Best Overall
Room and Board Arlo Upholstered Recliner
- You can customize the base, arms, and color to match your style.
You can customize the base, arms, and color to match your style.
- It’s firmer than a big, sink-in recliner.
It’s firmer than a big, sink-in recliner.
Reclining chairs that don’t immediately look like a recliner have been a welcome addition to the recliner market. Room and Board’s Arlo upholstered recliner earns a place on our list because it allows you to create a look that’s right for your space.
It features a hardwood frame and web seat suspension that’s topped with a high-resiliency foam core cushion wrapped in fiber, which creates a slim chair back and seat. Beyond its profile, the rest is up to you—you can choose from a modern thin arm, curved arm, or go traditional with a rolled arm. There are also multiple base options: a steel sled base, wood bases, and even a swivel base.
You choose both the base style and finish—and none of these selections impacts the price. However, the price does vary when selecting upholstery fabrics and recline options. The Arlo has more than 250 fabrics to choose from, including pet-friendly, stain-repellant, and performance fabrics. The base price is a standard push-back model, but for an upcharge, you can get a power model with a USB.
This option is fairly small, with a length of 28 to 31 inches (depending on your specific customizations) and a comfortable 22-inch seat depth. When it is fully reclined, it extends to 66 inches long. Unlike a fuller, overstuffed recliner, it has a firmer foundation that doesn’t have a sink-in feel.
Because of the number of customization options paired with its quality design, this is our top recliner pick.
Product Details: Dimensions: 28 x 36 x 39 inches | Material: Multiple fabric and leather options | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Best Budget
BestMassage Recliner Chair
- This recliner moonlights as a massage chair and is available in six colors in faux leather or cloth.
This recliner moonlights as a massage chair and is available in six colors in faux leather or cloth.
- The foot extension only lifts by reclining the seatback.
The foot extension only lifts by reclining the seatback.
This is no regular recliner: It’s also a massage chair. The two-point massage has eight functions and three intensity levels for you to choose from, so you’re always relaxing the exact way you want to be. And there’s a pocket for the remote to stay when not in use, so you don’t lose it between the cushions.
The recliner is available in two fabrics—faux leather and polyester—and six colors—black, blue, brown, beige, gray, and red—depending on your preferred fabric material. The steel and wood frame holds up to 275 pounds.
It’s also designed with a dual-function foot extension and push-back reclining seatback (there are five different levels). Keep in mind that you must recline the seatback in order to lift the footrest, so you cannot sit upright and have the foot extension lifted at the same time.
No tools are required to put the recliner together; just slide the backrest onto the base and screw in the four legs.
Product Details: Dimensions: 33 x 24 x 39 inches | Material: Polyester or leather | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
Best Splurge
Bradington-Young Leather Recliner
- Designer recommended, this long-lasting leather recliner is comfortable and traditional.
Designer recommended, this long-lasting leather recliner is comfortable and traditional.
- It requires more space than other models on our list-even when not reclined.
It requires more space than other models on our list-even when not reclined.
Quality, functionality, and style are reasons to splurge on a recliner, and the Huss Recliner by Bradington-Young delivers on all three. The frame is a sturdy mix of solid and manufactured hardwood. A high-resiliency foam core is wrapped in polyester fibers covering a coil spring seat, and the seat back includes polyester backfill, constructed to create slow, sink-in comfort.
Even the back and sides of the model are padded under the leather for durability. It reclines a deep 160 degrees, and at 36 x 39 inches, it has the largest footprint on our list. The seat, however, is a standard 21 x 21.5 inches, so the size comes from its curvy, formal shape.
Bradington-Young has more than 100 leathers as well as fabric covering options; Wayfair offers the Huss in more than 25 leather options. You can also choose from five leg colors. As a made-to-order product, you can expect to wait a few months to receive your new recliner.
And if you’re looking for even more personalization, you can work directly with some Bradington-Young retailers to customize the nail head trim size and finish as well as upgrade to down cushioning.
Product Details: Dimensions: 36 x 39 x 42 inches | Material: Leather | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Best Leather
Pottery Barn Power Lift Recliner
- With standout style, this power lift recliner is both accessible and stylish.
With standout style, this power lift recliner is both accessible and stylish.
- There’s at least 12 weeks wait time between ordering and receiving.
There’s at least 12 weeks wait time between ordering and receiving.
The Wells is a traditional statement chair with a button-tufted wingback and warm, inviting leather. Pottery Barn’s selection of quality 100% top grain, aniline dyed, and semi-aniline dyed leathers are available in a variety of finishes, from oiled leathers with more sheen to matte finishes and nubuck, which is slightly buffed to feel like suede.
They also offer three vegan types of leather made of polyester and polyurethane. You can find styles with more patina, color, and texture variation, or choose the leather that’s more uniform in appearance-though remember, leather is a natural material, so some variation is guaranteed.
This power lift version of the Wells recliner was released earlier this year as part of a new collection of accessible furniture from Pottery Barn. Power lift models take electric recliners to another level: They not only electronically recline and close, but they also rise and lower to support users getting in and out of the recliner—something that helps people with both temporary and long-term mobility issues.
Here, the power lift function is de-emphasized by the Wells’ style-first design—the giveaway is a simple remote that lifts, lowers, reclines, or moves the chair upright at the push of a button—and a handy side pocket that gives you a place to stash it.
The Wells features a corner-blocked frame and mortise-and-tenon joinery, and sinuous springs provide seating support. The polyester-wrapped cushions have a firmer feel, which, like the power lift, makes it easier to get out of the chair.
At 35 x 37.5 wide, it’s one of the larger reclining chairs on our list. It has the longest recline on our list, too, at 70.5 inches deep—it needs at least 14 inches gap between the wall in order to fully recline.
This product is made to order, so expect to wait at least 12 weeks to receive the recliner. You’ll also want to make sure you are confident in your selections—custom orders are not returnable.
Product Details: Dimensions: 35 x 37.5 x 41.5 inches | Material: Leather and vegan leather | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Best Loveseat
Red Barrel Studio Fleuridor Reclining Loveseat
- The two separate recliners come with storage too.
The two separate recliners come with storage too.
- Some assembly is required.
Some assembly is required.
Get storage and comfort with the Fleuridor Loveseat by Red Barrel Studio. The two-recliner loveseat has a convenient center console that offers a storage compartment and two cup holders. Each seat is a generous 22 inches wide, so you aren’t sacrificing space for storage.
However, the back only reaches 39 inches high from the ground-that’s 22 inches off the seat cushion—which may be short for taller users. The manual recliners have levers on each side to release the footrest while pushing back will layout the recliner down to a 160-degree angle.
The microfiber upholstery covers pocket spring coil seats which are surrounded by foam, and the back cushions are foam, too. Plush pillow-top arms provide extra comfort and support for arms and elbows, and the split-back cushion allows the foam cushioning to stay in place as it ages.
The frame is made of metal with plastic legs, and the loveseat has a 500-pound weight capacity. The loveseat is available in two colors—gray or taupe—which blend seamlessly with most decor styles. Partial assembly, like installing the console back, is required.
Product Details: Dimensions: 78 x 39 x 37 inches | Material: Microfiber | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Best Rocker
La-Z-Boy Rocking Recliner
- This traditional rocker has an updated look and modern comfort.
This traditional rocker has an updated look and modern comfort.
- It’s best for taller people.
It’s best for taller people.
La-Z-Boy’s Trouper rocking recliner has an updated look and simple profile that brings the overstuffed recliner into a modern living room. There are few lines but lots of cushion, and the slightly flared arms and footrest that extend over the base of the recliner are nice design touches.
It rocks on a low-profile base that conceals the locking mechanism for a more streamlined look as well. Functionality is still a priority: The chair back can recline without activating the leg rest, and the leg rest features three positions that lock into place so you can feel secure in your lounging position.
We like the classic wood manual lever as a nod to traditional recliners, but there are customization options here, including elongated and nickel levers. You can choose to have it on the left or right of the recliner, too.
Bucket seats, a well-padded back, and extra padding on the arms have all-over comfort you can sink into. La-Z-Boy says the model is ideal for taller people who are 5'10" to 6'2", so it’s not a fit for shorter folks-and you’ll need to inquire about the weight capacity.
Other customization options with the Trouper include switching to memory foam cushioning that responds to body temperature. There are hundreds of fabric and leather covering options, including patterns, so you can have an attention-grabbing accent chair that’s also a smooth rocking recliner.
Product Details: Dimensions: 36 x 38 x 42 inches | Material: Leathers and fabrics | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best Small
AllModern Lafamme Manual Standard Recliner
- The performance fabric cushions are stain-, water-, and odor-resistant.
The performance fabric cushions are stain-, water-, and odor-resistant.
- The recliner is only available in two shades of gray.
The recliner is only available in two shades of gray.
Not all recliners are wide and borderline-overstuffed, and this 30-inch-wide option is proof. Part of what makes it a standout recliner option is the midcentury aesthetic, complete with a contoured wooden frame. There are only two cushion color choices though: light and dark gray.
The stain-, water-, and odor-resistant performance fabric is especially useful because the cushions aren’t removable. To clean, simply wipe the upholstery down with a soft, dry cloth. You can also use a little furniture polish to restore shine to the wood frame.
As a manual style, all you have to do is push back to recline. Despite being a smaller recliner, the weight capacity is still 250 pounds.
Product Details: Dimensions: 42.5 x 30 x 34 inches | Material: Stain-resistant performance fabric| Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Best Swivel
Scandinavian Designs Anselmo Leather Recliner and Ottoman
- This recliner is made with solid hardwood and genuine leather and it has an automatic centering mechanism that turns the chair to its proper place when the occupant vacates their seat.
This recliner is made with solid hardwood and genuine leather and it has an automatic centering mechanism that turns the chair to its proper place when the occupant vacates their seat.
- Shipping starts at $300.
Shipping starts at $300.
With the looks of a classic vintage piece and the craftsmanship to match, the Anselmo Leather Recliner is easily one of the top recliners on the market. The midcentury frame is crafted from solid hardwood and bent plywood, while the tufted upholstery is made of genuine leather with a sinuous spring suspension underneath for comfort. Color options include cognac, yellow, black, and white leather.
The headrest is adjustable, allowing short people, tall people, and everyone in-between to maximize their comfort. The solid lumbar support is another selling point, as is the ability to recline the chair anywhere between a couple degrees to almost flat. An unexpected feature that elevates the experience: Once you get off the chair, it swivels back to center.
Keep in mind that while shipping to a store is free, mailing this recliner to your home is expensive, with shipping costs starting at $300.
Product Details: Dimensions: 31.1 x 33.07 x 39.34 inches | Material: Leather, solid hardwood, and hardwood plywood | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best Sectional
Crate and Barrel Recliner 4-Piece Sectional Sofa
- The modern look offers a deep and comfortable place to lounge.
The modern look offers a deep and comfortable place to lounge.
- It’s only available in one fabric.
It’s only available in one fabric.
If you love the spacious lounging of a sectional, the Leisure Power Recliner 4-Piece Sectional from Crate and Barrel is a practical yet style-forward recliner. This shelter-back reclining sofa can fit close to the wall because it does not recline back—instead, the headrest raises, and the back tilts as the recliner moves forward. The backs and footrests are independently operated, so you can create multiple positions perfect for reading, watching TV, or just relaxing.
At 24.75 inches, this recliner offers the deepest seat on our list, so you’ll have plenty of room to curl up or lay out when you’re not reclining. There’s a reclining seat at each end of this four-piece L-shaped sectional so multiple people can enjoy the feature.
The sectional only requires one cord to power the whole piece of furniture, and the power controls are concealed along the cushion for hidden, at-hand access.
The seat and back cushions are high-resiliency polyfoams wrapped in fiber, and they’re supported by an engineered hardwood frame and sinuous wire suspension seating. Matte black-finished metal legs slightly elevate this sleek profile (and include plastic floor protectors for added protection).
It is only available in one boucle-like fabric and color, but thankfully it is a light gray that can match a neutral living room or balance out a colorful space. If you love the look but don’t have the space or budget for a full sectional, the Leisure line also offers a two-piece sofa and individual reclining chair.
Product Details: Dimensions: 111 x 80.5 x 28.5 inches | Material: Fabric | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best Electric
La-Z-Boy Power Wall Recliner
- Adjustable headrests and lumbar area offer personalized support.
Adjustable headrests and lumbar area offer personalized support.
- These comfort upgrades come with a higher price tag.
These comfort upgrades come with a higher price tag.
When you’re looking for extra support for your body, opt for features like independent back and leg rests, the ability for multiple reclining positions, and power functions for less physical effort. We added the Finley from La-Z-Boy to our list not only includes all those features, it offers adjustable headrests and lumbar support, too, so you can get all-over comfort.
With simple, more modern lines and tight, rather than overstuffed, cushions, the Finley defies some expectations of comfort-focused recliners. Paired with the ability to upgrade to memory foam cushions and a vast selection of fabrics to choose from, you can create the feeling you want as well as the style.
The Finley does it all on a relatively small footprint: Measuring 32.5 x 39 inches, it’s among the deepest recliners on our list, but it has a fairly narrow width thanks to its slim arms and overall profile.
It is the tallest model in our selection, with the back and headrest reaching 43 inches. But as a wall-hugging recliner, you don’t have to worry about its grand stature needing a lot of wall clearance.
The side-mounted control panel is where you adjust the back, leg rest, and headrest, and it includes a convenient USB charging port to make the most of its electrical connection. Plus, a wireless remote upgrade is available.
Another feature that makes the Finley stand out among the other recliners on our list is that it also offers two memory settings, so you can save your two favorite ways to recline or let two members of the household pick a position.
Product Details: Dimensions: 32.5 x 39 x 43 inches | Material: Upholstered | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best Massaging
Comhoma Leather Recliner
- This recliner rocks, massages, heats, and swivels, and even has cup holders and a 400 pound limit.
This recliner rocks, massages, heats, and swivels, and even has cup holders and a 400 pound limit.
- It’s only available in one color.
It’s only available in one color.
What doesn’t this chair do? In addition to reclining, it also rocks, massages, heats, and swivels, making it a top candidate on our list of recliners.
The chair can recline back up to 150 degrees with the push back mechanism (the foot support board makes this even better) and offers a convenient 360-degree swivel. We also love the comfortable padding and wipeable PU leather, though we wish it was available in more than one color.
A remote is included for controlling the chair’s electronic features, which fits perfectly in the side pocket (your favorite magazine can, too). You can choose from four massage locations and five modes, as well as select your vibration strength. In addition to the solid lumbar support, you can take advantage of the heat function for the lumbar area. Another bonus? The convenient dual cup holders.
With an impressive 400-pound limit, this recliner has the second highest weight capacity on our list.
Product Details: Dimensions: 37.4 x 40.94 x 35.8 inches | Material: PU leather | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds