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You Asked, We Delivered: 21 Reclining Chairs That Don’t *Look* Like Recliners

The year was 2017: Beyoncé announced her pregnancy with her twins with great fanfare. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got engaged. Millions of people participated in Women’s Marches worldwide, protesting the election of Donald Trump and advocating for women’s rights. Emily Henderson rounded up good-looking recliner chairs.

Well, eight years later, Sir and Rumi Carter are now 7 years old, Meghan and Harry have since divorced themselves from their lives in England, we’re still somehow in exactly the same place (actually, worse) politically speaking in this country, and now I’m rounding up good-looking recliner chairs…again. So much has changed. So little has changed.

This post is actually in response to reader Susan (and Karine), who requested a recliner chair roundup on the heels of my recent recliner sofa roundup. It was only then that I saw it had been close to a decade since beautiful recliners graced this blog.

“Wart” recliners have graced taken up space (so.much.space) in our living rooms for decades, but I promise, there is a better way. We are in 2025: there are options, friends.

Here’s what Emily wrote in her original post, which makes me chuckle:

“In life we have the golden rule, ‘treat others how you would like to be treated.’ In design, we have another rule ‘whatever you do, DO NOT put a comfy albiet disgusting recliner anywhere in the house.’ The recliner, although one of the most comfortable pieces of furniture on the market, has seen some pretty perilous days when it comes to design. Typically, they involve bad fabric, overstuffed curves, and a ,too-large, scale for anyone’s living room. But, my friends, it is 2017 and the recliner has come a long way from the terrible versions of decades past.”

Let us review the type of recliner chairs we may all be used to seeing:

Clockwise from top right: Wayfair | Amazon | Home Depot | Living Spaces

Look, if you have something similar to the above in your home right now, I need you to understand something: This post is not meant to judge you. I bet that’s the most freaking comfortable chair in the world. Rip Van Winkle likely slept for 20 years because of one of these things. My dad had something similar in a tan leather when I was growing up, and yes, I often lounged back in one of those things to watch my “Degrassi: The Next Generation” marathons.

But if what you’re looking for is the functionality of leaning back and putting your legs up (not commanding a pillow rocketship to space), things like this exist now:

Clockwise from top right: France & Son | Rejuvenation | West Elm | West Elm

Chairs with a more refined design like this can fit much better into your living spaces without sticking out like a guest wearing a red gown at a wedding. They actually resemble, well, chairs, which should maybe be the target for most furniture, yeah? To look like…what it’s supposed to be.

Trust me that I understand that reclining chairs are often medically necessary. My father underwent numerous health issues a few years ago, and needed a reclining chair to help with swelling in his legs. That need was one of the things that ignited my desire to give them the first floor of their townhome a makeover. Luckily, Article had a nice-looking option for a great price that worked well for my dad’s needs, was comfortable, and, while yes, it was a bit larger than I originally thought it would be, it visually fit into their new living room aesthetic. See below:

This one was manual, operating by simply leaning back, but there are, of course, power motion recliners on the market right now. Keep in mind that while manual recliners like the one from Article will cost you from around $500 to $1,200 depending on build quality, brand and materials, something you plug in with some more reclining bells and whistles can be upwards of $3,000 in fabric and between $1,800 and $4,000 for leather. Yes, for a single chair; not an entire sofa.

In my reclining sofas article, I laid out a few Good to Knows with regards to purchasing reclining furniture, so I’ll go ahead and repeat that here again:

Reclining Sofa FAQs

  1. They are far more expensive than a traditional non-reclining chair. I covered this just now, but yes, they are pricey. While you may find some for just a few hundred dollars, as I did in the roundup below, keep in mind that the longevity and quality of it likely isn’t top-notch. Keep your eye on the reviews and any warranty information for lower-priced chairs.
  2. Most are electric now and need a power source, meaning, you’re going to need to have an outlet available. If you’re used to floating your chairs in the middle of your room, I hope you have a floor outlet.
  3. Are you one of those people in #2 who float your chairs? Well, a lot of them aren’t the prettiest from behind so you’ll want to be aware of that.
  4. Read the product description closely to find out if it’s manual or power motion because both exist. You definitely don’t want to drop a few thousand on a chair, thinking it’s one thing, and it ends up not being what you expected.
  5. Again, read closely to see if just the footrests come up or if it also reclines. Be mindful of what you’re looking for compared to what you’re buying.
  6. Check the warranty because they malfunction/break. Anything with a button simply does not last as long as something manual. It’s a tale as old as time. Buy an extended warranty if you can.
  7. Make sure you have the clearance for both the fully extended footrest and the fully reclined back, because these babies are BIG and DEEP.
  8. They’re mostly sold in just a few neutral colors like white, cream, and gray. A few retailers will give you more custom fabric options, but those are likely much pricier.

Now that that’s been cleared up, let’s do some window shopping. Please keep in mind that this is purely a roundup of aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces, and we have not tested these out personally. That would be a very different story, and while I love doing things like that, it can be incredibly time-consuming and expensive with furniture. We’ve long done roundups like these to help you see, at a glance, what’s out there and what we personally “approve” in terms of style. I do stay mindful of reviews and try not to include anything from stores I know are outright crap (note: I know there are mixed feelings about West Elm because they do not post reviews, which feels kind of shady, yes. Proceed with caution).

First up, fabric options:

Our Favorite Fabric Reclining Chairs

1. Better Homes & Gardens Reading Push Back Recliner, Cream | 2. Bedford Recliner | 3. Carise Recliner | 4. Pembroke Swivel Recliner | 5. Kennedy Cream Power Recliner with USB – Wallaway | 6. Luxe Recliner Chair | 7. Inez Recliner | 8. Ekolsund Recliner, Gunnared Light Brown-Pink | 9. Ellow 28.5″ Reclining Lounge Chair – Lennox Blue | 10. Leisure Power Recliner Accent Chair | 11. Chase Power Recliner | 12. Jodie Wing Recliner

I was pleasantly surprised with the fabric, color, pattern, and silhouette variation on fabric recliner chairs out there right now. For instance, that plaid on #2 and the cute floral block print on #4! I’m very into the wood arm detailing on the Carise recliner (#3), and take note, you can customize that one pretty extensively (plus, it’s on sale right now—the price listed is the standard non-sale price). The shape of #7 is really unexpected with the fully upholstered arm and frames, and I could have bet at least $20 that it was not, indeed, a recliner. As for #1, I don’t normally include Walmart picks (for many reasons), but I did happen to find this one for under $300 and wanted to include it for anyone wanting something in a more entry-level range. Oh, and #9 is the same chair I got my dad from Article, but just in blue.

Our Favorite Leather Recliners

1. 26″ Wide Bauhaus Mid Century Waxed Leather Push Back Recliner | 2. Raye Motion Leather Swivel Recliner | 3. Harris Leather Power Recliner | 4. Rowland Leather High-Back Motion Recliner | 5. Thorp Leather Power Recliner Chair | 6. Auren Recliner | 7. Miller Power Recliner Accent Chair – Sonoma Butterscotch | 8. Domingo Leather Reclining Accent Chair with Wood Frame | 9. Milton Large Power Recliner

What would a recliner roundup be without some leather options? It would be incomplete, that’s what. The hide versions tended to be blockier than the fabric ones, that’s for sure, but I am a fan of a streamlined, contemporary chair (and sofa) these days. Some exceptions: The rounded Raye chair from RH (#2), the more sleek manual push-back Domingo from Crate & Barrel (#8). Room & Board offers their Milton power recliner in three sizes (#9), which is nice depending on your room and even body size needs. For French seam lovers, Arhaus includes the detail in their Rowland leather high-back motion recliner (#4). And for anyone who needs something less bulky, check out #5, Rejuvenation’s Thorp (it comes in beautiful leather colors like dark greens and blues), as well as France & Son’s Auren (#6) and Miller (#7).

There you have it! 21 great-looking recliner chairs any designer or design-minded person would likely sign off on (if you’re after that sort of thing, but you’re here, so I’m guessing that you are). As always, thanks for being here and taking the time to read.

Until next time, friends…

Opening Image Credits: Design by Ginny Macdonald | Photo by Zeke Ruelas | From: Ginny’s Living Room Reveal

Fin
26 Comments
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Sally
1 month ago

This post made me think of Frasier’s living room and Chandler and Joey’s chairs!!
Recliners don’t suit my aesthetic at all yet strangely I don’t hate them and I sometimes throw a longing, lingering gaze over the odd La-z-boy…
If it wasn’t for space, I’d likely have succumbed!!
Although they do have competition from the Papasan., which does fit my look, though sadly, still not my space.

JS
1 month ago

I got verrrry excited when I came upon the “Reclining sofa faqs” thinking that you’d include some, well, sofas. My husband and I are looking at reclining sofas for our basement tv room and they are all hideous, or not tall enough to rest your head on. He wants movie theater-level comfort, and I just want something not ugly and without cupholders. Can you help?

Susan
1 month ago
Reply to  JS

She did a whole post just on sofas. I think you can do a site search for it.

Unah
1 month ago
Reply to  JS

Look in the third paragraph. There is a link to the reclining sofa post. Click on the gold text “my recent recliner sofa roundup”

Susan
1 month ago

I was very flattered you used my quote in this post. Thank you SO MUCH for this round up. We had already decided to go shopping and try again. This is such a huge help. There are several recliners that I even think are pretty. Who says that about recliners? Again, my partner and I thank you!

A
1 month ago

Also an option for those who really prefer colors and patterns—in my area, at least, there are a lot of good-looking nursery room gliders/recliners on FB marketplace and Craigslist for very low prices, which makes reupholstering in a fabric of your choice less of a mortgage payment!

Bri
1 month ago

Thank you for this post! I have back issues so I’ve been looking at chair/ottoman sets like the Ekornes Stressless, which is great and modern but a lot of chairs from that era look the same. I love how you included the RH Raye – it looks almost identical to a classic French art deco club chair, but even better with the recliner and swivel. Definitely adding this one in Cocoa to my wish list to lean further into the modern feminine look I’ve been cultivating. Thanks again! 🥰

Me
1 month ago

Hi, something is broken on the website, it’s not possible to see Projects and go to invidiual houses

Admin
1 month ago
Reply to  Me

we are updating the site this week, so this is temporary as we upgrade! em announced it a bit in our retreat post, but figured it’s worth reiterating for anyone here who missed that one. the updated site look the same, but it will be way faster and easier to use for y’all. thank you all for your patience!

MD
1 month ago
Reply to  Me

Correct but be careful with the PB kids gliders, their shelf life is short.

MD
1 month ago
Reply to  Me

Correct but be careful with the PB kids gliders, their shelf life is short.

rachael
1 month ago

We have the arhaus version without arms, while still large, does not take up quite as much visual space. We love it….it’s almost like a special occasion chair when you get to recline it! We also bought the warranty where they will completed redo the upholstery if it gets messed up within the 4 year window (I think it was like $400). Our cat has been after the shiny controls, so we will definitely be taking advantage of that.

Grace
1 month ago
Reply to  rachael

The Stressless chairs are a fantastic investment in my opinion. Expensive but worth it especially if you have back or other issues. Check your local 2nd hand listings as they can often be found for far less. Their vintage ones are very cute if you can snag one!

Bri
1 month ago
Reply to  Grace

Thank you for your input, Grace! I don’t know anyone who owns one of the Stressless sets so I wasn’t sure if it would be worth it. Secondhand is definitely what my budget calls for 😜

Grace
1 month ago
Reply to  rachael

The Stressless chairs are a fantastic investment in my opinion. Expensive but worth it especially if you have back or other issues. Check your local 2nd hand listings as they can often be found for far less. Their vintage ones are very cute if you can snag one!

Bri
1 month ago
Reply to  Grace

Thank you for your input, Grace! I don’t know anyone who owns one of the Stressless sets so I wasn’t sure if it would be worth it. Secondhand is definitely what my budget calls for 😜

T.
1 month ago

I’ve used La-Z-Boy recliners a couple of different times, and they have always worked beautifully in the room, looking like accent chairs, but operating as a comfy recliner. I bought the last set in 2008 and they are still working beautifully. Added bonus is that there is always a wide range of fabrics to choose from. Not the cheapest, but there are regular sales.

Jan Jessup
1 month ago

Here are two more chairs for consideration, which can be covered in the upholstery fabric of your choice from the Calico stores: The BELMONT RECLINER and the BENNETT RECLINER, both made by Lee Industries in the USA. The recliner mechanism is warranted for 7 years against manufacturing defects. And both are currently on sale at 20% off! They can be viewed at Custom Upholstered Chairs | Custom Chairs | Calico Choose your favorite from a wonderful selection of upholstery fabrics, including 2,500+ easy-care performance fabrics. Calico upholsterers may also be able to reupholster existing recliner chairs–in fabric or in leather (we sell hides too!).

MD
1 month ago

We recently purchased the leather Parisian Club recliner from Restoration Hardware and it’s great. I couldn’t get on board with any recliner unless it was leather. This one is smaller, doesn’t have any separate arms or mechanisms and looks like a “regular” chair. It’s pricey but we waited for a sale. My husband loves it. I was actually even considering the matching (non-recliner) club chair to match.

MD
1 month ago

We recently purchased the leather Parisian Club recliner from Restoration Hardware and it’s great. I couldn’t get on board with any recliner unless it was leather. This one is smaller, doesn’t have any separate arms or mechanisms and looks like a “regular” chair. It’s pricey but we waited for a sale. My husband loves it. I was actually even considering the matching (non-recliner) club chair to match.

Karine
1 month ago

Wow, just wow! I’m so impressed to see you really do read the comment section and take our design needs to heart!

Thank you for such a beautiful collection of choices. I see so many possibilities.

Karine
1 month ago

Wow, just wow! I’m so impressed to see you really do read the comment section and take our design needs to heart!

Thank you for such a beautiful collection of choices. I see so many possibilities.

Vany
1 month ago

Good article about a week ago on Business of Home called “Can upscale furniture brands solve the ugly-recliner problem”. It stated that: a recent study claims that the motion category made up one-third of all U.S. upholstery sales in 2023, and the number is trending up. It’s an interesting read.

Vany
1 month ago

Good article about a week ago on Business of Home called “Can upscale furniture brands solve the ugly-recliner problem”. It stated that: a recent study claims that the motion category made up one-third of all U.S. upholstery sales in 2023, and the number is trending up. It’s an interesting read.

Suzanne
29 days ago

I read the Business of Home piece last week and now this lands in my mailbox! My mom has cancer and we have just decided that she needs a recliner in order to keep her swelling legs elevated. We have been working around it for months but it can no longer wait. I’m not a big Wayfair fan but we found a couple of reasonable, not hideous, options there which would ship fairly quickly. With an aging population, I can see why this category of furniture is the fastest growing.

Suzanne
29 days ago

I read the Business of Home piece last week and now this lands in my mailbox! My mom has cancer and we have just decided that she needs a recliner in order to keep her swelling legs elevated. We have been working around it for months but it can no longer wait. I’m not a big Wayfair fan but we found a couple of reasonable, not hideous, options there which would ship fairly quickly. With an aging population, I can see why this category of furniture is the fastest growing.

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