Best Recliner Chairs - Top Picks from Interior Designers

Written by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Andrei Lee, Senior Interior Designer at FCI London
Edited by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

TLDR: Our interior design experts reveal the finest recliner chairs of 2025, from the versatile Moonrise XL by Fama to specialised therapeutic models. Each recommendation combines exceptional comfort with enduring style, offering everything from zero-wall space-saving designs to premium electric mechanisms. Whether you're seeking the perfect reading chair or therapeutic support, these carefully vetted options deliver the sophisticated comfort your home deserves.

Table of Contents

• Best Recliners of 2025 According to Interior Designers
• Choosing the Perfect Recliner and Ensuring Longevity
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

There's something rather telling about a person's choice of recliner chair. Walk into any thoughtfully designed London home, and you'll invariably find that the most cherished piece isn't the statement dining table or the gallery-worthy art collection, but rather that perfectly positioned chair where the owner retreats each evening. It's where business deals are contemplated over morning coffee, where novels are devoured on Sunday afternoons, and where genuine restoration happens.

According to Benjamin Ibanez, general manager at FCI London, "The best recliner is one that you never get tired of, no matter how long you've been sitting in it. It's built to last, and you won't have to worry about reupholstering or fixing it even after decades of use. It's also one that looks beautiful in your room, so it perfectly balances out both comfort and aesthetics."

Precisely. A truly exceptional piece transcends mere furniture to become your personal sanctuary. After four decades of curating the world's finest recliner sofas, we've discovered that the most discerning clients don't simply want somewhere to sit, they want somewhere to truly inhabit. What follows are the great recliner selections that have earned their place in London's most distinguished homes, where comfort and sophistication exist in perfect harmony. From single-seat indulgence to multi-seater designs, these selections represent some of the best recliners that merge style, comfort, and longevity.

Best Recliners of 2025 According to Interior Designers

We've previously shared comprehensive tips on how to choose a good recliner; this time, we've consulted our entire design team to reveal their favourite tried-and-tested recliners. The quest for the best recliner chair needn't be overwhelming - our experts have done the legwork for you, evaluating everything from comfort and durability to style and functionality. Here's their curated selection of quality recliner chairs that truly stand out:

1 - Moonrise XL Recliner by Fama - Best overall

This exceptional piece garnered the highest acclaim from our interior designers and consistently receives glowing reviews from our clients. The Moonrise XL ranks as one of our bestselling recliners, and for good reason - it represents the pinnacle of what a best recliner chair should be, offering extraordinary comfort with generous proportions for complete relaxation.

Drawing inspiration from the moon's graceful contours, this recliner is spacious enough to accommodate two people simultaneously, effectively functioning as a loveseat suitable for both living rooms and bedrooms. Its versatility makes it an outstanding addition to virtually any interior scheme.

What further distinguishes this modern recliner is its effortless operation - it comes equipped with a remote control and two independently adjustable headrests, embodying the perfect marriage of convenience and comfort that defines a truly superior recliner chair.

Key Takeaway: This generously proportioned recliner offers the rare ability to accommodate two people comfortably whilst maintaining sleek contemporary lines. With independently adjustable headrests and intuitive remote control operation, it delivers the effortless luxury that discerning clients consistently seek.

2 - Square Reclining Sofa by Naustro Nexus Collection - The most comfortable recliner for the living room

Many of our discerning clients prefer recliner sofa sets over individual chairs, as they offer a splendid combination of comfort and space efficiency. The Square reclining sofa emerged as our team's unanimous recommendation when asked to identify the most comfortable recliner for contemporary living spaces.

"The design of this recliner sofa perfectly complements modern interiors, offering the kind of exceptional comfort that invites hours of relaxation, whether you're binge-watching Netflix or entertaining friends and family. I'm particularly fond of the distinctive detailing on the armrests, which lends this piece a uniquely contemporary aesthetic," notes Cristina Chirila, interior designer at FCI London. For those seeking the most comfortable recliner chair experience within a sofa format, this piece delivers superbly.

Key Takeaway: This contemporary reclining sofa transforms your living space into a haven of relaxation without compromising on modern design sensibilities. The distinctive armrest detailing and exceptional comfort make it ideal for both entertaining and those gloriously indulgent Netflix marathons.

3 - Cloud Recliner by Cierre - Best high-end recliner with a swivel base

This exquisite Italian creation represents the pinnacle of luxury among ultra-modern recliners. Engineered to transport you to unprecedented realms of relaxation, the Cloud Recliner features an exceptionally comfortable backrest, electric footrest, swivel base, and fully electric mechanism that genuinely creates the sensation of floating amongst clouds. For those seeking the best electric recliner chair with sophisticated design credentials, this piece stands as a paragon of Italian craftsmanship and innovation.

Key Takeaway: Italian craftsmanship reaches its zenith in this electric recliner, where every element works in harmony to create an almost weightless relaxation experience. The swivel base and sophisticated mechanism represent the pinnacle of what modern engineering can achieve in pursuit of ultimate comfort.

4 - Thomson Recliner by Sitting Benz - Best recliner for back pain

If you're plagued by back discomfort, particularly resulting from poor posture, the Thomson represents the ideal recliner chair solution. Its ingeniously designed footrest and backrest operate independently and offer complete adjustability. When the footrest extends, the chair automatically reconfigures into an optimally comfortable position. Additionally, it incorporates a smart lift system - an invaluable feature for elderly users. Among the best recliners for therapeutic support, the Thomson excels by combining ergonomic excellence with sophisticated design.

Key Takeaway: For those requiring therapeutic support, the Thomson's independently adjustable components and integrated lift system provide genuine relief alongside elegant design. This is functional furniture at its finest, proving that pieces addressing specific needs needn't sacrifice aesthetic sophistication.

5 - Adan Recliner by Fama - Best zero-wall recliner for sleeping

The Adan made history as the market's first zero-wall recliner, and its mechanisms have only been refined over time. The zero-wall design allows you to position this quality recliner chair directly against a wall without requiring additional clearance for reclining - a brilliant space-saving solution for compact living areas. Its extended footrest enhances comfort, while the slender arms maximise the available relaxation space, making it one of the most thoughtfully designed modern recliners available today. Design enthusiasts will appreciate how these ultra modern recliners seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with minimalist elegance, making them a focal point in any living space.

Key Takeaway: The pioneering zero-wall mechanism makes this recliner brilliant for compact spaces, eliminating the need for clearance behind the chair. Its slender arms and extended footrest maximise relaxation space whilst maintaining the clean lines that contemporary interiors demand.

6 - Cave Recliner by Valore Collezione - Best recliner for reading and watching television

The Cave recliner features two independent electric motors, allowing for customised adjustment of both seat and back. If you appreciate the comfort of a warm embrace, this best recliner chair deserves your attention. "What truly sets this recliner apart is its double frame structure - effectively eliminating any concerns about spring sagging over time.

Unlike typical electric recliners, this model doesn't require a permanent power connection, offering complete flexibility in placement. It operates via rechargeable, long-life lithium batteries, and the backrest can also be adjusted manually," explains Ben. "In essence, this is an exceptionally comfortable, practical, and functional recliner - ideal for television viewing or simply lounging in your living space." Among Luxury Sofas and recliners, the Cave stands as a testament to thoughtful engineering.

Key Takeaway: The double frame structure and rechargeable battery operation offer unprecedented flexibility in placement without compromising structural integrity. Independent electric motors allow you to customise your position perfectly, whether you're absorbed in a novel or settling in for an evening's viewing.

7 - Toscana by Fama - Best lifting recliner for older individuals

Many seniors encounter difficulties transitioning from seated to standing positions - precisely where power lift recliners prove invaluable. Whether you're navigating mobility challenges, balance issues, or back pain, a thoughtfully designed supportive recliner can make a world of difference. The Toscana represents the pinnacle of accessible comfort among quality recliner chairs, combining supportive design with elegant aesthetics.

Key Takeaway: This thoughtfully engineered lift recliner addresses mobility challenges with dignity and grace, proving that accessible design can be genuinely beautiful. It represents the ideal marriage of supportive functionality and refined aesthetics for those requiring additional assistance.

Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect Recliner and Ensuring Longevity

Choosing the ideal recliner requires thoughtful consideration of your space, intended use, and mechanism preference, measure carefully to ensure adequate recline clearance, then decide whether manual reliability or electric convenience better suits your lifestyle. Premium leather offers timeless elegance with proper conditioning every 6-12 months, whilst performance fabrics provide practical stain resistance for busier households.

Protect your investment through regular maintenance: vacuum fabric upholstery gently, inspect electric mechanisms periodically, and position your recliner away from direct sunlight. With attentive care, quality recliners reward their owners with decades of beautiful, comfortable service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a recliner worth its premium price point?
Premium recliners combine exceptional materials, innovative mechanisms, and decades-long durability. The finest pieces offer features like independent motor controls, memory foam padding, and hand-selected leather upholstery that genuinely improve with age rather than deteriorating.

How do I determine the right size recliner for my space?
Measure your room carefully, allowing at least 36 inches behind the chair for full recline operation (unless choosing a zero-wall model). Consider the chair's width in relation to your doorways and existing furniture arrangement - the perfect recliner should enhance your space rather than overwhelm it.

Should I choose manual or electric reclining mechanisms?
Manual recliners offer reliability and independence from power sources, making them ideal for versatile placement. Electric models provide effortless operation and often include memory positions, making them particularly beneficial for those with mobility considerations or who frequently adjust their seating position.

What upholstery options offer the best longevity for heavy use?
Top-grain leather develops a beautiful patina over time and resists wear exceptionally well with proper care. For families with children or pets, performance fabrics offer remarkable stain resistance while maintaining luxury aesthetics - both options can provide decades of beautiful service when properly maintained.

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