Designed with relaxation in mind, recliners can provide a cozy and stylish spot to kick back in your home. Whether you want one for watching TV in the living room or reading in the bedroom, the best recliners are tailored for long sessions of lounging. Based on testing, our top pick for most homes is the West Elm Harris Leather Power Recliner, which has an elegant look and modern features like a built-in USB charging port.
Whether you want one for watching TV in the living room or reading in the bedroom, the best … [+] recliners are tailored for long sessions of lounging.
When shopping for one of these furniture pieces, you have a few factors to keep in mind: your home aesthetic, preferred materials and your budget. Additionally, whereas many models are designed to effortlessly unfurl when you lean, you can find more premium options with manual and power operation these days. Of course, the best recliner for you is ultimately one that meets your needs and works with your décor style. Ahead, here are the best recliners on the market.
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West Elm
West Elm Harris Leather Power Recliner
Type: Lay flat | Material: Leather | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies
Pros:
- Built-in USB port
- Sturdy
- Hidden power controls
Cons:
- Limited upholstery shades
- Expensive
Recliners might have a reputation for not being the most attractive chair, but West Elm’s Harris Leather Recliner changes that. Though it boasts recliner capabilities, it gives off the look and feel of a high-end chair. For example, it’s swathed in top-grain leather and surrounded by a durable pine frame. What’s more, this chair has spring seat support and a semi-attached cushion, so you can get around the edges to clean up wayward crumbs. The chair also kicks back to a range of angles with the help of a power button (in other words, no heavy leaning is necessary on your part). There’s even a USB port tucked inside the right arm for easy phone and tablet charging. Finally, the legs are removable, just in case you prefer less height.
What the editors say: This is “a beautiful recliner that’s sure to work with whatever decor it’s placed in,” says managing editor Emmy Favilla, who tested this piece for the Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards. Along with the quality of the leather and its firm-yet-plush back, she especially appreciated “that you can easily adjust the recliner portion up and down with one of two automatic buttons for the perfect position.”
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Wayfair
Latitude Run Faux Leather Massage Chair
Type: Wall hugger | Material: Faux leather | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies
Latitude Run’s recliner has so many additional features, it’s hard to believe you can snag it for under $150. The recliner has an adjustable backrest and footrest so you can kick back as needed, and the entire design is covered in faux leather—a cinch to wipe down. There’s really no need to stress about stains here. But the coolest thing about this chair is its massaging capabilities. Simply select your go-to intensity on the included remote, sit back, relax and enjoy. There’s even a timer in case you can’t be bothered to switch off the vibrations manually.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Built-in massager
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Only two upholstery shades
- Footrest is too short for taller users
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Irving Leather Recliner
Type: Wall hugger | Material: Leather | Mechanism: Push-back | Adjustability: One recline position
Pros:
- Huge range of upholstery options
- Customizable
- Classic look
Cons:
- Expensive
- May take up to 12 weeks for delivery
Want the look of a classic club chair but with all the perks of a recliner? Here it is: The Irving Recliner looks equally at home in an antiques-filled library or tucked into the corner of a modern living room. Its rolled arms and leather upholstery are classic design attributes, yet this model still feels cosmopolitan and contemporary. Choose from a huge range of colors and three sizes, and prepare for a seat cushion with a firmer feel. To recline, simply push yourself back—it’s that easy.
What the editors say: “The leather feels high-quality and the recliner is truly beautiful,” says Favilla, who tested the piece. “I could see it working just as well in a living room or bedroom as it would in an office.”
BenchMade Modern
BenchMade Modern Lilly Recliner Chair
Type: Push-back | Material: Performance, velvet, leather | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies
Pros:
- Eye-catching design
- Large upholstery selection
- 100-day trial
Cons:
- Expensive
- Delivery may take three weeks or more
Recliners typically feature a standard look and feel that’s somewhat sturdy and square. But the BenchMade Modern Lilly Recliner Chair looks like a work of art thanks to its winged back and chic metal base. This chair has a hidden recliner feature—just lean back to activate the retractable footrest. Enjoy your choice of more than 120 performance fabric or leather upholstery options and choose from three leg finishes in polished nickel, burnished bronze or brass for a truly personalized recliner. BenchMade Modern offers a 30-minute consultation with one of its design experts if you’re having trouble choosing the right selection, as well as a 100-day trial.
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Ayden Square Arm Upholstered Swivel Recliner
Type: Lay flat | Material: Varies | Mechanism: Manual | Adjustability: Varies
Pros:
- Large fabric selection
- Modern look
- Swivel feature
Cons:
- No leather option
- Needs ample space for full reclining
The Ayden Recliner has a 360-degree swivel feature, which means you’re able to scope out everything happening in the room without getting up and actually walking around. It also features a classic style, with a minimalist seat and plush exterior that goes with practically any décor scheme. Select from a range of upholstery options, including several performance fabrics that can help to guard against future spills.
AllModern
AllModern Piper Swivel Reclining Glider
Type: Lay flat | Material: Polyester | Mechanism: Push-back | Adjustability: One recline position
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Comfortable gliding motion
- Hidden leg rest
Cons:
- Limited upholstery options
- Can be noisy when it moves to recline
Gliders are great for everyone, but they can be particularly useful if you have little ones at home. The Piper Recliner, pictured here, is a modern-style glider that gently moves forward and back to help babies (and adults) relax. A hidden leg rest pops up when you lean back, allowing you to put up your feet or lay your entire body down for dozing. The whole thing is covered in durable polyester fabric to protect against stains.
Wayfair
Persaud Upholstered Recliner
Type: Wall hugger | Material: Polyester | Mechanism: Push-back | Adjustability: One recline position
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Small in size
Cons:
- May be too small for larger users
- Only one recline option
Most recliners take up a good amount of space, which can be problematic if you don’t have ample square footage in a room. This model, on the other hand, is just 27.5 inches wide, so it doesn’t have as massive of a footprint as some of its larger counterparts. It also features an easy push-back recline function and thick cushions. Meanwhile, the chair’s modern legs in an espresso finish add to its upscale feel. The Persaud is both chic and compact, making it ideal in spaces that have limited square footage.
West Elm
West Elm Spencer Recliner
Type: Wall-hugger | Material: Varies | Mechanism: Push-back | Adjustability: One recline position
Pros:
- Massive upholstery selection
- Modern look
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- One adjustment
- Small armrests
West Elm’s mid-century modern Spencer recliner has an enormous number of upholstery options—so many, that it might take you a minute—or 30—to figure out which is best for you. You can also choose from several different fabric types: tweed, slub, boucle, velvet, linen, twill, canvas and more. A push-back system lets you recline whenever the need strikes without having to touch a button or handle, and the chair’s sleek walnut accents provide a cool visual contrast.
What the editors say: Favilla liked the “minimalist, modern design” of this chair, which comes in over 100 upholstery options. It’s “a nice-enough, comfortable chair to sit in with your laptop and get some work done,” she says, adding that those looking for a “cozy, watch-Netlfix-and-nap recliner” might prefer a more plush option.
Raymour & Flanigan
Raymour & Flanigan Gerard Power-Lift Recliner
Type: Lay-flat | Material: Microfiber | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies
Pros:
- Lift option
- Easy to clean
- USB charging port
Cons:
- One color option
Whether you suffer from back pain or just expect a little more out of your chair, this option from Raymour & Flanigan is an option worth considering. It’s like having a power lifter in your living room. It features a built-in USB charger as well as power head rest and power lumbar support, too. It’s made to be comfortable, but also designed to help you stand when you’re ready to get moving.
La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy Pinnacle Rocking Recliner
Type: Lay flat | Material: Performance fabric | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Power features
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Pricey
- This style may not resonate with everyone
La-Z-Boy practically made recliners a household item, and the brand’s Pinnacle rocker is packed with great features that make it worthy of your favorite relaxation spaces. This chair has an unimposing style that fits into nearly any decor, along with a plush and cushy feel that creates a cocoon-like cushioning around you. A control panel raises and reclines your feet and, when you’re upright, you can rock in this seat. There are also different reclining options for your head and feet.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Through testing the best couches and office chairs and reviewing everything from dining chairs to sectional sofas, Forbes Vetted editors know that the best seating options are both stylish and supportive. Each featured product has been thoroughly researched, and in many cases, firsthand-recommended by Forbes Vetted writers and editors.
- All home and kitchen stories are overseen by three highly experienced editors.
- When researching this story, we thought long and hard about what qualities the best recliners have in common: a durable construction, high-quality materials, adjustability and an intuitive reclining mechanism.
- We also consulted Nancy R. Kirsch, Ph.D., interim chair of rehabilitation and movement sciences at Rutgers University, to better understand what to look for in a recliner if you have back pain or simply want a little extra lumbar support.
How We Chose The Best Recliners
To determine the best recliners, we made sure to keep various use cases and price points in mind. We also took the following steps:
- We started by identifying the most popular options from top brands like West Elm, Pottery Barn and La-Z-Boy. Then, keeping in mind the tips from Kirsch, we took a closer look at each chair’s overall construction, mechanism and adjustability.
- We factored in customer reviews to get a better sense of how these chairs perform in the real world and how they old up over time.
- Lastly, managing editor Emmy Favilla and reviews coordinator Roxy Dawson tested three top-rated chairs that make this list: West Elm’s Harris Leather Power Recliner and Spencer Recliner, and Pottery Barn’s Irving Leather Recliner.
This list is regularly updated to ensure it features the best recliners available on the market right now; it was last updated in May 2024.
What To Look For In A Recliner
To ensure you pick the best recliner for you, keep these factors in mind as you peruse your options.
Type
The most common type of recliners are lay-flat recliners, which lean back to an angle where it feels like you’re laying flat (or nearly flat). Wall-huggers, on the other hand, kick back a little but not to the same degree as lay-flat recliners. Other types include rockers, gliders and swivel recliners. Within these styles, you also have the option to choose between a power recliner, which adjusts positioning with the push of a button, or a mechanical recliner, which requires you to pull a lever. Some recliners even come with extras like massaging features.
Material
Recliners come in a wide range of fabrics including leather, twill and tweed. When picking out the right fabric for you, aesthetic is important, of course—though that’s not the only factor to keep in mind. If you plan on eating and drinking in your recliner, or if you have children or pets, you might want your chair to feature a performance fabric. Designed to withstand daily wear and tear, these materials are easy to clean in the event of spills or dirt, and they’re often tear- and stain- and scratch-resistant. If you want something resilient but aren’t drawn to performance fabrics, leather is an option for its durability.
Mechanism
The big draw of having a recliner is its ability to kick back, but there are a slew of mechanisms to choose from. Some chairs recline when you simply lean back, creating an effortless ability to ease into a more relaxed position, while others require some effort on your end. That may mean pushing a button to prompt your chair to mechanically raise your feet and lower your head (some let you do these elements separately), or pulling a lever to adjust your positioning.
Adjustability
Adjustability is important with a recliner, and not every seat has the same options. Some only have one reclining angle, while others give you several choices. Certain chairs allow you to adjust to the level that feels right for you. We like the West Elm Harris recliner, which adjusts with a push of a button and stops at the angle of your choosing. Worth noting: Some even have a lift feature to help you get out of your seat, which is a great element to consider for those who have bad knees or issues with mobility.
What Recliners Do Chiropractors Recommend?
There isn’t one singular recliner that all chiropractors (or any type of medical professional, for that matter) believe to be better than the rest. “Recliners—and all chairs for that matter—are not one size fits all,” says Nancy R. Kirsch, Ph.D., interim chair of rehabilitation and movement sciences at Rutgers. “It is important to get the appropriate-size recliner to fit your body type and height.”
While Kirsch says it’s “critical” to choose a well-constructed recliner (she advises against overstuffed chairs and too much padding around the head), she adds you can take steps to maximize your comfort in a recliner. “If the chair does not have good lumbar support, the individual should insert a lumbar roll or a rolled towel into the space between the low back and the chair to improve alignment,” says Kirsch. She also recommends using the recliner’s built-in footrest: “Elevating your legs does decrease the stress on the tissues surrounding the spine.”
Are Recliners Good For Back Pain?
It depends. “A recliner may be an excellent seating choice for an individual with low back pain, permitting the individual to sit without putting undue stress on the structures that support their back,” says Kirsch. “A recliner chair relieves some of the pressure [on the back] and research has shown that reclining to about 135 degrees will reduce stress on the spine. But we have to be aware of our personal positioning to reduce the stress on our lumbar spine.”
Keep in mind, too, that sitting for long periods of time can actually make back pain worse, regardless of how comfortable or supportive the chair may be. Kirsch’s recommendation: Get up every 30 minutes and stand or walk around to change your positioning.
Is It OK To Sleep In A Recliner Every Night?
It’s generally considered safe to sleep in a recliner every night, so long as said recliner provides adequate head, neck and lumbar support. In fact, sleeping in a recliner can be beneficial to people who suffer from health conditions like acid reflux, sleep apnea and back pain. That said, if you’re thinking about making your recliner your permanent bed, consider consulting your doctor or another medical professional beforehand to get their recommendations.
