How do you assemble a reclining sofa?

You might be surprised to know that many reclining sofas need to be assembled at home. Generally speaking, this is for ease of shipping. While you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions, you can typically expect to have to attach the back and legs to the base.

When should you opt for an electric reclining sofa over a manual one?

On the practical side, you’ll want to consider the room in which you'll be placing your sofa. “If it is electric, you will need to be able to hook it up,” says Decorist designer Linzie Merchant. You’ll also want to consider the mobility level and strength of the people using the sofa—electric recliners require far less effort to operate than manual ones. As for style, “[An electric recliner] typically has a cleaner finish because you don't have the lever being a visual eyesore,” says Merchant. “Usually, the electronic controls are more hidden.”

Where’s the best place to put a reclining sofa?

Because of their reclining features, reclining sofas need to be more strategically placed than static sofas. “Some need to be plugged in, and some cannot fully recline if placed against a wall,” says Decorist designer Elizabeth Herrera. You'll want to keep your room dimensions and layout in mind when shopping.

What are the pros and cons of a recliner sofa?

There are many pros to a recliner sofa. A recliner sofa is ergonomically designed to provide back support and elevate your legs (if it includes an extendable footrest). Recliner sofas also come with high seat backs that provide more comfort than a regular sofa. Some electric models also include additional features like massage and heat and outlets to charge your devices. Keep in mind that this type of sofa also takes up more space than a traditional sofa, and if you’re considering an electric model, it will need to be placed near an outlet. Recliner sofas are more costly than traditional sofas, and there are not as many style options. Finally, because of the additional features, recliner sofas include more mechanical items that can fail down the road.

How long do reclining sofas last?

Like traditional sofas, reclining sofas typically last for 7 to 15 years. Reclining sofas with dense cushions and those with inner springs will last the longest. The most durable material for a reclining sofa is leather, like the Fremont & Park Caanan Double Reclining Sofa .

How do you know what size recliner sofa to buy?

Measure the length, width, and height of your space as you would for a traditional sofa, but also consider the amount of additional space required for the sofa to fully recline, including the back and footrest. If you’re considering an electric recliner sofa, you’ll also want to check the location of your nearest outlet, and the length of the plug that comes with the sofa.

The 7 Best Reclining Sofas of 2023

The 7 Best Reclining Sofas of 2022 — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

The only thing better than a super comfortable sofa is a super comfortable sofa that also reclines. Reclining sofas provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to sit usually or kick up your feet, thanks to extendable footrests. Most of these sofas even offer multiple reclining seats, meaning your family members won’t have to fight over who gets the “good” spot.

As you shop for a reclining sofa, you’ll want to consider the number of reclining seats, whether the seats are manual or electric—and, of course, whether it will match your existing decor.

“Styling a recliner with different textiles in unique textures and patterns is a good way to add a designer touch,” says Decorist designer Elizabeth Herrera. “I have seen some more contemporary styles that aren't as heavy-looking. I once had to do a double-take to make sure it was a recliner!"

Keeping this in mind, we scoured the web in search of the best options. Our top pick, the Steelside Whitney Upholstered Sofa, has a streamlined design that's available in over 50 different upholstery options.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Wayfair Custom Upholstery Logan 88" Square Arm Reclining Sofa at Wayfair

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Best for Small Spaces:

Lark Manor Leigh Rolled Arm Loveseat at Wayfair

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Best Leather:

Fremont & Park Canaan Power Double Reclining Sofa at Overstock

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Best Fabric:

Pottery Barn Ultra Lounge Roll Arm Upholstered Reclining Sofa at Pottery Barn

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Best Sectional:

Ashley Furniture Clonmel Reclining Sectional at Ashleyfurniture.com

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Best Modern:

Crate & Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Sofa at Crate & Barrel

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Best Loveseat:

Wayfair Custom Upholstery Georgia Reclining Loveseat at Wayfair

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce

Wayfair Custom Upholstery Logan 88" Square Arm Reclining Sof

View On Wayfair

What we like

Over 50 upholstery options
Can order free fabric samples
Integrated USB port

What we don't like

Assembled sofas can't be returned

Get the custom sofa of your dreams at an equally dreamy price. The Wayfair Custom Upholstery Logan Reclining Sofa can be personalized with more than 50 different upholstery fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and even Sunbrella options. It features an elegant silhouette with button-tufted back cushions and modern square arms.

This reclining sofa is 88 inches long, and its seats are 22 inches deep. It has comfortable foam seat cushions, and when you want to kick up your feet, the two end seats have power reclining features. There’s even an integrated USB port that lets you charge your phone right from the couch—how’s that for convenience?

Price at time of publish: $2,413

_{Size: 88 x 38 x 32 inches | Fabric: Cotton; microfiber; polyester; blend | Controls: Electric | Return Policy: Assembled sofas are not returnable, otherwise it's a 30-day window; 1-year warranty}

4.8

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Lark Manor Leigh Rolled Arm Loveseat Review

What We Like

More than 50 fabric options
Integrated USB ports

What We Don't Like

Back doesn't recline
Expensive

While a loveseat is always a good idea if you have a small space, Wayfair’s Leigh Reclining Loveseat has an added space-saving bonus: It’s a wall-hugger. Whereas most recliners need extra clearance between their back and the wall, a wall-hugger needs far less space, like a static couch. In this case, that’s because the back of this recliner doesn’t actually recline. That might be a con for some, but the loveseat does have electric-powered footrests, which is half the importance of a recliner!

Our product tester rated this recliner 4.8 out of 5 stars, praising it for its medium-firm feel, extra features like USB ports, and space-saving size. We also liked its classy design that can work in both traditional and contemporary homes, not to mention the more than 50 options for upholstery.

Price at time of publish: $2,725

_{Size: 67 x 41 x 33 inches | Fabric: Cotton, microfiber, polyester blend | Controls: Electric | Return Policy: Assembled sofas are not returnable, otherwise it's a 30-day window; 1-year warranty}

Wayfair Custom Upholstery Doug Reclining Loveseat — The Spruce / Stacey L. Nash

What Testers Say

"The pillows and cushions of the Leigh Loveseat have a medium-firm feel, but they have a plushness that’s comfortable even after sitting for a couple of hours. We used this loveseat to lounge while reading, taking a nap, and even working from home."—Stacey L. Nash, Product Tester

Overstock

View On Overstock

What We Like

Modern design
Free shipping

What We Don't Like

Only available in two colors
No USB ports

Leather is often more durable and easier to clean than traditional upholstery, and if you’re hoping to buy a leather reclining sofa, the Canaan Double Reclining Sofa is one of our favorites. With a hint of midcentury flair, this sofa has a modern look that’s not all too common with recliners. It's upholstered in black or beige leather, and it sits on chrome-finished legs. But despite its sleek appearance, this is a pretty plush couch, with overstuffed cushions and armrests.

At 87 inches long, this sofa can technically seat three, but there are just two recliners here without a third seat in the middle. On the plus side, that makes the seats extra wide! In order to get into full reclining mode, all you have to do is press a button—the electric controls allow you to pick the perfect position of the back and footrest.

Price at time of publish: $2,148

_{Size: 87 x 38.5 x 38.5 inches | Fabric: Leather | Controls: Electric | Return Policy: 30 days}

The 10 Best Leather Sofas of 2023

Pottery Barn Ultra Lounge Roll Arm Upholstered

View On Pottery Barn

What we like

18 fabric options
Can order free fabric swatches
Headrest, footrest, and armrests are adjustable

What we don't like

Not returnable
Expensive

If you prefer an upholstered option, the Ultra Lounge Reclining Sofa is an incredibly comfortable, stylish, and versatile option. It’s oversized, measuring 109.5 inches wide, with classic rolled arms and a trendy low back. You can have it made to order in various attractive fabrics, including velvets, tweeds, and traditional weaves, all made from durable polyester or poly blends.

The three-piece sofa has powered recliners on both ends, and you’re able to independently position the headrest, footrest, and armrests to suit your lounging style. Additionally, the sofa seats pull forward as they recline, ensuring the back of the sofa doesn’t hit the wall. The couch has a corner block, kiln-dried solid wood frame that provides exceptional durability, as well as no-sag sinuous spring seats and a firm yet comfortable feel.

Price at time of publish: $5,147 for performance heathered basketweave, Oatmeal

_{Size: 109.5 x 43 x 31 | Fabric: Polyester; polyester blends | Controls: Electric | Return Policy: Made-to-order items are not returnable}

Ashley Furniture Clonmel Reclining Sectional

View On Ashleyfurniture.com View On Colemanfurniture.com

What we like

Can be customized
Relatively affordable
Extra-wide seats

What we don't like

Only available in two colors

The Clonmel Reclining Sectional provides the generous lounge space you want, coupled with a convenient reclining seat. You can choose between a three- or four-piece sectional, or even build a custom design to suit your space, mixing and matching the various components. The sectional comes in a charcoal microfiber upholstery, and it has extra-wide seats for curling up.

The standard three-piece design is 127 inches wide, and it has a power reclining seat on one end and a press-back chaise on the other. You can choose whether you want the sectional to be right- or left-hand facing, and you’re sure to love the generously padded arms and back cushions, which make it unbelievably comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $2,200

_{Size: 127 x 70 x 40 inches | Fabric: Polyester | Controls: Electric | Return Policy: Dependent on retailer}

The 11 Best Sectional Sofas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Crate & Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Sofa

View On Crate & Barrel

What we like

Modern boucle fabric
Versatile mid-size
Adjustable back and footrest

What we don't like

Only available in one color
Strict return policy

The Leisure Recliner Sofa would look great in a modern space, thanks to its clean lines, slim arms, and shelter-style back. Plus, it’s covered in a textured beige fabric that will make it pop in any space. The sofa is 84 inches long with an 18-inch seat depth, and it features two power recliners that take its comfort to the next level.

You can control the back and footrest of each seat independently, giving you more options for lounging. Still, they’re plenty comfortable before you ever recline—the seats feature high-resiliency polyfoam wrapped in fiber with sinuous wire suspension for durability.

Price at time of publish: $3,200

_{Size: 84 x 46 x 28.5 inches | Fabric: Boucle | Controls: Electric | Return Policy: 7 days}

Wayfair Custom Upholstery Georgia 61" Flared Arm Reclining

View On Wayfair

What we like

Over 50 upholstery choices
Free fabric swatches
Integrated USB ports

What we don't like

Can't be returned once it's assembled
Expensive compared to other loveseats

For a smaller space, the Donley Reclining Loveseat is the perfect size. The two-seat sofa is 61 inches wide, with more than 50 upholstery fabrics to choose from. Whether you want something neutral, bold, or patterned, you’re sure to find an option that works in your home.

This loveseat has modern flared arms and a clean-lined silhouette, and each seat has a reclining footrest that pops out with ease. It has sinuous spring supports in its cushions to ensure they don’t sag, and the sofa is even outfitted with a USB charging port so you can power up your electronics as you relax at the end of the day.

Price at time of publish: $2,007

_{Size: 61 x 40 x 29 inches | Fabric: Cotton; microfiber; polyester; blend | Controls: Manual | Return Policy: Assembled sofas are not returnable, otherwise it's a 30-day window; 1-year warranty}

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Steelside Whitney Upholstered Sofa, which has a classic design that will fit well in any home, and an affordable pricepoint to match. If you’re hoping to save space, consider the Lark Manor Leigh Reclining Loveseat, which has two power footrests, as well as a built-in USB port.

Size

It's important to consider the size of a sofa and how it will fit into your home, but with reclining models, you'll also need to take their headrests and footrests into account. Many recliners kick back when engaged, so you'll want to double-check that there's ample clearance in front of and behind your sofa—this might mean moving coffee tables or pulling the furniture away from the wall. If this isn't an option, look for "hugger" sofas that recline mainly at the foot, not at the sofa's back.

Controls

There are two common types of controls for recliners: manual and electric. Manual models (like our best overall pick, Raymour & Flannigan's Stanton Chenille Wallaway Reclining Sofa) typically feature a handle that you pull to release the reclining mechanism, while power recliners (like Wayfair’s Leigh Reclining Loveseat) has a have control buttons, often located on the inside of the arm. Power recliners often give you more control over the position of your chair, but keep in mind that they also need to be plugged into an outlet, which may restrict where you can put them within your home.

Extra Features

Today’s couches often come with additional features, such as built-in USB charging ports for electronics, hidden storage in armrests, and even pop-up headrests. As you shop for a reclining sofa, consider whether any of these features would fit your lifestyle—they often cost extra, but for some people, the convenience may be worth it.

FAQ

How do you assemble a reclining sofa?

You might be surprised to know that many reclining sofas need to be assembled at home. Generally speaking, this is for ease of shipping. While you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions, you can typically expect to have to attach the back and legs to the base.
When should you opt for an electric reclining sofa over a manual one?

On the practical side, you’ll want to consider the room in which you'll be placing your sofa. “If it is electric, you will need to be able to hook it up,” says Decorist designer Linzie Merchant. You’ll also want to consider the mobility level and strength of the people using the sofa—electric recliners require far less effort to operate than manual ones. As for style, “[An electric recliner] typically has a cleaner finish because you don't have the lever being a visual eyesore,” says Merchant. “Usually, the electronic controls are more hidden.”
Where’s the best place to put a reclining sofa?

Because of their reclining features, reclining sofas need to be more strategically placed than static sofas. “Some need to be plugged in, and some cannot fully recline if placed against a wall,” says Decorist designer Elizabeth Herrera. You'll want to keep your room dimensions and layout in mind when shopping.
What are the pros and cons of a recliner sofa?

There are many pros to a recliner sofa. A recliner sofa is ergonomically designed to provide back support and elevate your legs (if it includes an extendable footrest). Recliner sofas also come with high seat backs that provide more comfort than a regular sofa. Some electric models also include additional features like massage and heat and outlets to charge your devices. Keep in mind that this type of sofa also takes up more space than a traditional sofa, and if you’re considering an electric model, it will need to be placed near an outlet. Recliner sofas are more costly than traditional sofas, and there are not as many style options. Finally, because of the additional features, recliner sofas include more mechanical items that can fail down the road.
How long do reclining sofas last?

Like traditional sofas, reclining sofas typically last for 7 to 15 years. Reclining sofas with dense cushions and those with inner springs will last the longest. The most durable material for a reclining sofa is leather, like the Fremont & Park Caanan Double Reclining Sofa.
How do you know what size recliner sofa to buy?

Measure the length, width, and height of your space as you would for a traditional sofa, but also consider the amount of additional space required for the sofa to fully recline, including the back and footrest. If you’re considering an electric recliner sofa, you’ll also want to check the location of your nearest outlet, and the length of the plug that comes with the sofa.

This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who has written for The Spruce since 2017. With a background in interior design, she’s an expert on all things home and has ample experience testing sofas and other large pieces of furniture.

For this piece, she sought out different types of recliners, both traditional and modern, manual and electric, and leather and fabric. For additional insight, she consulted with Elizabeth Herrera and Linzie Merchant, two designers from the online interior design service Decorist, along with feedback from The Spruce's own product testers.

The 7 Best Reclining Loveseats of 2023