The Best Recliners
Homall Single Sofa Recliner
Watching TV is no fun when you’re sitting in an uncomfortable seat the entire time––that’s why we love this reclining chair from Homall. Perfect for your home theater or living room, this reclining chair has a PU leather exterior and is cushioned with thick, high density sponge. The material is comfortable and easy to clean, while the sponge cushion is firm and supportive. Plus, it has wide-curved armrests for extra support and comfort.
The Homall single sofa recliner has a low profile and can fit into a smaller space. Additionally, as the reclining option does not require a lever to operate, the chairs can be placed side-by-side making them ideal for a home theater room where space can be tight.
Another feature we really liked about the Homall Leather Recliner was the padded footrest––not only is it padded with thick foam for maximum comfort, but it can be adjusted to extend at different angles. To recline in this chair, all you have to do is push back and the footrest will come out. Once the footrest is out, you can it adjust it according to your liking!
Pros
- Ideal for small spaces
- Easy to recline — no levers or buttons
- Affordable option can fit most budgets
Cons
- Taller individuals may hang off the end of the chair
- No cup holder
Key Features
- PU leather and high density sponge
- Adjustable and padded footrest
- Curved armrests
- Push to recline fuctionality
Specifications
- Brand: Homall
- Max Capacity: 265 pounds
- Weight (of chair): 61 pounds
- Width: 27.6 inches (seat 19.7 inches)
- Max Height (when closed): 38.6 inches
- Max Depth (when opened): 64.2 inches
FDW Wingback Recliner Chair
Another great option for a tight space in your home, the FDW sofa recliner operates by simply pushing back on the seat to lift the footrest, and then a bit more to place the chair in the fully-reclined sleeping mode.
We love this recliner for its easy, no-tools-required assembly––just connect the chair to the base and screw on the legs and your ready to kick back, relax, and turn on your favorite show or get lost in your new book. Both the frame and legs are made with solid hardwood for ultimate durability and stability.
A potential drawback with having a low-profile chair like one is that the seat width is smaller than a traditional recliner and the footrest may not extend as far for someone who is above average height. Still, this is a great chair for children, teens, and average-height adults.
Though cleaning may not be as simple as wiping it down as you would on a leather or faux leather chair, the heather-patterned fabric will hide normal wear and tear just fine so you can snack without fear of ruining your recliner.
Pros
- Great for small spaces
- Easy to recline and adjust into the perfect position
- No tools required for assembly — simply screw on the legs
Cons
- Fabric not as easy to clean as leather or PU leather
Key Features
- Comfortable canvas fabric
- Solid hardwood base and legs
- Push-back recliner
- Ergonomic design
- Available in multiple colors
Specifications
- Brand: FDW
- Max Capacity: 275 pounds
- Weight (of chair): 62.3 pounds
- Width: 27 inches
- Max Height (when closed): 39.8 inches
- Depth (when closed): 34 inches
JUMMICO Single Recliner Sofa
If you want to get the most bang for your buck, look no further than the JUMMICO Fabric Recliner Chair. Available in grey and light blue, this recliner is made with breathable, linen fabric. Even though it may not be as regal looking as the PU leather chairs, we really like how durable the fabric feels that can stand up to the wear and tear of life.
Structure-wise, this is a solid chair. The steel framework provides great stability and support for the thick seat and back cushions. We also love the chair’s rubber feet––they’re strong enough to support the 265lb weight capacity while also preventing damage to hardwood floors.
The JUMMICO recliner’s low profile will allow it to fit well in tighter spaces such as a loft, apartment, or home theater. The recliner functions without a lever, simply requiring the user to lean back in the chair for it to recline to either a partial-seated position or fully to the napping position.
Overall, we think this chair is a great option for anyone who wants a nice recliner to kick back and watch their favorite movies without burning a hole in their pocket.
Pros
- Quality materials and construction
- Comfortable cushion and easy reclining
- Low profile for tight and large spaces alike
Cons
- Few color options
Key Features
- Breathable linen fabric and thick padding
- Steel frame
- Rubber feet to protect floor
- Curved armrests
Specifications
- Brand: JUMMICO
- Max Capacity: 265 pounds
- Weight (of chair): 59.5 pounds
- Seat Width: 19.8 inches
- Max Height (when closed): 38.6 inches
- Max Depth (when opened): 62.6 inches
Esright Massage Recliner Chair
The Esright massage recliner takes comfort to the next level. Let’s start off with the basics here––the chair can swivel 360 degrees and manually reclines to 140 degrees. It can rock back and forth for those who need a little motion while relaxing. Plus, the soft and durable faux leather fabric and thick, spongy cushions and armrests keep you supported during prolonged sitting sessions.
The Esright chair can hold up to 300 pounds and has a seat width of nearly 23 inches. Plus, the footrest release is a manual handle located between the seat and the armrest so there is no need to reach over the side to open the chair.
However, the biggest reason why we love this chair so much is because of its massage features. With the five function massager with optional heat, you can pop on a movie and unwind after a long day. Personally, that sounds like heaven to me. Plus, you don’t even have to worry about where you put your snacks––the built-in cupholders and extra storage bags are perfect for holding your favorite beverage, remote, and whatever else you would like to keep near by!
Pros
- Easy to clean and assemble
- Five massage functions
- Versatile with recline, rock, and swivel options
Cons
- Heat cannot be used separate from massage function
- Cup holders won’t hold larger drinks such as a coffee mug
Key Features
- Massage and heat function with remote
- Two cupholders and storage pockets
- Internal pull-handle to recline
- 360° swivel design
- Faux leather and extra thick padding
Specifications
- Brand: Esright
- Max Capacity: 300 pounds
- Shipping weight: 110 pounds
- Width: 33.5 inches (seat 22.8 inches)
- Max Height (when closed): 43.2 inches
- Max Depth (when opened): 65 inches
Recliner Buying Guide
Choosing a recliner is an important decision as you will likely spend a significant amount of time sitting in it over the years. You would be ill-advised to make a rushed decision that you later realize does not meet your needs and then be stuck with a pricey oversized paper weight. Make sure to determine the size and material that will work best in your space, and if there are any specific options you simply must have. Take your time and make the right choice the first time to avoid a lengthy process that could involve numerous returns.
Size
It is important to get the size right for your next recliner purchase to ensure you remain content with the chair for many years to come. Two important measurements to consider are the seat width and the clearance needed to fully recline the chair. Make sure to verify the seat width will provide adequate room for you and others that will use it regularly; a seat that is too tight will not offer the rest and relaxation that is so important with a recliner.
Additionally, make sure the chair you buy will recline well in the space you have allotted for it to avoid tearing up the chair, the wall, or other furniture when it is reclined. If space is an issue, look for a low profile model that will use the space you have more efficiently.
Material
Recliners come in many materials, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Leather and faux leather are both much easier to wipe down and keep clean, but leather can be pricey and is more impacted by changes in temperatures. If you are a person who gets warm easily, leather products may be less comfortable as you may find yourself sticking to the chair. Cloth can be much less expensive and more comfortable, but is also much harder to keep clean. If you have kids in your house, a cloth material may be a dangerous option as kids are magnets for stains. Polyester blends also exist that fall in between these other options.
Recline Options
Reclining mechanisms come in a few varieties. The simplest is the push-to-recline option where you simply lean back in the chair to cause the footrest to raise and for the seat back to recline, however since these are entirely dependent on gravity and weight, some find these to not stay in position well. Powered recliners come with either a remote or button that uses electric power to slowly recline to the desired position. A common mechanism is a lever release option that itself comes in one of a few varieties including a long lever, push button, or a simple finger-release handle. These can either be located on the side of the chair or located as a release located between the chair and the armrest.
If you looking to furnish a home theater, you will likely want to avoid exterior handles as they will not allow you to place the chairs directly next to each other which is important when space is limited. The best chairs for home theaters are push-to-recline chairs and those with the release located between the seat and armrest. Alternatively, if you will be using the chair in a nursery, it is often helpful to have a lever to assist you with bringing the seat back up to an upright position without jostling a sleeping child.
