How to Choose a Recliner That Is Comfortable, Stylish and Right for Your Space

A great recliner should do more than give you somewhere comfortable to put your feet up. The right recliner should support your body, fit comfortably within your room and complement the rest of your living room furniture.

Today’s modern recliners have come a long way from the oversized chairs many people associate with traditional reclining furniture. Contemporary designs can feature clean lines, compact proportions, premium leather, customizable upholstery and discreet reclining mechanisms that are barely noticeable when the chair is upright.

If you’re considering a recliner for your living room, den or reading area, here are the most important factors to consider before choosing one.

1. Start With the Type of Recliner You Want

Recliners are available in several configurations, so begin by thinking about how you want to use the chair.

A traditional reclining chair extends the footrest while allowing the back to recline. Other designs may swivel, rock or combine several types of motion. Form Furniture’s catalogue includes recliners designed primarily for relaxation as well as streamlined chairs that integrate more naturally into a contemporary living room.

Your priorities will determine which configuration makes the most sense. Someone creating a dedicated reading chair may have different requirements from someone who wants a recliner primarily for watching television or relaxing for extended periods.

It’s also worth looking beyond traditional recliners. Contemporary accent and lounge chairs can provide alternative seating options when reclining functionality isn’t essential.

2. Manual vs. Power Recliners

One of the first decisions is whether you prefer a manual or power mechanism.

Manual recliners use a mechanical reclining system and don’t require access to an electrical outlet. They can be an excellent choice when simplicity is important or when the chair needs to sit somewhere where power access is inconvenient.

Power recliners use an electric mechanism that allows you to adjust the chair at the touch of a button. They can offer greater control over your seating position and are particularly convenient if you frequently change positions.

The Argo power recliner, for example, combines a power reclining mechanism with high-density polyurethane foam and top-grain Italian-tanned leather. At 27 inches wide, it also demonstrates how a contemporary power recliner doesn’t necessarily need to have an oversized footprint.

Neither mechanism is automatically better. The right choice depends on your comfort preferences, room layout and how you expect to use the chair.

3. Measure Your Space Before Choosing a Recliner

One of the biggest mistakes when buying a recliner is measuring only the chair in its upright position.

A recliner needs enough space to operate comfortably when fully extended.

Before buying, measure:

• The width and depth available for the chair

• The distance between the recliner and the wall

• Clearance in front of the chair for the footrest

• Nearby coffee tables

• Side tables and other furnishings

• Walking paths through the room

• Doorways, hallways and other delivery access points

Scale is equally important.

A large recliner can overwhelm a smaller living room, while a very compact chair may look out of proportion in a spacious room with a large sofa or sectional.

Consider the entire room arrangement rather than choosing your recliner in isolation.

4. Can a Recliner Work in a Small Living Room?

Absolutely. The key is choosing the right proportions.

If you’re searching for recliners for small spaces, pay particular attention to overall width, depth and the amount of clearance required when reclining.

Some contemporary recliners are surprisingly compact. The Argo, for example, measures 27 inches wide by 27.5 inches deep in its standard position.

Look for designs with:

• Narrower arms

• Compact footprints

• Visually lighter bases

• Streamlined backs

• Reclining mechanisms that don’t require excessive clearance

In a condo or smaller living room, every inch matters. It can therefore be worth comparing several chairs in person rather than assuming that all recliners require a large amount of floor space.

You can also consider furniture placement more broadly. Choosing appropriately scaled coffee tables, consoles and occasional furniture can preserve circulation space around your seating area.

5. Consider Upholstery, Materials and Durability

Your recliner will likely become one of the most frequently used pieces of furniture in your home, so upholstery deserves careful consideration.

Leather is popular for recliners because it offers a sophisticated appearance, comfortable feel and good durability when properly maintained. The Argo, for example, is upholstered in premium top-grain Italian-tanned leather.

Fabric can provide additional colour, texture and design flexibility.

If customization is important, look at the upholstery, finish and configuration choices available for the specific chair you’re considering. Form Furniture specializes in high-quality, contemporary and customizable furniture, with a large selection of Canadian-made furniture that can be tailored to individual needs.

The best upholstery isn’t simply the one that looks best in a sample. Think about how frequently the chair will be used, who will use it, how much maintenance you’re comfortable with and how the material coordinates with your sofa, rug and other furnishings.

6. Look Beyond Softness When Evaluating Comfort

A recliner can feel comfortable for five minutes and very different after sitting in it for an extended period.

That’s why comfort should be evaluated in terms of support and ergonomics, not simply so ftness.

Consider:

• Seat height

• Seat depth

• Back support

• Lumbar support

• Head and neck position

• Armrest height

• Cushion density

• Reclining positions

Your feet should rest comfortably when you’re seated upright, and the seat depth should support your legs without putting excessive pressure behind your knees.

Because body proportions vary significantly, there is no single recliner dimension that’s ideal for everyone. This is one of the strongest reasons to try different chairs before purchasing.

7. A Recliner Doesn’t Have to Look Like a Recliner

For design-conscious homeowners, this may be the most important development in reclining furniture.

Many stylish recliners now look much more like contemporary accent or lounge chairs. Slimmer arms, exposed bases, refined upholstery and cleaner silhouettes allow reclining furniture to blend into modern interiors rather than dominating them.

The Argo power recliner, for example, uses a relatively narrow profile and European styling. If you like the comfort associated with recliners but aren’t certain you need a reclining mechanism, Form Furniture also carries contemporary lounge seating such as the Alta Nova chair, which combines rocking and 360-degree swivel functionality with an adjustable headrest.

When choosing your seating, look at your existing sofas and sectionals, coffee table, side tables and other living room pieces. Everything doesn’t need to match, but the proportions, materials, colours and overall design language should work together.

8. Consider Canadian-Made and Customizable Furniture

Customization can be particularly valuable for living room seating because comfort and appearance are highly personal.

Form Furniture’s guiding principle is that form follows function. The collection focuses on practical furniture designed to fulfil its intended purpose while contributing to clean, functional contemporary interiors.

Form Furniture also carries a large selection of Canadian-made furniture alongside pieces from European manufacturers. Depending on the manufacturer and model, customization may include upholstery, finishes, dimensions or configurations.

If you’re furnishing more than one part of the room, explore the complete Living Room collection so your recliner or lounge chair can be considered alongside sofas, sectionals, tables and complementary furniture.

Recliner Buying Checklist

Before making your final choice, ask yourself:

• Does the chair support me comfortably when upright and reclined?

• Is the seat depth appropriate for my height?

• Do I prefer manual or power reclining?

• Do I want swivel or rocking functionality?

• Is there enough room for the chair when fully reclined?

• Does its scale work with my sofa or sectional?

• Is the upholstery suitable for my lifestyle?

• Are customization options available?

• Does the design complement the rest of my living room?

Most importantly, sit in the recliner before making your decision whenever possible.

Specifications can help narrow down your options, but comfort is personal.

Find the Right Recliner for Your Living Room

The best recliner brings together comfort, function and contemporary design. Whether you’re looking for a compact recliner for a condo, a power recliner with adjustable positioning or seating that coordinates with a complete contemporary living room, the right choice begins with understanding your space and how you want to use it.

For the best way to evaluate comfort, proportions and materials, visit Form Furniture’s Ottawa showroom at 450 Preston Street in Little Italy. You can compare seating in person and get help choosing a chair that fits both your body and your room.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recliners

Are power recliners better than manual recliners?

Neither is inherently better. Power recliners provide convenient push-button adjustment and greater control over positioning, while manual recliners offer mechanical simplicity and don’t require an electrical connection. Your preferred mechanism should reflect how you plan to use the chair.

Can you put a recliner in a small living room?

Yes. Look for compact recliners with narrower arms and streamlined proportions, and always measure the chair’s fully reclined footprint. Some contemporary recliners, such as the Argo power recliner, have relatively compact dimensions that can work well when space is limited.

How much space should I leave around a recliner?

It depends on the reclining mechanism and model. Measure the chair both upright and fully extended and account for clearance behind the chair, the extended footrest, nearby tables and walking paths. Always check the dimensions of the specific model you’re considering.

Are recliners available in modern styles?

Yes. Modern recliners can feature clean lines, compact profiles, premium upholstery and discreet mechanisms. Contemporary designs make it much easier to integrate a recliner with other modern living room furniture.

Should I try a recliner before buying it?

Whenever possible, yes. Seat height, depth, lumbar support, cushioning and head position affect people differently. Trying different seating options in person is one of the best ways to determine which design provides the right level of comfort and support. You can visit Form Furniture’s Ottawa showroom to compare options and receive expert design assistance from our team.