The best recliners out there are stylish, comfortable and built to last—which is why they’ve become a can’t-live-without living room staple over the past few decades. Much like our favorite office chairs, these stylish chairs allow users to kick back in comfort and are designed to be frequent (read: everyday) companions. Whether you’re looking to watch the big game in a cocoon of comfort or want to invest in a solid reading chair for lazy Sundays at home, the best recliners are your absolute best bet. Our top pick is the Harris Leather Power Recliner, a handsome choice with a plethora of additional features (including a built-in USB), but we’ve included details on several other winning models ahead.
West Elm's Spencer Recliner is another excellent option: A wide range of upholstery options and ... [+] stylish feel give it an edge over the competition.
As is the case with most big-ticket furniture buys, you can expect to be faced with a fairly large range when it comes to shopping for the best recliners. Some are operated manually; others lean back with the simple push of a button. There are also a slew of different upholstery options to choose from—and for those with a little extra room in their budget, a built-in massager is always a possibility. Ultimately, the best recliner for you depends on individual needs—but our curated shopping list is a great place to start. Ahead, find our favorite finds for 2022.
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: 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 crumbs. The chair also kicks back to a range of angles with the help of a power button (in other words, no heavy lifting is needed 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 want less height.
Latitude Run’s recliner has so many additional features, it’s hard to believe you can snag it for just around $200. 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 would have to be 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.
Want the look of a classic club chair—but with all the perks of a recliner? You found it. The Irving Recliner looks equally at home in an antiques-filled library or tucked into a modern living room corner. Its rolled arms and leather upholstery are classic, but still cosmopolitan and contemporary. Choose from a huge range of colors, and prepare for a loose seat cushion with a firmer feel. To recline, simply push yourself back—it’s that easy.
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 just plain looks good, with a minimalist seat and plush exterior that goes with practically any décor style. Select from a range of upholstery options, including several performance fabrics that can help to guard against future spills.
Gliders are great for everyone—who doesn’t love that easy-going feel?—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 a rest. The whole thing is covered in durable polyester fabric to protect against stains.
Most recliners take up ample space, to be sure—and that can be tricky. This model, on the other hand, is just 33 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, rolled arms and thick cushions. Meanwhile, the chair’s tapered legs in an espresso finish add to its upscale feel. The Leni comes in a whopping 37 different finish options, too, so you’re bound to find something you love.
West Elm’s mid-century modern Spencer recliner has an enormous number of upholstery options—so many, in fact, that it might take you a minute—or 30—to figure out which, exactly, is best for you. You can also choose from several different styles: 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.