How Do I Choose a Good Recliner Sofa?

With so many styles available, how do you choose a good recliner sofa? Ultimate comfort, great features, and stylish design - are just some of the features you can expect from a recliner. It’s no wonder these sofas have been a constant in homes for decades. Whilst old models had basic functions, modern styles come with an impressive spec list.

If you are considering adding these comfortable seats to your home, reading this guide is the perfect way to prepare for your shopping.

1. Size

Recliners are sizable pieces of furniture, so before you make a purchase, you will need to find out how much room you have available in your living room.

We recommend using tape to make an outline of the area you'll be dedicating to your sofa. This way it's easy to see how it affects the overall balance and flow of the room.

Remember that you will need extra room behind and in front of the seat to accommodate the back and foot extensions when reclined.

As a guide, a standard small recliner measures about a metre in width. This will comfortably sit most people and it will also fit nicely in a compact space.

2. Style

When deciding on a recliner, you should think carefully about the design that will go well with your existing decor. A chunky leather sofa will look out of place in a chic room, whilst a glamorous type wouldn’t work in a casual setting.

If you are not keen on the standard recliner look, you can shop high-end stores for ones that look like armchairs. These designer sofas come in contemporary styles that will fit a modern aesthetic.

Also, think about colour. You can either choose neutrals as in this Square Sofa by Naustro Nexus Collection, match your seat to the current palette, or choose one in a contrasting colour for visual interest.

Whatever your preference, there is a recliner for every taste, style, and budget.

3. Material - leather or fabric

When it comes to sofa material, both leather and fabric offer pros and cons. What’s important is to evaluate the different upholstery options against your lifestyle, budget, and maintenance capability.

Fabric recliners are popular because they are cosy and comfortable. The most popular choices are velvet, cotton and chenille, which are made to breathe well and feel soft against the skin. When selecting a fabric, always opt for high-performance treated versions.

On the other hand, the timeless sophistication that comes from leather instantly makes any furniture item look expensive. Plus, leather recliners such as the Portland Sofa from the Naustro Nexus Collection are extremely durable and will last for twice as long as fabric sofas.

If the fabric of your chair isn’t comfortable, you’ll have a hard time relaxing in it. So, make sure you give enough attention to the upholstery that your chair is made up of.

4. Features

The higher the price tag on a recliner, the greater the chances of it coming with some fancy features. Some of our favourites include:

• Cup holder - your chair will come with a built-in cupholder for you to rest your beverages as you unwind after a long day.
• Tray Table - perfect for your laptop, the tray will make it easier to work, read or browse the internet while reclined in any position.
• Phone or Tablet Holder - when your hands get tired of holding up your phone. The phone/tablet holder will relieve your arms of this task, allowing you to comfortably view your screen from various angles.
• LED Flex Light - forget getting up to turn the lights on, some recliners come equipped with a built-in light source that makes private reading a joy.
• Wireless Battery - motorised recliners will need to be plugged in and the connecting cables can look messy or become a tripping hazard. Thankfully, you can find designs with a wireless battery pack.

5. Price

Recliners aren’t just any chair, they are sofas made to deliver the ultimate comfort and support. A lot of technology and ergonomics go into their design. As such, it would be wrong for you to expect them to cost the same as a regular armchair or one-seater.

You can spend anything from £250 to over £5000 for luxurious styles. With such a wide price range, it is best to set a budget beforehand and stick to it.

Things that will affect the cost include the upholstery used, the durability of the structure, and the features it comes equipped with.

Make a list of the specs that are important to you then set a number that seems fair for what you want. High-quality models will start at about £800 going up.

In Conclusion

The first step to shopping for your reclining sofa is to know why you want one in the first place. If it’s for health reasons, prioritise those features as you browse for options. Perhaps you are looking for a statement piece or just need a super comfy seat. When you have a clear goal in mind, the rest is easy.

We invite you to browse our selection of premium reclining sofas that are available in different upholstery and sizes.

For any assistance you may require with your decision, our experts are only a chat or call away. Alternatively, visit our showroom where you can test out different styles for yourself.