Recliner shopping used to be fairly straightforward, but now the options are endless. What type of material? Oversized or sleek? Power? Glider? Swivel? There are many options to consider.

All have the end result of relaxation and putting your feet up, but which recliner is right for your space?

The Right Price

Expect to pay around $275 to $350 for a basic recliner and up to almost $1200 for one with all the bells and whistles. However, there are many amazing options in between those price points.

Know Your Space

Choosing the right recliner is a matter of understanding your space. Do you have a large enough living room to accommodate two oversized recliners? Is the rest of your furniture sleek or pillowy? Is your living room contemporary or traditional? The answers to these questions all have a bearing on which recliner option is best for you.

There are multiple size options available when you’re choosing a recliner. The majority of people are looking for a single-person recliner, but sofa and love seat recliners are available. Some love the look of a smaller, sleek model, while others want the feel of an oversized recliner with pillow-like cushions. It’s a good idea to test a few out in the store before committing to a size.

Keep in mind that the standard recliner needs approximately six inches of space from chair back to wall to fully recline. Even if you purchase a smaller recliner, plan on giving it a bit of space.

Upholstery

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a recliner is whether to go with leather, microfiber, or fabric. It will likely have much to do with what type of furniture is already found in your living room. A casual contemporary oversized recliner might look a little out of place in a more traditional or formal living room. Match the style of the recliner to the style of furniture currently in the living space.

If you are starting from scratch, you’ll have to consider your lifestyle. The most popular choice is leather. Leather is durable, easy to clean, but also a bit pricey. It’s also easy to scratch, so if you have pets, you may want to take special care. Microfiber is also very popular. It can mimic the look of leather or suede, is easy to care for, and is less expensive than real leather. It’s a great choice for homes with pets and children. Fabric is also another option. It cleans up well and offers endless pattern and color options.

Other Options

Traditional:
The traditional recliner is a two-position chair, either sitting straight up or reclined. The person sitting is required to pull a lever or press a button to create the motion.

Rocking:
A rocking recliner combines the rocking motions of a rocking chair with the functionality of recliner. It also comes in glider and swivel options.

Push Back:
A push-back chair reclines without a switch or button. The person simply uses their own weight to push the back of the seat into a reclining position.

The Extras:
Many recliners are available with extras including built-in cup holders, power lift, storage, and much more.

Understanding your space and other design elements in your home will help you make the right decision. You want your recliner to blend naturally with the rest of your furniture pieces.