Reclining Sofas Can Be Comfy and Look Nice—Here Are 12 to Buy

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The coziest couches are the ones whose backs slope, which naturally lets your body relax. Here, we’re taking it a step further: We’re on the hunt for the best reclining sofas. Having one is like having a bed in the living room—it's the best of both worlds. These two words may paint an image in your mind of bachelor pads, college dorms, or your grandparents' basements, since that's where recliners tend to live, but the styles we found are much better-looking than the clunky ones of yesteryear. (We promise.)

It’s our personal belief that the reclining systems—the unsightly levers, bulky shapes, and cheap glossy materials—have gotten a bad rap. Now, however, the best recliners are just as, if not more, chic than their more-traditional counterparts. Furniture brands like West Elm and Homebody have been reinventing the look of the reclining sofa. When paired with a plush cushion fill such as down feathers, it's a whole new level of comfort.

For extra guidance on our search, we tapped the lead interior designer at Havenly, Heather Goerzen, who offered a few expert tips on how to make the most of the pieces. "Reclining sofas offer optimal comfort first and foremost—if you’re looking for a lounge-worthy sofa where you can watch movies, nap, and relax with the family, a reclining sofa is worth considering," Goerzen says. So if you’re in the market to make your living area a bit cozier, you can’t go wrong with one.

Ahead, you’ll find a few of our favorite picks from our go-to outposts. You can have a made-to-order reclining sofa that was crafted just to your fabric and color preferences. Or, if you're looking for more of an overnight makeover, there are some surprisingly sleek Amazon and Wayfair furniture picks for your convenience. You’ll definitely find something that suits your style, plus everything you need to know about choosing the right sofa for your individual space, below.

Rodeo Reclining Sofa

At just 91 inches wide, this apartment-friendly reclining sofa is proof that you don't have to have a sprawling open floor plan to enjoy one. A kiln-dried hardwood frame ensures you can enjoy this piece for years to come, and it reclines at the touch of a button. It even has wide track armrests for extra comfort.

Reclining Sofa with Cup Holders

We love an affordable seating find, so when we happened upon this stylish sofa, we knew we had to add it to the list. Available in three sizes and two colors, this cozy couch includes a middle seat that conveniently folds down to make a drinks and snacks tray, so it's perfect for movie night.

Niehaus Wall-Hugger Reclining Loveseat

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 only 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.

Shell 2-Seat Sectional with Recliner

This is one of the best reclining sofas for pet owners on the market. If that sounds like a recipe for a mess, rest assured that the Homebody's beige, suede-like upholstery is scratch resistant and stain resistant. The threads are woven closer together, making pet hair much less likely to stick. It's also extra customizable, with the option to add a second recliner and up to five extra modular pieces.

Lucca Power Motion Sofa

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 soft bouclé-style 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!

RUBIK X Modular Recliner Sofa

The super-cushy fabric and feather-filled cushions on this modular recliner make it an extra cozy sofa to sink into. It comes in four vibrant colors from rust brown to moss green, that pair beautifully with the corduroy upholstery. The brand even offers sofa covers, so if one color doesn't call to you after a while, you can make an easy switch and keep the comfort.

Gonsalez Square Arm Reclining Loveseat

Technically, this is a loveseat, but it's spacious enough to comfortably sit two adults. (Loveseats are often a tight squeeze, hence the name). This reclining sofa comes in a variety of hues and materials, so you're bound to find something that suits your space. Our personal favorite? The caramel-colored leather pictured here. No matter which shade you opt for, the Gonsalez will recline with the easy-to-use push button.

Ultra Lounge Reclining Sofa

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.

Axel Motion Reclining Sofa

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.

Enzo Reclining Sofa

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.

Coburn Two-Piece Motion Sofa

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.

Modern Sofa with Adjustable Backrest

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 spent 10+ hours researching the best ones on the market, including parsing through customer reviews. McKenzie has also researched dozens of sectionals for House Beautiful, including reclining and sleeper options.

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.

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