Kick back and relax in style.
Expert consulted: Heather GoerzenDirector of Design and Content at Havenly
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
A sofa is usually the best seat in the house, but what if you want a setup that everyone beelines to? Find one that reclines. Let’s face it: Sitting upright has nothing on a couch with a gently sloped back, elevated footrest, and an adjustable spot for your head and neck. And unlike your standard sofa, where the only real way to get comfortable is to go horizontal, a recliner makes it possible to get cozy without hogging up the entire couch.
For years, recliner sofas were usually accompanied by bulky silhouettes and, for that reason, relegated to a neglected basement or man cave. The good news? Today’s takes often boast slim silhouettes, supple fabrics, and customizable features. If you want to find a sofa that’s both stylish and snug, keep scrolling for the best lounge-worthy options to add to your living room.
Calling all small-space dwellers: This compact reclining sofa lets you stretch out without sacrificing precious square footage. At just under 74 inches wide, it’s slightly longer than your average loveseat but not so big it’ll swallow the rest of your room. The dual-motor power recliner will lean back anywhere between 115 and 150 degrees. Rounding out this couch are built-in USB and Type-C ports, so you can lounge with your phone or tablet.
Transform your living room into the ultimate home theater in a snap with Gueapy’s reclining sofa. The magic lies in the middle seat, which folds down to reveal a flat surface with a built-in cup holder for snacks and drinks. There’s also a convenient side pocket where you can stash the remote as soon as you press play.
Once you’re settled with your popcorn, drink, and a really good movie, use the manual recline to tip up to 150 degrees back.
Can you believe this tufted reclining sofa is from Wayfair? Available in a hemp white upholstery, this couch is also pretty easy to operate: All you have to do is tap the button, and the legs will start to lift and the back will tilt. If you need a little extra TLC for your neck, the adjustable headrest also moves into the optimal position.
Cuddling with Fido shouldn’t cost you a high-quality couch, which is what makes Povison’s Ergopals-Power Reclining Sofa a strong contender. The brand offers a “pet-safe” fabric, an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified polyester that’s scratch-resistant, water-repellent, and easy to clean. Plus, according to some shoppers, the short-pile textile is less prone to being covered in pet hair.
No pets? No problem. Provison also has a breathable, water-repellent fabric they deem “skin-safe.” Bonus points: You can choose from several configurations as well as the number of recliners, so you can create your dream setup.
When we set out to find the best reclining sofas, Bernhardt was the first brand editorial director Joanna Saltz thought of, and for good reason. The brand's iteration on the reclining sofa exudes luxury. Never sacrifice style for comfort, and this power sofa offers both so well.
The nubby, low-pile fabric offers maximum comfort, with two power reclining seats, and the power buttons are concealed. You can easily operate both the back and footrest settings without anyone knowing. It's a sleek and seamless design!
For years, leather recliners were associated with Joey and Chandler’s bachelor pad, but Castlery’s Jaron Leather Recliner manages to bridge the gap between form and function. Between the low-slung silhouette, supple, top-grain leather upholstery, and oversized seats, this two-seater looks like something plucked out of Mad Men, not Friends.
However, when you want to get a little cozy, you can recline both seats up to 180 degrees and adjust the headrest into one of 16 positions.
Prepare to lounge back into this classic rolled-arm power sofa. You can take your comfort to the next level with the powered motion control that allows you to manipulate the headrest and footrests to your liking. If a crisp white sofa isn't your thing, though, order it in any of Pottery Barn's fabrics in the expansive library. We're into the navy performance slub weave, which is not only easy to clean but hardly shows any stains or spills, courtesy of the dark hue.
Maximize your space with a 78-inch power sofa, and with a push of a button you can sit back and kick up your feet. Then quite literally take it to the next level by popping up the headrest for extra neck and head support. We love this sofa because, at first glance, it looks like a regular couch, but it's definitely an investment piece worth every penny.
The average couch lasts between seven and 15 years, but things can change during your sofa’s lifespan. You move apartments. You have a family. You downsize. Fortunately, Joybird’s Camden Modular Sofa can roll with the punches. Tilt back this two-seater's foot and headrests with a simple click of a button for easy lounging. The sofa is equipped with interlocking mortise and tenon joints as well as sinuous wire suspension for a sturdy seat.
However, in true modular sofa fashion, you can add a few extra seats as life changes.
Reclining sofas might seem like a hi-tech purchase, but a good option doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune. Case in point: Latitude Run’s upholstered sofa, which is available for under $1,000. In the furniture world, that’s a rarity.
Affordability might be its main draw, but don’t write it off as “cheap.” Between the cloud-like cushions and chenille upholstery, this compact couch offers a cozy, trend-conscious touch. The power recliner can lean as far as 150 degrees back, while a USB port provides a convenient spot to charge your devices.
If there is one sofa that can save a small space, it's West Elm's Enzo, which you can order with two regular arms or two storage arms. Personally, we're going for the latter. The sofa comes with white glove delivery, which is great for those who don't want to deal with moving around heavy furniture. It also comes with USB ports for charging your devices while you lounge.
Arhaus's entire Corburn collection comes complete with a motion activator, so whether you opt for the two-piece sofa (pictured) or the five-piece corner sectional, you're in for some serious comfort. The over-stuffed cushions are fitted with soft and durable performance fabric that can withstand pretty much any spills you have in store. It also comes in four cool-toned earthy shades.
If you have a large family or are always hosting, you might need a reclining couch that can hold a crowd. Enter West Elm’s Malena L-Shaped Sectional, a consistent best-seller amongst House Beautiful readers. Though this pick is large enough to accommodate up to five guests, a discreet side button will stealthily stretch out two seats. In other words, this couch lets some guests sit upright and others lounge.
Size is a major draw, but it’s also built to last. The eucalyptus wood frame is outfitted with cushions that have polyurethane foam cores and high-grade sinuous springs to keep sagging to a minimum.
This is no ordinary sofa. From the funky shape to the reclining ergonomic backrest, there's a lot to love. Plus, it may look super cozy, which it is, but the plush pillows and elegant upholstery are attached to a solid wood frame that can support up to 660 pounds.
What to Look for When Buying Reclining Sofas
Features: Comfort is the main appeal of a reclining sofa, so plush cushions are a key feature for sinking in and reclining. To take the cozy up a notch, Goerzen says to look for an adjustable back and footrest so the sofa feels as custom to you as possible. As far as style, she notes that brands have come a long way in the style evolution of these pieces. “We’d opt for a more modern, streamlined silhouette as opposed to the more traditional tufted reclining sofa look—think old school La-Z-Boy,” Goerzen says.
Reclining Mechanism: Reclining sofas come with two kinds of recliner: a manual one or a powered one. Manual recliners often require you pull a lever or push on the backrest of the sofa to engage the recline. These are often less expensive, but if the person sitting in the sofa has any mobility issues, it can be more difficult to use. Power recliners are extra convenient and will use a push button or a wireless remote to recline. However, they typically need to be plugged in, so where you place your reclining sofa is extra important because the cord has to be near an outlet.
Materials: The frame and upholstery of the sofa will be great indicators of its comfort and durability. “A kiln-dried wood frame is top-notch quality and will stand the test of time,” Goerzen says. “I’d steer towards a softer fabric than a leather for a modern appeal—consider a classic weave or chenille, probably not linen, since this material can stretch.”
Care: As reclining sofas are likely to be placed in high-traffic areas like family rooms, keeping them safe from spilled drinks and snacks is an important step. “A performance fabric will always make for an easier clean and offer peace of mind, especially if you have kids, pets, or host friends a lot,” Goerzen says. “If the fabric tends to pill overtime, invest in a fabric shaver, and as always, flip the cushions down the line if you can.”
How Should You Measure for a Reclining Sofa?
The best place to put a reclining sofa, Goerzen says, is a basement or a family room, but really any room you tend to lounge in the most is a good fit. So, primary living rooms are on the table as well. No matter where you decide to place it, giving ample space around the piece itself is crucial.
“Generally speaking, you want about 18 inches between sofa and coffee table, and should maintain about three feet of space in major walkways,” Goerzen says. “You’ll want to float the sofa off the wall a few inches to ensure room to recline back. Be mindful of the coffee table itself, and where it’s located relative to the reclining seats—you don't want to have to move the coffee table every time you want to lounge. I typically recommend a round or oval coffee table with a reclining sofa as the curved edges allow for more space to recline.”
How Long Should a Reclining Sofa Last?
Similar to a sofa, you should expect to have a reclining sofa for at least seven to 10 years. Now, it's important to learn how long the warranty is on the power motor of your reclining sofa because they are often only covered for the first few years. Once the warranty expires, you'll have to pay out of pocket to replace it. You should also expect a leather reclining sofa to last longer than a fabric sofa due to the extra durability of cowhide.
Why Trust House Beautiful?
House Beautiful is dedicated to finding the best pieces for your home, no matter your budget or design preference. We love to combine our own expertise with thorough research and consultation with the design experts we trust. We are experts in reviewing and buying big pieces of furniture, from mattresses to sectionals. While we haven't tested every product on this list ourselves, we've thoroughly laid out the pros and cons to each reclining sofa in order to provide you with all the necessary details before you make a purchase.
For this story on reclining sectionals, House Beautiful Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie and Contributing Writer Kelsey Mulvey spent 10+ hours researching the best ones on the market, including parsing through customer reviews. For extra expertise, we consulted the Director of Design and Content at Havenly, Heather Goerzen. With a background in brand strategy alongside an insatiable passion for design and creativity, she seamlessly transitioned from advertising into the world of interior design. Combining her strategic storytelling with an impeccable eye for style, she helms Havenly’s design vision, crafts compelling narratives, and directs lifestyle photoshoots for a suite of home brands.
Heather Goerzen is the Director of Design and Content at Havenly. With a background in brand strategy alongside an insatiable passion for design and creativity, she seamlessly transitioned from advertising into the world of interior design. Combining her strategic storytelling with an impeccable eye for style, she helms Havenly’s design vision, crafts compelling narratives, and directs lifestyle photoshoots for a suite of home brands. When she's not designing, you'll catch her basking in the beauty of Colorado's great outdoors.
This Is the Most Stylish, Modern Reclining Sofa
9 Reclining Sectionals for Family Movie Nights
7 Ways to Upgrade Your Living Room for $100
Design Details We Should Borrow From the Irish
