The 10 Best Recliners of 2022

When it comes to recliners, you might picture those overstuffed La-Z-Boys that somehow seemed to be in every living room during the ‘90s and early aughts. And while you can still find overstuffed recliners out there, there are just as many (if not more) sleek, modern designs that are equal parts comfy and stylish.

Truly, there are some great recliners out there, most of which don’t really look like recliners until they’re unfurled into a gloriously comfortable chair to kick back in. While most of these picks are manual, which means you just lean back to open them up, power recliners are also worth considering as long as you have an extra outlet nearby.

Here, the best recliners.

View On West Elm

West Elm’s Lewis Recliner looks like a modern club chair but leans back to reveal a footrest, creating a comfy spot to relax or snooze. It has a surprisingly slim frame for a recliner, but it's sure to be just as comfortable as the overstuffed ones you may have grown up with.

Also, somewhat mind-blowingly, there are over 50 different upholstery options to choose from, including soft linens and luxe velvets. Since this recliner is made-to-order, expect to wait a few months for it to arrive—but also expect to fall in love with it as soon as it does.

Laflamme Faux Leather Manual Standard Recliner

All Modern

View On Wayfair View On Allmodern.com

If you want the look of a vintage style without the vintage price point, consider this faux leather beauty by AllModern. The slim profile is ideal for small spaces and will add tons of style to any room. It also gets big points for comfort—the spring tension is adjustable so you can decide just how firm you want the seat to be, and the back and footrest smoothly glide from upright to laid back. With three upholstery finishes to choose from, you can match this chair to just about any style.

Design Within Reach Milo Baughman Recliner

View On Design Within Reach

Milo Baughman designed this modern recliner over half a century ago, and it’s still just as stylish today as when it was first released in 1966. Baughman is remembered as one of the originators of the California modern movement, and the fact that this piece still looks contemporary so many years later is a testament to his forward-thinking approach to design. It has a solid walnut frame and a streamlined silhouette that goes from upright to feet-up to full recline as you lean back. Elegant but casual, this is an easy recliner to live with.

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

As much as we love all the sleek and modern recliners out there, a good old-fashioned (yet tailored) recliner that resembles a cushy, classic club chair is sometimes the best option. The Irving Roll Arm Leather Recliner would look great fireside in a cozy den, styled with a wool throw pillow and a buffalo plaid blanket.

This recliner is relatively compact and great for smaller spaces. It’s also available in nearly 40 different leather upholstery options, so you have plenty of options to choose one that fits your space best. If you happen to live in a log cabin or a rustic ski chalet in the woods (or just love that vibe), this option will feel right at home.

View On West Elm

West Elm’s Rhys Mid-Century Recliner is another ultra-customizable option you should consider if you’re looking for a specific color or fabric type. It’s available in twill, velvet, tweed, linen, and other fabric types in a wide range of colors—plus, there are also many performance fabrics to choose from, so this is one of the best recliners for anyone with pets or kids.

West Elm offers free online design services and free swatches, so if the upholstery options for this pick seem overwhelming, they can help you find the perfect fit.

Joss & Main Ardi High Leg Reclining Chair

View On Wayfair

For a versatile option with a classic mid-century feel, consider the Ardi High Leg Recliner from Joss & Main. It has a deep seat, plush cushions, and a footrest that sits tucked away until you lean back to extend it, so you're sure to have comfort in any position.

The cushions are supported by no-sag springs with a heavy foam overlay for comfort and durability, and the poly upholstery is easy to spot-clean. This is also a manual recliner that doesn’t “lock” into positions, but rather glides up and down as you lean back or forth, so you can switch up positions with ease.

View On Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel’s Torino Recliner is great pick if you’re going for a more formal look in your living room. It has a vintage-inspired design with crisp tailoring and square arms, but kicks back just as comfortably as any other recliner on our list.

There are three ready-to-ship colors to choose from, or you can customize it with one of Crate & Barrel’s many fabric options. The frame is made from kiln-dried hardwood for durability, and the legs are customizable, too, with colors ranging from light toffee to dark smoke.

View On Arhaus.com

The eye-catching Rowland Leather Motion Recliner from Arhaus is a chair you can really sink into. Its plush cushions are padded with dense foam and feathers, and supported by flexible webbing and springs to provide just the right amount of give.

This is a motorized recliner (so, yes, you’ll need an electrical outlet nearby) with a two-button control that lets you adjust the backrest and footrest separately, smoothly, and easily. Given the quality of this recliner, it’s surprisingly affordable, and a pair of these would be downright dreamy if you’re lucky enough to have a home theater.

Courtesy of Nurture&

View On Nurtureand.com

Whether you're a new parent or just want a seriously comfortable recliner, don't miss The Glider+ by Nurture&. This recliner features top-notch support and spacious seating that makes for the ultimate to sit back and relax. Designed with the needs of parents and babies in mind, it features adjustable head support as well as spacious seating and supportive arms, so you can get in an ideal position. Plus, it even has a spill-proof fabric, so you don't have to worry about bottles or other beverages.

Though the chair is designed for little ones and their nurseries, it makes for a great addition to a home office, too. The chair features a built-in USB charger and easily swivels, so it's the perfect place to put your feet up and take a lunch break between meetings.

Design Within Reach Vala Swivel Recliner

View On Design Within Reach

Swivel recliners are great for living spaces where you might want to easily pivot from facing the sofa to facing the TV or any other focal point. The Vala Swivel Recliner from Design Within Reach is one of our favorite options, mostly because it’s practical and versatile but also because it feels almost like a cocoon.

Designer Hylnur Atlason wanted to create “a special place for wellness, rest, meditation, and mindfulness", and we can definitely see ourselves taking the time for a little relaxation session in this chair. The best feature might be that the swivel base gently returns to its original position once you get up, so it’s always ready to welcome you back.

Final Verdit

Overall, we recommend West Elm's Lewis Recliner (view at West Elm), because it comes with a wide assortment of upholstery options and has a classic style that can complement many décor styles. For a budget-friendly option, consider AllModern's Teasley Recliner (view at AllModern), which has a compact style and an adjustable spring tension, so you can decide how firm you want the chair to be.

What to Look For in a Recliner

Material

Recliners are available in all different fabrics, so be sure to consider your lifestyle and how much you plan to use them when choosing one. If you have pets, small children, or just want to preserve the chair, consider leather or performance fabrics—they're more likely to be scratch- and stain-resistant and will stay in better shape over time. If you intend to use them more sparingly, or even just as decorative, suede and velvet are great options.

Style

Recliners are offered in all different design styles, from mid-century to traditional, so you're sure to find one that fits your home with ease. However, it's also important to consider other elements when it comes to style as well. For example, motorized styles will need an outlet to plug into, so if the chair won't be situated near one be sure to eliminate those options from your search. Other styles will allow you to flatten the chair completely, so you'll need to put it in an area of your home that can accommodate it.

Price

Recliners are pricier than typical chairs, but if you're working with a budget you can still find a stylish option for your space. For affordable options, be sure to consider larger retailers—they'll have a wider selection and allow you to filter by price. If the sky is the limit, consider more specialty retailers that offer vintage finds or custom options for unique pieces.