The 9 Best Recliners That Are Comfier Than Your Bed
Your naps will never be the same.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Seeking comfort is nothing to be embarrassed about, but somehow, buying one of the best recliners has always felt illicit. In case you don’t already know, recliners are basically like if your favorite sofa and your bed had a child. Ideal for lounging, reading, taking a nap, or even nursing, “recliners allow someone to stretch out and relax without taking up as much room real estate as a sofa or sectional,” explains interior designer Mimi Meacham, the founder of Marian Louise Design.
Still, recliners haven’t always had the same aesthetic reputation as our favorite comfortable sofas. “Recliners are notoriously known for their bulky, dark leathered look; they’re functional and comfy but they can be an eye sore to any living room,” explains interior designer Malak Bellajdel. Think: that one chair at grandpa’s house that only he can sit in...
Thankfully, though, it’s now easier than ever to find a range of gorgeous recliners that could pass for accent chairs. “Vendors are helping us by building and selling more refined and design-minded recliners these days,” explains Meacham. “Clean lines, nice leathers, and luxe fabrics are taking recliners from compromise to chic.”
Before you make a decision, though, there are a few key elements to consider. “Make sure the recliner is made of good quality materials and always check customer reviews,” suggests Meacham. “If you can, I recommend sitting in any piece before purchase. A good return policy is always a plus as well.”
Ahead, we took Meacham’s advice and found the nine most stylish and comfortable recliners that reviewers are raving about.
Pros
- Fully modular
Cons
- Pricey
If you think you might want to upgrade your recliner seat for a sofa in the future, this is one of the few—if not the only–recliners that is entirely modular. That means you can buy additional pieces, attach them, and suddenly have a sofa with reclining seats. Even as a single seat, this is one of the most comfortable options you can find, I can attest.
Colors: 7 options
Dimensions: Height: 37 inches; depth: 38.9 inches; width: 53 inches
Upholstery options: Linen, velvet
Recliner method: Automatic
Customer review: “Comfy couch, easy to put together once it arrived and really great customer service. Loving our new Homebody!”
Pros
- Sophisticated look
Cons
- The back doesn’t recline
If you’re on the hunt for a comfortable recliner that doesn’t look like one, this sleek leather and wood accent chair will become your best-kept secret. Guests won’t immediately be able to tell that the discreet bottom panel kicks up into a footrest. Plus, depending on your home’s aesthetic, you can pick from a myriad of leather color options to fully match your space.
Dimensions: Height: 36.5 inches; depth: 38.5 inches; width: 29 inches
Colors: 35 options
Upholstery options: Leather
Recliner method: Manual
Pros
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
This recliner was created to provide ultimate comfort while also solving some common issues among nursery recliners. While rocking chairs might be a classic design for new moms, this seat swivels, allowing you more access and movement around your space. You can opt for a manual or motorized recline, plus choose between a range of fabric and base styles. The motorized chair also comes with a USB port so you can charge your phone while you nurse, read, or relax.
Dimensions: Height: 39 inches; depth: 36 inches; width: 30 inches
Colors: 21 options
Upholstery options: Bouclé, sheepskin, weave
Recliner method: Automatic or manual
Customer review: “The comfiest chair I’ve ever sat in. 10/10 recommend.”
Pros
- Over 100 fabric and color options
Cons
- Customization delays shipping
When it comes to comfort and relaxation, we all need different things. This recliner is completely customizable, so you know you’re getting exactly what you want. From choosing the size, fabric, color, and even small details like the nail style, you will be rewarded with a chair that completely fits your taste.
Dimensions: Height: 38 inches; depth: 36.5 inches; width: 31.5 inches
Colors: More than 100 options
Upholstery options: 9 options
Recliner method: Manual
Pros
- Many colors and fabrics to choose from
Cons
- Made to order, so delivery could take months
Accent chairs, and recliners more specifically, are already a big statement in a home. If you want to keep your space feeling minimal and quiet, opt for this simple option. While there are several upholstery options to choose from, most of them are neutral. Plus, the classic shape and design of this recliner make it timeless.
Dimensions: Height: 32 inches; depth: 31 inches; width: 30 inches
Colors: More than 80 options
Upholstery options: Weave, velvet, leather
Recliner method: Manual
Pros
- Available as a set of two
Cons
- Some colors are slow to ship
An accent chair can entirely transform the look and feel of your space. This leather recliner is not only comfortable for lounging but will also create an elegant focal point in your room. Additionally, this recliner has a USB port to charge your devices and multiple recliner settings so you can find your favorite relaxation angle.
Dimensions: Height: 39 inches; depth: 37.5 inches; width: 31.5 inches
Colors: Nut, Black, Grey Smoke, Navy
Upholstery options: Leather
Recliner method: Automatic
Pros
- Many color and upholstery options
Cons
- Pricey
At first glance, you would have no idea that this plush velvet seat is actually a recliner. Top to bottom, this piece was designed to last a lifetime. From the tufted seat to the handcrafted birchwood frame, this chair is an investment in your own comfortable bliss.
Dimensions: Height: 39.5 inches; depth: 36.75 inches; width: 39.25 inches
Colors: More than 90 options
Upholstery options: Velvet, weave, leather
Recliner method: Manual
Pros
- Doesn’t look like a recliner
Cons
- Takes time to get used to the recliner mechanism
There’s a reason Article calls this chair “the master of disguise.” While many recliners still get a bad rap for not being luxurious, this subtle option, on the other hand, looks as chic as other non-reclining chairs on the market.
Dimensions: 42.5" H x 28.5" W x 33.5"-67" D
Colors: Ashford Grey, Lennox Blue, Camel
Upholstery options: Weave, leather
Recliner method: Manual
Customer review: “Anyone who sits in the recliner doesn’t want to get up from it! My son will be buying one of his own. We especially like how streamlined the design is without sacrificing any of the cushy comfort of a recliner.”
Pros
- Very plush and cozy
- Extra spacious design
Cons
- Not the most stylish
If coziness is your top priority, you can’t beat the classic. From its easy-grab lever to ultra-padded seat, the original La-Z Boy recliner is the golden standard in comfort. The Randell model in particular was designed for tall users, exemplified by its high back and long leg rest (though it could easily be coveted by users of all heights).
Dimensions: Height: 46.5 inches; depth: 41.5 inches; width: 41.5 inches
Colors: Brown, Gray, Black
Upholstery options: Linen, velvet
Recliner method: Weave
Customer review: “Both of us love our chairs. Well made, easy to put together, and loved the color. Love the extra room in the chair. The delivery men were wonderful. If you’re looking for a great chair, choose La-Z Boy.”
What should you look for in a recliner?
- Comfort. The main draw of a recliner is that it can be just as cozy, if not cozier, than your classic sofa. Be sure to choose one that meets your aesthetic needs as well as your desired level of comfort. “A recliner with lumbar pillow support can add some character to the chair as well as support for your back,” says Bellajdel. She also recommends analyzing the recliner’s ergonomics, asking yourself questions like: “Is it too soft that you will sink too low?” or “Is the recliner the right angle for your back pain?”
- Materials. Like any piece of furniture, the right materials ensure that your recliner is not only comfortable and visually pleasing, but also durable. For Meacham, it’s important to consider “whether the recliner is performance fabric or leather, made with solid woods or metals, and if it has plush filling for comfort.”
- Hidden features. A streamlined chair with hidden reclining features allows you to enjoy all the comfortable benefits you crave without adding a clunky piece to your space. “Get a versatile style that could be used as a chic accent side chair as well as a recliner,” recommends Bellajdel.
Meet the Experts
Mimi Meacham is a Texas-based interior designer and founder of Marian Louise Design.
Malak Bellajdel is a California-based interior designer and expert consultant for Pet Portraits.
Readers Also Read
Inside Beyoncé’s Collab With Levi’s
Gucci’s Fall Bag Is the Antidote to Quiet Luxury
The Favorite Daughter Staples I Can’t Live Without
Angel Reese’s Reebok Shoe Is Coming Next Month
