Recliner Sofas

How to choose a recliner sofa

It can be your main living room sofa as well as your favourite spot for relaxation. The big decisions are how it moves, the size and the material.

Type	How it works	Ideal for
Manual	Pull a lever or push back	Lower prices, no plug needed
Electric (power)	Press a button to move smoothly	Stopping at any angle, everyday comfort
Wall hugger	Slides forward as it leans back	Compact rooms and sofas near a wall

Our power vs manual guide explains the pros and cons.

2 seater or 3 seater?

A 2 seater suits compact living rooms and couples, and usually has two moving seats. A 3 seater reclining sofa normally moves on the two end seats. Many ranges let you combine a 3 seater, a 2 seater and a matching chair in different configurations, which is why our sofa sets are so popular. For larger rooms, a reclining corner sofa seats the whole family.

How much space do you need?

Leave around 30cm behind a standard design and 50cm to 70cm in front for the footrest. Wall hugger styles need far less. Measure with our guide on how to measure for a sofa and check power models will reach a socket.

Leather or fabric?

A leather recliner is easy to maintain and wipes clean around the mechanism, so it is ideal for busy homes. A fabric recliner feels softer and warmer to sit on, and grey hides everyday marks. Our guide to sofa fabrics for kids and pets helps you pick, and our leather sofas have more options.

Extra support and features

Look for padded headrests, lumbar support, cup holders, USB charging and a one-touch return button. For extra help standing up, see our riser recliner chairs, or read our La-Z-Boy alternatives for more styles. A sofa throw over the seats protects them from everyday wear.

One sofa or a sofa and chair?

A 2 seater that reclines saves space, while a separate sofa and matching chair gives more flexible seating. A 3 seater sofa that reclines can work in a smaller room too, as long as you allow space for the footrests.

Quick checks before you buy

Check how many seats move, the mechanism type and the space needed when fully open. Reviews that mention how smooth it feels after a few months are very useful, and sale prices are shown on each Amazon listing.