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The 11 Best Reclining Sofas of 2024

Start the new year with some R&R with these cozy picks

Pottery Barn Ultra Lounge Roll Arm Upholstered Reclining Sofa

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on a reclining sofa in your living room after a long day whether that’s while reading a good book or watching television. 

Unlike traditional couches, reclining sofas generally leave room for movement and adjustability making them a fan favorite. “Reclining sofas should be adjustable to individual preferences and needs,” says Jenon Bailie, merchandising and design director at Room & Board. “Additionally, extra lounge comfort combined with adequate back support really elevates the seating experience.” 

To help you in your search, we researched the best reclining sofas on the market and found several options—many of which come in different upholstery materials, sizes, and features for a more customizable experience.

What to Know Before You Get Started 

Before purchasing a big couch like a reclining sofa, there are a few important pieces of information you’ll want to keep in mind pertinent to the different types of recliners and the upholstery and material. 

  • There are two types of recliners: manual and power. The key distinction between manual and power reclining lies in their operation and mechanism.
  • Power recliners either operate on a battery or must be plugged into a wall outlet. They have controls on the arms of the sofa that recline the backrest and lift the legrest.  
  • A manual recliner has a lever on the outside of the chair (also sometimes found between the seat cushion and arm) to extend the legrest and backrest.
  • Manual recliners are usually less expensive compared to their more tech-savvy counterparts. 
What We Like
  • Extended footrest

  • Easy to assemble

  • Built-in vibration points

What We Don't Like
  • Stiff when upright

  • Hard leg rests

From our research, Bed Bath & Beyond makes the best reclining sofa. The electric recliner boasts soft pillow top arms and semi-soft cushions for an all-around comfortable and supportive feel. Where this recliner stands out is in its additional features that make it a top contender. You’ll not only notice side pockets, USB ports, and cup holders, but also a vibration and massage function. The full-body vibration system has nine modes and five different intensities so you can find a setting that’s just right for your needs.  

This recliner can reach a maximum angle of 140 degrees and offers an extended footrest that pops out when reclined so your feet can rest comfortably as you watch TV or read a book. You’ll want to note that the sofa may feel stiff if you sit straight up as it doesn’t have too much give, however, that can be adjusted with the touch of a button.

Dimensions: 37 x 92 x 41 inches | Weight: Not listed | Reclining Mechanism: Electric | Upholstery Material: Fabric | Features: Massage points, USB ports, cup holders, storage console

What We Like
  • Stain-resistant material

  • High weight capacity (900 pounds)

  • Comes with throw pillow

What We Don't Like
  • Colors appear darker

  • Short footrest

One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a reclining sofa is the lumbar support. This sofa has a tight back and soft seat cushions with sinuous springs to promote proper alignment and keep you comfortable while you sit. It can be adjusted between 90 and 160 degrees to find the right tilt for your needs and moves back into its original position with a gentle lean forward. The faux leather material gives it an elevated appearance while also remaining easy to clean and maintain, perfect for parents of kids and fur babies. Plus, it’s available in three colors—tan, dark brown, and wheat.

In terms of assembly, the brand notes it can be put together in less than 20 minutes and no extra tools are required. The footrest is a bit short on this recliner measuring just 19 inches so if you’re on the taller side, then you might notice your feet dangling off the end. Our best overall pick, the Bed Bath & Beyond MCombo Electric Power Reclining Sofa, has a 21.6-inch-long footrest when extended, so it may be a better option for taller folks. 

Dimensions: 41 x 79 x 37 inches | Weight: 140 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Manual |  Upholstery Material: Faux leather | Features: Cup holders, water-resistant, removable seat cushions

What We Like
  • Soft, plush seats

  • Hidden control buttons

  • Made-to-order fabrics available

What We Don't Like
  • Long shipping time

  • Can’t be returned

If you have the budget to splurge on furniture, then you’ll want to take a look at this reclining sofa from Pottery Barn. For starters, it has extra deep seats and plush foam-wrapped spring cushions for optimal comfort while sitting or resting. In terms of durability, its frame is made of solid kiln-dried wood which not only provides stability, but also resists warping, cracking, and mildew. 

Unlike other options on this list, there are a wide variety of colors and fabrics available to choose from including basketweave, boucle, linen, velvet, and chenille. The electric reclining mechanism drives up the price, but the buttons are hidden in each armrest for a more clean appearance. You’ll want to keep in mind that this big couch can’t be returned so make sure you have everything to your liking before placing the order.

Dimensions: 109.5 x 43 x 41 inches | Weight: 397 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Electric | Upholstery Material: Various fabrics | Features: Padded frame

What We Like
  • Padded biscuit back

  • Easy pull tab to recline

  • Numerous color options

What We Don't Like
  • Visible metal frame

  • No reversible cushions

The last thing you want when looking to furnish a small space is a large and bulky piece of furniture taking up half the room. Although the Tulen Reclining Sofa is approximately 87 inches wide, it’s still smaller than a majority of recliners that are generally over 90 inches and can be placed against a wall to be even more out of the way. 

The pull mechanism makes it easy to raise the leg rest in a single motion while the back remains stationary. When it’s time to get up, simply push down on the leg rest.  In terms of material, it’s made out of polyester which gives it a soft and homey look while working as a base for decorative toss pillows and throw blankets. Plus, you can choose from one of three colors (light gray, chocolate, mocha.)

When it comes time to clean, spot clean with a dry, solvent-based cleaner for the best results. Keep in mind that the metal frame is visible unlike some of the other options on this list. 

Dimensions: 87 x 40 x 40 inches | Weight: 177 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Manual | Upholstery Material: Chenille, polyester | Features: Included toss pillow, padded armrests

What We Like
  • Trendy cross-stitch design

  • Durable faux leather

  • USB charging ports

What We Don't Like
  • Only one color option

  • Legrest rises quickly

Opt for a more budget-friendly option like this power reclining sofa from American Freight that is less than $750. This sleek sofa is made from black faux leather that can blend into minimalist, modern, and even industrial decor. The cross-stitching along the backrest adds a nice detail too. 

The sofa can be adjusted with the touch of a button and it’s easy to find the sweet spot to get cozy. For added comfort, the pillow top armrests are extra cushy. You’ll also notice USB ports on this sofa so you can charge a smartphone as you watch television for added convenience. 

That said, the reclining motion on this sofa can be a little jarring as the leg rest tends to rise very quickly; however, once you learn the mechanisms, it’s easy to operate.  

Dimensions: 84 x 39 x 38 inches| Weight: Not listed | Reclining Mechanism: Manual | Upholstery Material: Faux leather | Features: Built-in USB ports, pillow top armrests

What We Like
  • Wall hugging design

  • Sturdy coil spring system

  • Optimal seat depth

What We Don't Like
  • Seat cushions are attached

  • Low weight capacity

This wall-hugger reclining sofa takes the cake as the best power recliner since it has a recline mechanism that can be controlled with the press of a button to lower the back and extend the footrests. The wall-hugging model seats up to three people and can be placed approximately four inches away from the wall and still recline back to make the most of your space without damage. 

This reclining sofa is a solid option for small spaces and provides flexibility in terms of placement and setup. Made from a kiln-dried hardwood frame, the Skye Sofa has foam-wrapped pocket coil cushions for comfortable plushness and support so you can rest easily for hours. Plus, the seats are deep so you can get cozy without feeling like you’re not sinking backward. In terms of upholstery, it’s made from soft, easy-to-clean microfiber. Keep in mind that the cushions are also fully attached to this recliner, so you may want a handheld vacuum or a full-size vacuum with a crevice attachment to clean up crumbs. Additionally, the weight capacity for this recliner is only 250 pounds, which is the lowest on our list. 

Nevertheless, we love the ease of the power recline on this option and think it would be a great choice for an entertainment room. 

Dimensions: 89 x 39 x 41 inches | Weight: Not listed | Reclining mechanism: Power | Upholstery material: Microfiber | Features: Removable back, Dacron wrapped foam, cupholders

What We Like
  • Traditional tufted design

  • Easy to clean

  • Sturdy pocket springs for support

What We Don't Like
  • No removable cushions

If you don't have any outlets in your living room or some close to your available space, then you’ll want to opt for a manual model like the Lark Manor Elida Reclining Sofa. This comfy reclining sofa has levers on both sides that lower the backrests and extend the footrests. 

The Elida Sofa is constructed with a solid and manufactured wood frame for optimal durability and has foam back cushions, pillow-top armrests, and foam-wrapped pocket spring seat cushions for ideal comfort. The upholstery on this sofa is a smooth, vegan leather you can easily wipe down with a damp cloth, but the cushions are not removable, so you cannot re-fluff them as easily as a traditional sofa. 

Although this couch calls for at-home assembly, it still may be too difficult and tiresome unless you have multiple people helping. If you're not up for assembly, there’s the option to add white-glove delivery and professional assembly to your Wayfair order to make the process easier and less taxing. 

Dimensions: 88 x 43 x 40 inches | Weight: 183 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Manual | Upholstery Material: Faux leather | Features: Pillowback arms, wide seats

What We Like
  • User-friendly

  • Wall hugging design

  • Multiple color options

What We Don't Like
  • Long assembly time

  • Too large for some rooms

Sectionals are on the rise right now for living room and furniture trends. If you’re looking to hop on the trend, you’ll want to get your hands (and feet) on the Clonmel Reclining Sectional from Ashley Furniture. The three-piece sectional comes with a chaise, armless chair, and wall recliner. You can easily recline in the chaise by pressing backward and the wall recliner has a pull tab to extend the footrest and recline the back. 

The sectional is a three-seater, but it could hold five or six people if some are children. In terms of material, the seats are made from soft foam cushions and are wrapped in a thick poly fiber. 

It’s suitable for small spaces as it’s a wall-hugger meaning it can be placed just a few inches from the wall without causing damage. However, it may be too large for some spaces when considering the full width of the couch and the depth of the chaise. Assembly is required and you should be prepared for a 40-minute process, according to the brand.

Dimensions: 127 x 70 x 40 inches | Weight: 296 pounds | Reclining mechanism: Electric | Upholstery material: Polyester | Features: Metal reinforced seats, padded back seats

What We Like
  • Extended footrests

  • Comfortable cushioned armrests

  • Covered in soft leather

What We Don't Like
  • Seat isn’t deep

According to Andy Yates, NCIDQ, IIDA, ASID, principal of Andy Yates Design, “Leathers, and faux leathers are highly sturdy materials that imbue each piece with a rich feel and living finish.” The same idea applies to this power reclining sofa from American Signature that’s made with top-grain leather everywhere aside from the back and sides. Aside from the look, this reclining sofa is easy to navigate with its dual power technology that allows users to simultaneously adjust the headrest and footrest. 

For added comfort, the sofa’s zero-gravity design helps improve circulation throughout the body by keeping feet level with the heart so you’ll get up feeling even better than when you sat down. 

To maintain the leather, you’ll want to wipe it down every so often with a damp cloth and use a leather cleaner. Additionally, this recliner has the narrowest seat on our list at just 21 inches, but we think the plush cushions have enough give to make up for this shallower seat. 

Dimensions: 86 x 41 x 41 inches | Weight: Not listed | Reclining Mechanism: Electric | Upholstery Material: Leather | Features: Adjustable headrest, USB-C charging ports

What We Like
  • Plush foam padding

  • Removable seat back

  • Easy reclining motion

What We Don't Like
  • Only one color available

  • Difficult to assemble

A durable reclining sofa is essential for homes with pets and children running around so it doesn’t fall apart at a moment's notice. This seating pair is made from solid wood and has a plywood frame with a reinforced metal seat covered in high-density foam to provide optimal stability even with extended use and sudden jumps and bumps. 

The manual recliner has a pull tab that easily moves to trigger the leg rest and help find a sweet spot for your sitting needs. Plus, its microfiber fabric is easy to clean so if your child spills or makes a mess, you can easily wipe it down or vacuum up messes with a handheld device. 

Unlike other reclining sofas on this list, this pair isn’t as easy to assemble. You’ll want to have someone nearby so they can help you get them put together. However, if you ever have to move these to a new room or home, the seat backs are easy to remove, making them a breeze to get through tight door frames. 

Dimensions: 83.5 x 38 x 41 inches | Weight: Not listed | Reclining Mechanism: Manual | Upholstery Material: Microfiber | Features: Reinforced metal seat, high-density foam padding

What We Like
  • Padded arms

  • Ideal for small spaces

  • Customizable

What We Don’t Like
  • Difficult to assemble

Wall-hugger reclining sofas are ideal for those living quarters that are tight on space whether that’s a small townhouse or one-bedroom apartment. This La-Z-Boy reclining sofa is equipped with a pillowed tall back and padded arms for optimal comfort when sitting or resting. Plus, the seat cushions are filled with plush and supportive fibers so you can sit comfortably for extended periods. You’ll find two handles on the outside arms to raise the left and right leg rests which can be adjusted to three positions for enhanced support. 

The sofa can be placed inches from a wall without causing any damage and can be customized with nearly 400 different combinations of color and fabric type depending on preference. That said, it is a bit expensive given the size compared to some of the other options on this list, however, it’s a high-quality piece of furniture. 

Dimensions: 81.5 x 38 x 41 inches | Weight: 192 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Manual | Upholstery Material: Leather, fabric | Features: Locking legrests, limited lifetime warranty

Final Verdict

Our best overall reclining sofa is the Bed Bath & Beyond MCombo Electric Power Reclining Sofa. We love the traditional appearance, built-in tech-savvy features, and soft yet supportive design. If you're looking for something more budget-friendly or prefer a manual mechanism, opt for the American Freight Diamante Black Power Reclining Sofa, our best budget pick.

What to Look For in a Reclining Sofa

Size

The amount of space a reclining sofa needs varies based on whether you have a large or small space and how far it reclines. The standard size of a reclining sofa typically ranges from around 80 inches to 120 inches like the American Signature Furniture Burke Dual Power Reclining Leather Sofa, our best leather pick. “These sofas are usually wider than standard sofas because they are often constructed with two to three different pieces,” says Jenon Bailie, merchandising and design director at Room & Board. You’ll want to see how you can arrange your sofa in your living space and go from there before you purchase. 

In terms of placement, Yates also has some tips. “Placing a small sofa against a wall can help open a room, and create a more spacious vibe,” he says. “I recommend 2-3 inches between the sofa and the wall, to avoid a cramped feeling.” Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that some reclining sofas need even more space, especially those that aren’t designed to be wall huggers like the Latitude Run Ilkeson 79-Inch-Wide Manual Recliner Sofa (best with lumbar support), which needs 16 inches of back clearance to fully recline. 

Comfort and Support

When buying a couch, comfort and support are essential factors you’ll want to consider. “It's important to choose based on the frame construction, quality of cushioning, warranty, and brand quality,” says Jennifer Stephan, founder of Jennifer Stephan Interiors in Brooklyn, NY. Additionally, a high-quality reclining sofa will have a combination of sturdy construction and durable materials, like the Lark Manor Elida Reclining Sofa, our best manual pick.

Durability and Quality

If you’re looking for a reclining sofa that’ll last you a long time in the living room, then you’ll want to take into consideration how durable it is. First off, you’ll want to keep the type of fabric in mind. The most common materials are leather, cotton, linen, polyester, velvet, microfiber, and chenille, according to Stephan. 

Keep in mind that some softer fabrics (like velvet and microfiber) will wear faster than others. “Performance fabrics and faux leathers are going to be great for homes with young children and pets who are more prone to messes,” says Kathy Kuo, interior design expert and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “On the other hand, more luxurious custom upholstery options may cost more, but are going to offer a unique aesthetic and premium feel." 

Opt for the Latitude Run Ilkeston 79" Wide Manual Recliner Sofa (best with lumbar support) if you’re interested in a durable faux leather fabric that can resist common wear and tear. This best way to maintain recliners involves regular cleaning, avoiding sun exposure, rotating cushions, and inspecting hardware, according to Stephan.

Style and Aesthetics

While you can opt for any aesthetic and style for your living space, some trends are on the rise. 

Sectional recliner sofas are really popular with people right now,” says Heather Fujikawa, owner and principal designer of House Sprucing. “This type of recliner sofa is exciting because it makes sure that everyone is super comfortable and there is plenty of seating with it being on a max scale.”

Additionally, Bailie adds that modern reclining sofas with sleek lines, minimalist details, and a contemporary aesthetic are in right now like the American Freight Diamante Black Power Reclining Sofa (best budget) which has a stylish cross-stitch design and soft black leather.

Plus, Yates says it’s popular to hide the reclining mechanisms these days. “It is more preferred to hide the mechanisms and obvious motion elements of a piece, to seamlessly blend within the context of the space,” he adds.

Standout Features

Charging Ports

"New features and functions are constantly being introduced," says Frank. One in-demand feature of modern reclining sofas is USB charging ports, as with the La-Z-Boy Finley Power Wall Reclining Sofa. This allows you to keep your smartphone, tablet, e-reader, or laptop charged and within reach while relaxing in your living room.

Hidden Storage

Some reclining sofas also have hidden storage, either within the armrests or in a center console in the middle. This provides space for stashing things like remote controls, magazines, a tablet, or chargers. You can have these items within reach while still keeping your space tidy.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products you may also need to make your reclining sofa extra cozy or stylish.

  1. CB2 Channel Faux Fur Throw Pillow: Add some texture and visual interest to your sofa with a cozy, inviting faux fur accent pillow. Available in two hues, you can make it pop with a bright color or keep it neutral for versatile styling.
  2. Society6 Arch Balance Throw Pillow: We love this throw pillow, which works both as a colorful addition and an option that suits many different reclining sofa styles. Plus, you can use it indoors or outdoors, making it a great pick for your sofa or elsewhere in your home.
  3. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw: Sumptuously soft and irresistibly fluffy, this is one of our editors' favorite throw blankets. Drape it over the arm of your reclining sofa, and you'll make it even more inviting.
  4. UnHide Marshmallow Faux Fur Blanket: This incredibly soft and inviting faux fur throw is made from recycled materials, but looks like the real thing! Both eye-catching and cozy, it'll make you want to relax on the sofa for hours.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Casey Clark, a writer specializing in home products who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2023. As someone who has owned a reclining sofa before, she understands the importance of having a comfortable place to relax after a long day. To choose the best reclining sofas to include in this article, she consulted with industry experts and looked at third-party websites and shopper reviews to determine which products made the cut.

Our Experts: 

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