10 Best Reclining Sofas of 2023

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Supreme comfort and good looks. It doesn't get any better.

When did we get so stuffy? Why has the recliner gone out of style? We're not all sitting stick-straight on French rococo sofas, but we've pretty much thrown out the classic American recliner for luxury sofas and accent chairs.

For us, that's anti-American. If we've ever gotten anything right over here, it's living in comfort. And nothing—no standard leather sofa, no big sectional sofa, no futon, no outdoor sofa—will match the comfort of a reclining sofa. Nothing else will let you kick your feet up like a recliner. Even those extra deep sofas fall flat.

Historically the issue with reclining sofas has been their looks. Put simply, for a long time reclining sofas were ugly, really ugly. But these days, they're just about as good looking as those luxury sofas you'd drop a month's worth of pay on. So as a service to you, we decided to wade into this fertile market and find the 10 best reclining sofas that actually look good.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sitting nicely with electric power, this reclining couch will get you up or down without drenching sweat from maneuvering an old-school lever. Like most on this list, the Cyprus is a power recliner sofa. So, nothing special on that end. But what's special is how sleek it looks: Contemporary, designer-ish, great texture and dimension, and finished with stainless steel accents that transport it to a modern five-star hotel lobby. And it comes in water-resistant grey fabric that looks good anywhere.

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

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

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

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.

Sometimes, you've got to put things into perspective to see the beauty of it. Like for the Southgate, a standalone front shot of it against a white background just doesn't do the recliner couch justice. Actually placing it in a styled, organized room against a beige or warm-color wall, then it'll shine. The sofa also works great, with plumpness all over the place in feathery chenille fabric to make your time spent napping or lounging on it divine.

Luke Guillory is the Associate Commerce Editor at Esquire.

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.

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