Shopping for a recliner online is kind of like playing interior detective: You’re not sure what you’re going to get (or which chairs are too good to be true). What’s more, when it comes to comfort, you have no idea how it’ll feel—which is a major bummer if you splurge on a piece that’s non-refundable. So, thanks to copious amounts of research, plus advice on how to choose a recliner from a chiropractor, I’ve broken down the 10 most comfortable recliners (that look just as good as they feel).
The 10 Most Comfortable Recliners of 2024 (That Still Look Chic)
Who said recliners can't be luxe?
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Published Jun 4, 2024
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The Most Comfortable Recliners at a Glance
1
Best Recliner Overall
West Elm Jodie Wing Recliner
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2
Best Recliner Under $100
Yaheetech Recliner Chair
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3
Best Leather Recliner
AllModern Laflamme Recliner
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4
Best Recliner With Ottoman
eChamp Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
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5
Best Power Recliner
Arhaus Rowland Recliner
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How I Chose The Most Comfortable Recliners
After researching the top-reviewed recliner chairs on the web, I made my selections based on the following criteria: a) It has a manual, push-back or electric reclining feature, b) it offers substantial head and neck support and c) there are plush upholstery options (from velvet and leather to lightweight linen).
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With a low-to-the-ground profile and a luxurious winged back design, this chair is engineered to be equal parts cushy and ultra-chic. What makes it special is the fact that it takes an oversized 33-inch width and combines it with a hidden steel push-back mechanism for smooth reclining. (You won’t find a comparable option for under $1,000—I’ve done the leg work.) It’s rated a three out of five on West Elm’s firmness scale, putting it solidly in the “medium” feel range. While the seat is supported by high-gauge sinuous springs and a webbed back, the cushions are filled with fiber-wrapped, high-resiliency polyurethane foam cores (so it’s bouncy and supportive without feeling stiff). It’s also built to last with solid oak legs—and you have 45 custom fabrics to choose from, including tweeds, velvets, linens and performance fabrics.
While there are no website customer reviews on West Elm’s website, Tasha Agruso, interior design blogger and expert DIYer, says the Spencer recliner is “incredibly comfortable” (which uses the same fiber-wrapped foam as the chair above). “It’s the most coveted seat in our house and it is holding up perfectly [after eight years]. The back is high enough that it fully supports our heads—I'm 5-foot-9 and my husband is 6-foot-1—and the leather is buttery soft (we chose the Nut Saddle finish). It's serious comfort that is difficult to describe.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 33"W x 34.5"D x 36" H
- Reclining Motion: hidden steel pushback
Aside from this chair’s $65 dollar price tag, I’m most blown away by the ultra-soft finish of its poly bouclé fabric (which almost skews toward a sherpa feel). It was designed with comfort and mobility in mind, where you simply lean back to activate the footrest and its three adjustable reclining positions. Plus, the cushions are constructed with multiple padding materials, including thick foam, fiberfill, sinuous springs and pocket springs—and its sturdy wood and metal frame can support up to 265 pounds at a time.
“Comfort is the standout feature of this recliner,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “The cushioning is plush and supportive, making it a cozy spot to relax after a long day. Whether I'm watching TV, reading a book, or taking a quick nap, this recliner always delivers a cushy experience.” They also add, “One aspect I particularly appreciate is how easy it is to clean this recliner. Accidents happen, especially if you have kids or pets, but with this recliner, stains and spills are no cause for panic. The fabric is resistant to stains and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. It's a time-saver and keeps the recliner looking fresh and inviting.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 33.5" D x 26.5" W x 39.5" H
- Reclining Motion: manual push-back (you push your back into it to adjust it)
While I came for this chair’s slender build and sleek tapered legs, I stayed for the stunning leather upholstery (plus, a price point that’s hard to beat). Plus, it features a manual push-back reclining mechanism with three positions—and a coil spring seat with foam-filled cushions makes it feel thick and supportive. But the best part, hands down, is the myriad leather upholstery options. You can choose from top-grain aniline-dyed leathers—which age beautifully and get softer over time—or faux leathers, which are specially coated to mimic the supple hand of top-grain (at a fraction of the price). It also includes Sea Oat and Ashen Gray performance fabrics that are easy to clean and resist moisture and stains (aka perfect for homes with kids or pets).
Take it from one AllModern shopper’s glowing review: “I needed a recliner for tall guys and thick girls. My husband is 6-foot-3 and thin and he fits very comfortably in this chair. I'm 5-foot-3 and plus-sized, and I also find it super comfortable! I was worried about it being wide enough for me, but it's wonderful. My hips don't get crushed by the armrests and I even have a little wiggle room. It's also firm enough that I don't sink into it, but not too hard. For reference, I wear a US women's size 24-26, and I'm pretty bottom heavy (I usually feel uncomfortable in basic patio chairs or any standard chair with an armrest).”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 42.5'' H X 30'' W X 34'' D
- RecliningMotion: manual push-back (you push your back into it to adjust it)
I’d be remiss if I didn’t plug a (fabulous) replica of the famous Eames chair. It’s been a staple of midcentury modern interiors for decades, where the timeless leather and curvaceous plywood shell can instantly elevate a space. This replica in particular is also beyond snuggly, with up to 105 degrees of reclining flexibility and PU-injected sponge cushions with plush armrests. Plus, it includes a platter of customization options, like getting to choose between classic black or off-white fabrics andwalnut or rosewood shells. There’s even an ‘extra tall’ option that provides five more inches of height.
The best part about that last option is that it includes an ottoman—just like the original Eames: “The ergonomic design provides excellent support for long hours of sitting and the ottoman adds an extra touch of comfort,” one Walmart reviewer writes. Plus, another happy customer says, “The authentic leather feels high-priced, and the sponge cushioning makes it extraordinarily cozy. I especially love the backward tilt and swivel functions, which make it a great reading spot.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 32.6” H x 33” W x 37.5” D (ottoman: 17” H x 21.5” W x 25.8” D)
- Reclining Motion: tilt-back (stays upright when it’s not in use)
TBH, this recliner is *so beyond,* I don’t even know where to begin. The design is jam-packed with comfort, including a two-button power motion control that offers up to 12 inches of adjustable recline. It also features everything from extra-padded, down-feather-filled seat cushions to a supportive backrest made from foam and poly-fibers—and its oversized, 43-inch width is constructed from solid, reinforced hardwood for lasting strength and stability. And as if that weren’t enough, the recliner takes “durable” to an entirely new level with a Crypton performance fabric that repels spills and stains like magic (if you don’t believe me, watch this video).
“[My husband] spotted the Rowland Recliner and jokingly sat down on it, then remarked how comfortable it was. I wasn’t convinced but sat on it myself anyway. Wow. As someone with a broken tailbone, I couldn’t believe it didn’t give me any extra pain. In fact, it was more like a warm hug! I was sold and we added it to our living room design immediately. Stylish recliners can be difficult to come by, even more so ones that are this enjoyable,” writes Hoàng-Kim, blogger behind ColorAndChic.com, who tested this armless version of the Rowland (which is filled with all of the same materials).
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 43" W x 41" D x 35" H
- Reclining Motion: electric push button
With countless rave reviews on social media, it makes sense why influencers are obsessing over this recliner. Mainly, because it’s fit with supremely plush cushions, a high back and ergonomic arm height and a round base that doubles as a glider and 360-degree swivel chair. Aside from its comfort factor, however, the recliner is also ultra-customizable. We’re talking everything from choice of a non-motorized/electric recline or a metal/wooden base to 15 high-end fabric selections (which include bouclé, linen, velvet, chenille and so much more). Not to mention that it’s also available in performance fabric options that are stain- and spill-resistant: “The liquid will pool on the top, giving you time to hurry and soak up the spill before it soaks into the fibers,” the brand writes.
In fact, influencer Kate Watters loved the chair so much, that she DM’d the brand gushing: “I didn’t think I wanted a glider and took a poll on my [Instagram] story…never [have I] had so much engagement on a post, [everyone] was telling me they lived in this recliner. I didn’t think I would find something aesthetically pleasing and was so pleasantly surprised to find [this recliner was just as beautiful as it is comfortable]. I love your styles and fabric offerings. I could choose a fabric for every room if I needed more gliders.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 30” W x 36” D x 39” H
- Reclining Motion: electric and manual options available
With thick, Dracon foam cushions and a 10-gauge sinuous coil spring system, this is the most supportive recliner on this list. Beyond its pillowy design—which features detachable back cushions for easy cleaning—the chair features a power-motion recline which is activated by the press of a button and a ratchet headrest that can be adjusted to your comfort level. Plus, it comes in two colorways (grey and denim blue), and the poly-microfiber fabric is soft-to-the-touch, stain-resistant and easy to spot clean with water- or solvent-based solutions.
Many reviewers say it’s the perfect level of firm yet supportive: “I can’t stand a mushy couch! I sat on just about every style in the showroom and this one is the firmest, most supportive and comfortable. Love the blue [denim colorway], too.” Another person also mentions: “If firm isn’t what you’re looking for keep moving. I love the support it gives and the ease of getting [up from the chair].”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 45" L x 42" W x 32.5" H
- Reclining Motion: electric push button
Sophisticated, soft and ultra-customizable—this recliner is the crème de la crème of comfort meets style. First and foremost: You can tailor the chair to match your existing decor with multiple performance fabric options, including velvet, linen and wool, with six colorways (which span from elegant neutrals to statement jewel tones). You can also choose between three styles for the included lumbar pillow and two finishes for the metal base (brass or stainless steel). To that end, what makes this guy totally unique is that it’s a recliner and a swivel chair. The seat rests upon a smooth, 360-degree swivel base and features a hidden handle that activates the pop-up footrest (which you can simply kick down with your feet to return the chair to an upright position). And then, to top it all off, it has flexible, polyurethane cushions—which also happen to be eco-friendly—an ergonomic arm height and an ultra-high back for a supportive yet cushy feel.
Take it from new mother Linsy, who’s using the chair in her nursery: “This recliner is hands down my most cherished piece of furniture and most used. Not only does it look gorgeous in our space (unlike typical recliners), but it's designed in a supportive manner for breastfeeding. I love that I can easily recline without waking my daughter post-feed and relax comfortably for hours on end. It should also be noted how durable the fabric is—we've already had a few spills that wiped off SO easily, I couldn't believe it!” On that note, did I mention the covers are removable and machine-washable?
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 29” W x 33” D x 39” H
- RecliningMotion: manual lever pull
Part loveseat, part recliner, this is the absolute best oversized option on the market. The design features two seats in one, where the 79.5-inch width includes two separate footrests and headrests that are activated by buttons on each armrest (which also have USB ports). The back unfolds to support the head, while the rail elevates to raise the feet—and you can customize the angle according to your preferences. The cushions are also constructed with comfort in mind where the high-resilience is foam wrapped in fiber-encased ticking for extra protection.
The top-grain, semi-aniline leather upholstery is a huge plus with reviewers, where one person writes: “The leather is wonderfully soft and comfortable. The power adjustment makes it customizable and comfortable for people of any height. My adult children and their families recently visited, and everyone raved it is the most comfortable sofa they have ever sat on.” Plus, another person says, “This couch looks much more modern than most of the reclining couches on the market. The leather is soft and supple…it comfortably fits three people across [when it’s upright] and normally, when reclining, we fit a 35-pound dog, a 10-pound dog and two people very comfortably. I also like that when this couch reclines, the back ’doesn't inch further back so you can put a console table behind it.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 79.5" W x 44" D x 29.5" H
- Reclining Motion: electric push button
Finally, a recliner with a side-to-side width of 22 inches and seat depth of 20.5 inches (making it fabulous for tiny apartments). This also guy pushes back to 140 degrees—without levers or buttons required—and features a super soft, genuine leather upholstery (available in 13 colors). The thick, foam-filled cushions also make it one of the most comfortable, and ergonomic, options on this list. Plus, it includes a hidden footrest that pops out when you lean back into the seat, and the cushy padded headrest offers neck and lumbar support at every angle.
One Wayfair reviewer says, “Not only is it attractive but it is also really comfortable; easy to recline and return to the upright position. That is of no small concern to me, an elderly lady in my late 70s with sciatica. I feel safely supported and comfortably seated in every position.” As for the design, another person notes: “The number one reason I am so in love with this chair is the color. It goes with greys, blues and greens. It is like having three colors in one to choose from.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 42’’ H x 28.75’’ W x 37’’ D
- RecliningMotion: manual push-back
Meet The Expert
Dr. Christopher Notley is a Chiropractor and Athletic Therapist with a practice based in in Winnipeg, Canada. He graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2008, and since graduating, he has been trained in Active Release Technique. He’s also certified to perform acupuncture while teaching hardstyle kettlebell exercises—and he holds additional certifications as an Athletic Therapist and Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
How to Choose a Recliner, According to a Chiropractor
According to Dr. Christopher Notley, chiropractor and athletic therapist, “When it comes to purchasing a chair, comfort and adjustability is most important.” As a result, he’s fleshed out four important questions to ask—especially if you have a bad back—before choosing a recliner:
- Does the seat pan fit you comfortably? According to Dr. Notley, the seat pan (aka the flat surface area of the chair), “should not press up against the back of your knee (the popliteal fossa), because it will lead to too rigid of a sitting posture.” Instead, it should be contoured “to allow for even distribution of pressure…too deep of a contour will lead to restriction of leg movements.”
- Can the angle of the backrest be adjusted? “To reduce the amount of muscle activity of the erector spinal muscles (the muscles of the spine that travel all the way up the spine to the neck and head) and pressure on the intervertebral discs, [you want] a chair that can be angled backward slightly,” he says. To that end, the doc recommends you look for a recliner that can reach the ideal angle of 95 to 105 degrees from horizontal.
- Is there any lumbar support? Per the pro: “When a person slumps forward or backward into their seat, this results in more strain/pressure on the intervertebral discs. Having a chair that provides lumbar support, even when the backrest is angled, will further help reduce strain on the spine and limit forward and backward slumping.”
- Are there armrests and can they be adjusted? Ideally, the armrests should be able to move “up and down and in and out,” he says. “The armrests should be adjusted to support the arms so the muscles of the shoulder (trapezius, levator scapulae and rhomboids) can be relaxed.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a decent recliner cost?
Naturally, the price is going to boil down to the brand, materials, features and overall quality of your recliner. But as a general rule of thumb, you can use the following table to determine what’s worth it:
- Budget Recliners: $200 - $400. These are typically basic models with standard upholstery (fabric or faux leather). They also have limited features and manual reclining mechanisms.
- Mid-Range Recliners: $400 - $800. This range is the sweet spot, where you get a better build with improved upholstery quality (genuine leather or performance fabric). It also means more features, like power reclining, adjustable headrests or built-in USB ports.
- High-End Recliners: $800 - $1,500+. About as luxury as you can go, this range uses premium materials and top-notch craftsmanship. It also includes advanced features, like massage functions, heating, and memory foam cushions.
Are all recliners bad for your back?
The short answer is no. The longer answer, however, is that it's crucial to choose the right one. According to Dr. Notley, you want to consider the seat pan—it shouldn't press against the back of your knee, but it should be contoured to distribute pressure evenly. The backrest should also be adjustable to reduce spine muscle activity and disc pressure, ideally angling between 95 to 105 degrees. Lumbar support is essential to prevent slumping and strain on the intervertebral discs. And finally, adjustable armrests are important to support your arms and relax your shoulder muscles.
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