Chairs come in all sorts of guises: for dining, for working, for chucking clothes over instead of hanging them up properly in the wardrobe.
The best kind? The armchair.
A prince in the living room - because a sofa is king - the armchair is ideal for enjoying solo. No need to share, no “budging up a little”. They’re a padded throne for one occupant only.
But not all armchairs are created equal. A recliner chair heralds a new dawn of comfort, taking the strain off any limbs with the utmost support. You sit cradled in a cupped cloud of luxury, be it velvet, leather or another fabric. Recliner seats typically feature ridiculously plump cushions, sandwiched between hefty armrests. They come in manual or electric versions, the latter also offering cool perks like remote control operation or USB charging so you don’t have to get up to charge your phone or tablet. We’d put a reclining armchair up there with the greatest furniture adventures of all time.
Aside from comfort, they’re great for older users, giving them a supremely comfortable seat to enjoy day or night. Specialist recliners feature lift assist too, helping those with mobility issues to get up without a struggle.
They’re the ultimate chair to add to a home entertainment set-up, offering a cinema-like feel without the eyewatering prices or dodgy loos to contend with.
Price-wise, they’re not the cheapest option. Expect to pay three figures at least. But for your money, you’ll get a chair that’s built to last and will soon be the prime position for anyone in the house.
If you’re considering investing in a recliner chair, you’ve landed on the right page. Below, we’ve drawn up a list of the best and most stylish options to own.
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Halo Boss Leather Swivel Chair, Metal Leg, Tipped Taupe
Say hello to Halo - or more specifically, its Boss leather swivel chair. Seemingly inspired by a marshmallow, this design is all supple leathery softness on top and robust steel frame underneath (guaranteed for five years). The manual design works with a lever control to adjust the back and headrest to the optimum angle.
Buy now £1599.00, John Lewis
John Lewis Ease Leather Recliner Armchair and Footstool
Whether it's for the lounge, WFH space or a study if you have one, John Lewis’s stunning Ease design oozes elegance. The flared-back design and open arms create a sense of space - but don't worry, there's only space for one so you won't be forced to share. Stone-coloured leather wraps the seat, cushion and included footstool, offering a uniform look that will remain timelessly stylish.
Buy now £949.00, John Lewis
Oak Furnitureland Iver Electric Recliner Armchair with Power Headrest
A reclining armchair sounds comfortable as it is, but wrapped in leather upholstery means you're in a new state of bliss. There's no grasping for levers with this design as it offers electric reclining and a power headrest. Combined with adjustable upper and lower support, you'll soon some to understand where your money is going.
Extra touches like a control panel to adjust elements of the chair, a USB port round and that rich cognac hue round off the considered look. Prepare to fight over the most prized seat in the house.
Buy now £999.99, Oak Furnitureland
SQUEBILIFE Recliner Chair 2 Seater Sofa
Sharing is caring as they say. If you’re feeling charitable enough to extend reclining perks to one other, this two-seater is just the ticket. Separated by an armrest - featuring built-in cup holders no less - this design is made for movie marathons. Not only does it recline, but there's an angled leg rest too. Two USB ports allow you to plug in devices directly from the chair and there are side pockets to stash magazines and small snacks.
Buy now £399.99, Amazon
Fairmont Park Rymann Upholstered Electric Recliner
With cushions that you'll want to sink into at any given opportunity, this electric reclining chair offers more than a drop of cosy comfort to any living space. The chair is made from a strong plywood frame plus a reinforced steel reclining mechanism, gliding from an upright position to a supremely comfortable one and back again without a murmur.
Pillow top arms add to the sense of comfort as does the plush velvet-like upholstery. You don't even need to get up to charge your devices; a USB port takes care of that.
Buy now £459.99, Wayfair
Rosalind Wheeler Deltrice Upholstered Recliner
Answer the call of the Highlands with this tartan recliner from Rosalind Wheeler. The reclining design features a position lock, so once you've found your sweet spot, it won't move. An iron base offers optimum support and the electricity-powered piece also comes with a lift function, helpful for older users who need a gentle hand getting back up again. Operate it all from the remote control that can be tucked into a storage pocket for safekeeping when not in use.
Buy now £439.99, Wayfair
Dunelm Beatrice Matte Velvet Power Recliner Armchair, Luxe Navy
Offered in navy velvet upholstery, this armchair is the perfect place to curl up in front of the box or get stuck into your latest page-turner. The design features a reclining back and lay-down function - ideal for afternoon napping - and a taller backrest for full body support. Foam padding adds to the sumptuous feel while FSC wooden legs offer the final polished finish.
Buy now £429.00, Dunelm
Business and Pleasure Co Reclining Pillow Lounger - Navy Stripe
Picnics and beach trips are great fun but can wreak havoc on your back, especially if you're at it for hours. Take reclining style wherever you go with this laid-back pillow lounger from Business & Pleasure Co. The striped design is weatherproof and offers five angles of reclining on a padded seat and backrest. It's stain-resistant too, so no dramas if you spill ice cream on it. Just wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.
Buy now £479.00, Amara
Mercury Row Alkes Manual Swivel Recliner
All too often Eames chairs follow a moody aesthetic: it’s all black leather and dark wood. Mercury Row offers a lighter take on the iconic style in this swivel chair. With a deep seat and manual recline, the chair works as well in a home office as it will in the lounge with a footstool to kick up your feet when it’s time to relax. Also available in black, the faux leather offers a luxury feel without anywhere near the guilt or the cost of a genuine hide.
Assembly required.
Buy now £149.99, Wayfair
George Oliver Zora Faux Leather Swivel Recliner with Footstool
This high-backed chair bears some original Eames hallmarks, like curved wood and a coordinating footstool, at a considerably reduced price.
It may not be an original but it sure is comfy thanks to the leather effect cushioned seat, recline and position lock features and adjustable lumbar support.
Buy now £609.99, Wayfair
Muscat Fabric Swivel Recliner Chair with Footstool
The only thing missing from this swivel chair set-up is an extra-furry cat to position on your lap, for the inevitable moment of spinning around and saying “I’ve been expecting you”. While it doesn’t come with a feline included, it does feature soft-touch fabric upholstery, an ‘easy twist’ handle to operate the manual recliner and a fashionable addition to all kinds of room setups. Its star base has plenty of retro-modern appeal in curved wood with an oak finish.
Buy now £449.00, Furniture Village
