A comfortable armchair is often the centrepiece of the living room—a place to relax after a long day, to read, or to enjoy a cosy evening watching TV. However, the market for recliner chairs is vast, and the variety of functions, materials, and designs can be overwhelming. This guide will help you understand the features that truly matter so you can make an informed decision for your home.
To find the right model, it's helpful to consider a few key aspects. The following points will give you an idea of which features might be relevant to your needs.
The choice of upholstery material affects not only the look but also the feel and maintenance of the chair.
Recliners differ significantly in how they operate. The choice between a manual and an electric model depends on your personal comfort preferences and needs.
A living room chair should not only be comfortable but also fit harmoniously into the room. Before buying, measure the available space and remember that a recliner with a lying function requires significantly more depth when fully reclined. Pay attention to the product dimensions (width, depth, height) and plan for enough clearance from walls and other furniture.
Based on functionality, material, and user-friendliness, we have selected a few models that cater to different needs.
What Makes It Stand Out This model combines comfort with practical support. Its key feature is the power lift function, which tilts the entire chair forward by up to 45° to make standing up easier. Everything is controlled via a remote, which also activates the electric massage function. This targets the back, waist, thighs, and legs, and features four modes and a timer function. The backrest is infinitely adjustable between 45° and 160°. According to the manufacturer, the frame is made of FSC-certified wood.
Pros
Who Is It For? This chair is a great choice for individuals seeking a high degree of comfort and reliable daily support. The lift function offers significant value, especially as a chair for seniors or for people with limited leg mobility.
What Makes It Stand Out Flexibility is the focus of this manual recliner. Thanks to its 360° swivel base, the chair can be turned effortlessly in any direction, making it a communicative piece of furniture in the living room. The backrest and integrated footrest are adjusted manually with light body pressure. The sturdy metal frame ensures stability, while the high-density foam padding and soft fabric upholstery provide a comfortable seating experience. Two cup holders and side pockets complete the functional design.
Pros
Who Is It For? This model is ideal for users who prefer a flexible TV chair or reading chair without electric components. The swivel function is particularly useful in open-plan living spaces or when you want to face different areas of the room.
What Makes It Stand Out The Yaheetech recliner features a classic design with low-maintenance upholstery made of polyurethane and PVC faux leather. The seat is equipped with pocket springs that provide point-by-point body support. The backrest and footrest are extra-thickly padded with foam and rayon fibres. The adjustment to the reclining position is done manually. The chair rests on a stable composite wood frame and, according to the manufacturer, is designed to support a weight of up to 120 kg. Protective feet prevent scratches on the floor.
Pros
Who Is It For? This chair is a great option for anyone looking for a durable and particularly low-maintenance living room armchair. Its robust material and easy cleaning make it well-suited for daily use, even in households with children or for a home cinema setup.
If a classic armchair doesn't quite match your vision and you prefer a more elegant, curved reclining surface, other seating options might be an interesting alternative. A chaise lounge combines the function of a lounger with the elegance of a sofa.
Discover our selection of curved chaise lounge and find the perfect addition to your home.
The terms are often used interchangeably, as both are designed for comfort. A recliner generally focuses on relaxation and an adjustable reclining function. A TV chair is specifically designed for comfortably watching films and series and therefore often includes practical extras like cup holders or storage compartments, which are also found on many recliners. Essentially, most modern models serve both purposes.
Regular maintenance is straightforward. It's best to vacuum the chair weekly with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and crumbs. Fresh stains should be immediately blotted (not rubbed) with a clean, dry cloth. For more stubborn dirt, it's advisable to use an upholstery cleaner suitable for the fabric and test it on an inconspicuous area first. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Modern electric recliners are generally energy-efficient. The motor only consumes power when the adjustment mechanism, massage, or heating function is actively in use. In standby mode, power consumption is minimal and comparable to other household appliances in a resting state. So, you don't need to worry about a high electricity bill.