional style fits in with most living room aesthetics, while pillowy armrests and head cushioning ensures that you’re always maximally comfortable.
↦ Shop now at raymourflanigan.com
3. Coburn Two Piece Motion Sofa
Brand: Arhaus
Price: $4,200
The contemporary Coburn Two Piece Motion Sofa reclines for increased comfort– without sacrificing style. The power sofa is upholstered in Crypton, a performance fabric that easily withstands the spills and stains that come with the everyday. The sofa comes highly recommended by expert Kevin Francis O’Gara for its emphasis on comfort and style. While the sofa reclines with the push of a button, hidden controls ensure that they’re not an eyesore.
4. Chevelle Leather Power Reclining Sofa
Brand: Steelside
Price: $2,249
Crafted with timeless elegance, this vintage-inspired power reclining sofa elevates your living room from ordinary to extraordinary. Picture yourself kicking back on movie night with the luxurious, top-grain leather upholstery that conforms to your every move. (Faux leather accents on the sides and back keep things budget-friendly without sacrificing style.) The solid pinewood frame boasts hidden depths of strength, ensuring this beauty will become a cherished heirloom. Don't let the aged look fool you – high-density foam cushions provide just the right amount of give for plush comfort, while the reclining function with a handy push button lets you unwind in total relaxation. Who knew a sofa could be both stylish and supportive? This one achieves both in spades (and lumbar cushions for good measure!)
5. Tulen Manual Reclining Sofa
Brand: Ashley Furniture
Price: $599.99
With a waterfall back design and plump, pillow top arms, the Tulen Manual Reclining Sofa is designed for comfort. The dual motor sofa fully reclines so that you can relax while watching a show or hanging out with family or friends, while 100% polyester upholstery makes for easy spot removal.
↦ Shop now at ashleyfurniture.com
6. Rockland Microfiber 3-pc. Power Console Loveseat
Brand: Raymour & Flanigan
Price: $1,237
Forget the stress of spills! This 3-piece microfiber recliner loveseat with built-in console offers all the look of classic distressed leather sofa in a family-friendly fabric. Relax in style with power reclining for perfect positioning, a chaise for continuous leg support, and cup holders for movie marathons. Hidden storage adds a touch of functionality, making this the perfect spot to unwind.
↦ Shop now at raymourflanigan.com
7. Gio Power Reclining Sofa
Brand: Room & Board
Price: $6,000
The Italian crafted Gio Power Reclining Sofa brings an element of luxury to your living room. The sofa’s contemporary silhouette is stylish as well as adaptable to all aesthetics, while its power foot and headrests allow each seat to adjust to the most comfortable positioning. The sofa is also available in durable top grain leather to warm up your living space, as well as two different sizes.
↦ Shop now at roomandboard.com
8. Leisure Power Reclining Sofa
Brand: Crate & Barrel
Price: $2,560
The Leisure Power Reclining Sofa by Crate & Barrel offers endless options for lounging thanks to its independently operating back cushions and footrest. Recommended by Kevin Francis O’Gara, the sofa is part of a collection that features many different configurations, including a power recliner chair and sectional. Dog owners and parents alike can breathe easy after purchasing this sofa, as its upholstery is easy to spot clean with soap and water.
↦ Shop now at crateandbarrel.com
9. Pearce Square Arm Upholstered Reclining Sofa
Brand: Pottery Barn
Price: From $3,198
The power reclining Pearce Square Arm sofa by Pottery Barn brings a classic feel to any home. The sofa is available in a variety of colors, textures, and fabrics. Recommended by Kevin Francis O’Gara, it continues to impress with its timeless design, down-wrapped-blend cushions, and use of certified nontoxic materials.
10. Southgate Reclining Sofa
Brand: Raymour & Flanigan
Price: $699
With a waterfall back design, chenille upholstery, and a pillowy headrest, the Southgate Reclining Sofa can transform your living space into a next-level home theater. Manual levers allow you to adjust the sofa’s back and footrest, making the possibilities for comfort limitless.
In addition to comfort, the sofa is built for everyday use by the whole family. 100% polyester fabric makes for an easy spot clean, while heavy-duty spring support prevents sagging.
↦ Shop now at raymourflanigan.com
What to Look for in a Reclining Sofa
Size
The first thing to consider when purchasing a new sofa is sizing. This is especially true when working with reclining sofas, as there needs to be enough room for the sofa when upright and reclined.
When measuring for a recliner sofa, expert Sara Chiarilli advises, “First knowing if you’re working with a wall hugger, or a traditional recliner,” as “wall huggers actually move down and out when reclining, while traditional reclining sofas move backwards.”
More specifically, Chiarilli says that wall huggers only need to be about two inches of space from the wall, while traditional recliners need up to 25 inches of space to fully recline. So, when measuring for your recliner sofa, make sure you have the space to accommodate one as you’ll need more than you think.
Upholstery Material
Another element to consider when purchasing a new sofa is upholstery material. Choosing the right upholstery material for you often depends on your lifestyle needs and style preferences.
For example, those with kids and pets often choose sofas made from performance fabrics, such as microfiber, which are specifically designed to withstand dirt, spills, and are easy to spot clean. However, others may like the look and feel of materials like leather or velvet. Take a look at our guide to choosing the best sofa fabric for more information on upholstery, day-to-day maintenance, pricing, and more.
Recliner Type
From wall hugger recliners to lever handle recliners, there are many different styles and features to look for when shopping for a recliner sofa. However, the biggest choice to make while searching for your perfect recliner is between power recliners and manual recliners. We’ve outlined both choices below, as well as a few more main features:
- Power recliners: Power recliners use a motor instead of a spring to power into their desired position. Plug your recliner into a wall outlet and, with the touch of a button, adjust the seat and footrest into position, making for an even more luxurious experience for some.
- Manual recliners: Manual recliners are adjusted using a pull handle or lever that moves your seat into position. Unlike power recliners, there’s no need to plug your recliner into an outlet. Manual recliners are often more affordable but are seen as less luxurious by some.
- Wall huggers: Wall huggers are recliners known for their space-saving configuration that slides the seat and footrest forward as you adjust your seat into position– requiring less space behind the sofa to operate. These sofas are perfect for those shopping for a recliner that will easily fit into a small space.
How to Style a Recliner Sofa in Your Home
Compared to recliners of the past, recliners today have come a long way in terms of style. The difference between a recliner and a traditional sofa “can be very subtle,” according to O’Gara, who recommends styling recliners with a couple of throw pillows and a blanket. “But don’t overstuff it,” O’Gara advises, “as this will get in the way of the reclining function.”
For many, the space between a recliner and the wall can be tricky to style. Sara Chiarilli recommends adjusting the layout of the room so that the reclining sofa can float within it. Additionally, Chiarilli suggests “looking for round cocktail tables to allow for the space needed for the footrests to come out into the room” and plan on using floor plants and baskets to soften the lines of the sofa, and to hide cords or the back of the sofa. “Use floor outlets wherever possible, and mix in great lighting like floor lamps to make the space flow,” adds Chiarilli.