The Best Recliners To Upgrade Your Sunday Afternoon Naps

Type: Lay flat | Material: Leather | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies

Pros: 

• Built-in USB port
• Sturdy
• Hidden power controls

Cons:

• Limited upholstery shades
• Expensive

Recliners might have a reputation for not being the most attractive chair, but West Elm’s Harris Leather Recliner changes that. Though it boasts recliner capabilities, it gives off the look and feel of a high-end chair. For example, it’s swathed in top-grain leather and surrounded by a durable pine frame. What’s more, this chair has spring seat support and a semi-attached cushion, so you can get around the edges to clean up wayward crumbs. The chair also kicks back to a range of angles with the help of a power button (in other words, no heavy leaning is necessary on your part). There’s even a USB port tucked inside the right arm for easy phone and tablet charging. Finally, the legs are removable, just in case you prefer less height.

What the editors say: This is “a beautiful recliner that’s sure to work with whatever decor it’s placed in,” says managing editor Emmy Favilla, who tested this piece for the Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards. Along with the quality of the leather and its firm-yet-plush back, she especially appreciated “that you can easily adjust the recliner portion up and down with one of two automatic buttons for the perfect position.”

Type: Wall hugger | Material: Faux leather | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies

Latitude Run’s recliner has so many additional features, it’s hard to believe you can snag it for under $150. The recliner has an adjustable backrest and footrest so you can kick back as needed, and the entire design is covered in faux leather—a cinch to wipe down. There’s really no need to stress about stains here. But the coolest thing about this chair is its massaging capabilities. Simply select your go-to intensity on the included remote, sit back, relax and enjoy. There’s even a timer in case you can’t be bothered to switch off the vibrations manually.

Pros: 

• Inexpensive
• Built-in massager
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Only two upholstery shades
• Footrest is too short for taller users

Type: Wall hugger | Material: Polyester | Mechanism: Push-back | Adjustability: One recline position

Pros: 

• Inexpensive
• Small in size

Cons:

• May be too small for larger users
• Only one recline option

Most recliners take up a good amount of space, which can be problematic if you don’t have ample square footage in a room. This model, on the other hand, is just 27.5 inches wide, so it doesn’t have as massive of a footprint as some of its larger counterparts. It also features an easy push-back recline function and thick cushions. Meanwhile, the chair’s modern legs in an espresso finish add to its upscale feel. The Persaud is both chic and compact, making it ideal in spaces that have limited square footage.

Type: Lay flat | Material: Performance fabric | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies

Pros: 

• Comfortable
• Power features
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Pricey
• This style may not resonate with everyone

La-Z-Boy practically made recliners a household item, and the brand’s Pinnacle rocker is packed with great features that make it worthy of your favorite relaxation spaces. This chair has an unimposing style that fits into nearly any decor, along with a plush and cushy feel that creates a cocoon-like cushioning around you. A control panel raises and reclines your feet and, when you’re upright, you can rock in this seat. There are also different reclining options for your head and feet.

Type: Wall hugger | Material: Leather | Mechanism: Push-back | Adjustability: One recline position

Pros: 

• Huge range of upholstery options
• Customizable
• Classic look

Cons:

• Expensive
• May take up to 12 weeks for delivery

Want the look of a classic club chair but with all the perks of a recliner? Here it is: The Irving Recliner looks equally at home in an antiques-filled library or tucked into the corner of a modern living room. Its rolled arms and leather upholstery are classic design attributes, yet this model still feels cosmopolitan and contemporary. Choose from a huge range of colors and three sizes, and prepare for a seat cushion with a firmer feel. To recline, simply push yourself back—it’s that easy.

What the editors say: “The leather feels high-quality and the recliner is truly beautiful,” says Favilla, who tested the piece. “I could see it working just as well in a living room or bedroom as it would in an office.”

Type: Push-back | Material: Performance, velvet, leather | Mechanism: Power | Adjustability: Varies

Pros: 

• Eye-catching design
• Large upholstery selection
• 100-day trial

Cons:

• Expensive
• Delivery may take three weeks or more

Recliners typically feature a standard look and feel that’s somewhat sturdy and square. But the BenchMade Modern Lilly Recliner Chair looks like a work of art thanks to its winged back and chic metal base. This chair has a hidden recliner feature—just lean back to activate the retractable footrest. Enjoy your choice of more than 120 performance fabric or leather upholstery options and choose from three leg finishes in polished nickel, burnished bronze or brass for a truly personalized recliner. BenchMade Modern offers a 30-minute consultation with one of its design experts if you’re having trouble choosing the right selection, as well as a 100-day trial.

Type: Lay flat | Material: Varies | Mechanism: Manual | Adjustability: Varies

Pros: 

• Large fabric selection
• Modern look
• Swivel feature

Cons:

• No leather option
• Needs ample space for full reclining

The Ayden Recliner has a 360-degree swivel feature, which means you’re able to scope out everything happening in the room without getting up and actually walking around. It also features a classic style, with a minimalist seat and plush exterior that goes with practically any décor scheme. Select from a range of upholstery options, including several performance fabrics that can help to guard against future spills.

Type: Lay flat | Material: Polyester | Mechanism: Push-back | Adjustability: One recline position

Pros: 

• Inexpensive
• Comfortable gliding motion
• Hidden leg rest

Cons:

• Limited upholstery options
• Can be noisy when it moves to recline

Gliders are great for everyone, but they can be particularly useful if you have little ones at home. The Piper Recliner, pictured here, is a modern-style glider that gently moves forward and back to help babies (and adults) relax. A hidden leg rest pops up when you lean back, allowing you to put up your feet or lay your entire body down for dozing. The whole thing is covered in durable polyester fabric to protect against stains.