Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
Best Overall Reclining Sofa
Z Gallerie Frankie Reclining Sofa
Best Overall Reclining Sofa
Z Gallerie Frankie Reclining Sofa
Pros
- Clean, minimal look
- Nice big seats
- Great price
Cons
- No other upholstery options
A “Best Overall” category on a sofa seems a bit funny, given how subjective interior design can be. But for the combo of looks, price, and comfort, nothing is really going to beat this option from Z Gallerie.
It looks good—simple and contemporary, able to fit any aesthetic. At juuuust under $2,000 it’s not exorbitantly priced. And the two wide recliners are some of the most comfortable we’ve felt. Everything you could need.
| Dimensions | 41.34″H x 140.95″W x 43.31″D |
|---|---|
| Type | Power |
| Fabric | Polyester |
| Seating | 3 |
Best Reclining Sectional
Z Gallerie Frankie Reclining Sectional
Best Reclining Sectional
Z Gallerie Frankie Reclining Sectional
Pros
- Same minimal look
- A ton of seating
Cons
- Needs a really large space
If you’ve got a particularly massive living area, that same sofa comes as a massive five-piece sectional with three power recliners. If you want a sectional, but don’t have enough space for the five-piece showstopper, a more standard four-piece sectional is also available.
| Dimensions | 41.34″H x 142.52″W x 142.52″D |
|---|---|
| Type | Power |
| Fabric | Polyester |
| Seating | 5 |
Best Looking Reclining Sofa
Crate & Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Sofa
Best Looking Reclining Sofa
Crate & Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Sofa
Pros
- Great look
- Large, comfy seats
- Back and footrest recline independently
Cons
- With only two seats, a bit small
For pure looks, we really like this option from Crate & Barrel. The armrests are straight and slim for some visual interest, but the actual seating area is pretty round and organic. Pair that with a neutral upholstery in a tactile bouclé fabric, and you’ve got a great looking sectional.
Another plus on the practicality of this sectional: The back and footrest recline independently, with separate controls. You can really find an exact seating position that works for you.
| Dimensions | 28.5″H x 84″W x 46″D |
|---|---|
| Type | Power |
| Fabric | Bouclé |
| Seating | 2 |
Best Mid-Century Inspired Reclining Sofa
Orren Ellis Wania Power Reclining Sofa
Best Mid-Century Inspired Reclining Sofa
Orren Ellis Wania Power Reclining Sofa
Now 44% Off
Pros
- Mid-Century shape
- Easy-to-clean water-resistant fabric
Cons
- Only the one upholstery option
Mid-century has become the de facto furniture design for just about anywhere. And with good reason! It’s a very agreeable style, especially as it’s interpreted these days. It works everywhere for everyone.
If you want that mid-century shape, along with the modern comfort of power reclining, It’s tough to find. This sofa from Orren Ellis is the best of the bunch.
| Dimensions | 38”H x 119”W x 40”D |
|---|---|
| Type | Power |
| Fabric | Polyester |
| Seating | 3 |
Best Simple Reclining Sofa
West Elm Axel Motion Reclining Sofa
Best Simple Reclining Sofa
West Elm Axel Motion Reclining Sofa
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Modern, minimal look
- Pop-up adjustable headrest
- Customizable fabric and color
Cons
- On the expensive side
There isn’t a damn room or interior style that this reclining sofa can’t spruce up by creating a place for comfort and class. It’s powered by electricity, yes, not a spring, so all you have to do is push a button to get that perfect lounging angle. It looks clean and industrial—in other worlds, universally fitting. And it’s upholstered in gray chenille tweed, camel linen, stone white boucle, or indigo velvet… Up to you.
*Also available in leather and sectional styles
| Dimensions | 78″W x 42″D x 33″H |
|---|---|
| Type | Power |
| Fabric | Customizable |
| Seating | 2 |
Best Leather Reclining Sofa
West Elm Enzo Leather Reclining Sofa
Best Leather Reclining Sofa
West Elm Enzo Leather Reclining Sofa
Now 53% Off
Pros
- Pop-up adjustable headrest
- Hidden storage and USB port in armrest
Cons
- Very expensive
That mid-life crisis will look a whole lot less sad and a whole lot more classy when you’re perching on a sofa completely upholstered in leather. Leather, as a fabric, is the most durable and easiest to clean. West Elm’s Enzo leather recliner sofa is all top-grain, and its design is not too bombastic: Simple sharp lines and geometric composure to complement your otherwise busy room. There’s also some neat feats, like hidden within the armrests are storage spaces for organizing remotes, books, small gadgets, or hiding your… you know.
*Also available in non-leather and sectional styles
| Dimensions | 30.5″W x 41.5″D x 31″H |
|---|---|
| Type | Power |
| Fabric | Ludlow or saddle leather |
| Seating | 2 |
Another Great Reclining Sectional
Pottery Barn Pearce Square Arm Upholstered 4-Piece Reclining Sectional
Another Great Reclining Sectional
Pottery Barn Pearce Square Arm Upholstered 4-Piece Reclining Sectional
Pros
- Customizable fabric and color
- Adjustable headrest, footrest, armrests
- Modern, minimal look
Cons
- Very expensive
Sectionals—remember those? Well, if time at home has made you slow down enough to realize that your upright sectional just isn’t doing it, then Pottery Barn’s reclining sectional will be a step in the right direction. This couch proves that there’s nothing wrong with the centerpiece of your living room being a recliner. It provides the most generous, snuggest lounge space possible, and Pottery Barn’s deep cushions with gorgeous square arms—color and fabrics are, again, up to you—will do a real number on you.
*Also available in loveseat, 3-piece, and 5-piece styles
| Dimensions | 120″W x 89″D x 40″D x 38″H |
|---|---|
| Type | Power |
| Fabric | Customizable |
| Seating | 4 |
Best reclining loveseat
Red Barrel Studio Evelina 77” Pillow Top Arm Reclining Sofa
Best reclining loveseat
Red Barrel Studio Evelina 77” Pillow Top Arm Reclining Sofa
Now 12% Off
Pros
- For theater experience
- Cupholders included
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Not the most stylish
Never again accidentally dump a packet of honey mustard or a bottle of Mountain Dew all over your lap while attempting to get through jump scares in The Conjuring. Just put them in a cupholder, just like you’d do in an AMC theater recliner. Though, as a manual reclining sofa, the Evelina loveseat lacks a cool touchscreen control panel, as long as it can give you some room to wiggle, put down your popcorn and beverages, and squarely focus on can’t-miss moments happening in the silver screen, it’s worth a buy. This loveseat is also plush all around to bring you support and comfort.
| Dimensions | 42”H x 77”W x 40”D |
|---|---|
| Type | Manual |
| Fabric | Polyester Blend |
| Seating | 2 |
2 Types of Reclining Sofas
- Manual: Sofas with manual reclining are old-school but intuitive, like the reclining seat in an airplane or car. There’s a handle or lever releases a spring which leans the back cushion backwards and raises the footrest. Manual reclining makes sofas cheaper, albeit less adjustable.
- Power: Reclining sofas powered by electric motor, like the seats at your local AMC movie theater. You push the button and wait for the reclining angle you desire. No sweat. Power reclining sofas give you more control over the position, though they are often more expensive and need to be plugged into an outlet.
What to Look For in Reclining Sofas
- Size: Dimension matters a lot for sofas, but ultimately, it boils down to how many people you want to seat and where it’ll be placed. A loveseat for the basement, or a whole four-seater sectional for the living room? Up to you. But for a reclining sofa, you’ll want to add some space around it to make room for extended headrest and footrest.
- Upholstery material: It’s just fabric, basically. And thankfully, quite a few reclining sofas we’ve reviewed here give you the option to customize or swap fabrics, in both materials—linen, velvet, bouclé, twill, etc.—and colors. But to give you a simple rundown either way, sofas can often come in the water-resistant polyester, the lush and long-lasting leather, and the raised and soft chenille.
- Features: Do they have cupholders? Or USB charging ports? Or hidden storage in the arms? Or pop-up headrests? Or come with throw pillows? Anything that’ll give your ass and spine an easier time on the sofa is worth considering.
Get Expert Home Upgrade Advice, Every Day
Get Expert Home Upgrade Advice, Every Day
Associate Commerce Editor
Luke Guillory is the Associate Commerce Editor at Esquire.
Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
