How to choose a recliner sofa
The Loom Loft Guide to
Choosing a Recliner Sofa
Choosing the right recliner sofa means finding the right balance between comfort, size and the way you’ll use it every day.Before choosing a model, think about how you like to sit, how much space you have available, whether a manual or power recliner is right for you, and the features that will make the biggest difference to your daily comfort.
Modern recliner sofas combine luxurious comfort with stylish design and practical technology, making them suitable for everything from cosy family evenings to everyday relaxation.
Measuring both the sofa’s footprint and its fully reclined position will help ensure the perfect fit for your living room.
This guide explains everything you need to know, from choosing the right recliner mechanism and number of seats to understanding upholstery, support, room planning and the features worth considering before you buy.
Why choose a recliner sofa?
A recliner sofa is designed around personalised comfort.
Unlike a traditional sofa, a recliner allows you to adjust your seating position to suit the moment. Whether you're watching television, reading a book, enjoying an afternoon nap or simply relaxing with family, a recliner adapts to you rather than the other way around.
For many homeowners, it's the comfort upgrade they didn't realise they needed until they experienced it for themselves.
Start with how you like to sit
The best recliner is the one that supports the way you relax.
Some people prefer a more upright position with excellent back support, while others love to fully recline and stretch out at the end of the day. Thinking about how you typically use your sofa will help guide your choice.
If comfort and support are your priorities, features such as adjustable headrests, lumbar support and power reclining functions can make a significant difference to everyday enjoyment.
Manual or power recliner?
One of the first decisions you'll make is choosing between manual and power reclining.
Manual Recliners
Manual recliners offer simple, reliable comfort through an easy-to-use reclining mechanism, making them an excellent choice for everyday relaxation.
As they don’t require a nearby power socket, manual recliners give you greater flexibility when positioning your sofa within the room.
Benefits include:
• Easy-to-use reclining mechanism
• No power socket required
• Reliable, durable construction
• Excellent value for everyday comfort
Manual recliners remain a popular choice because they combine lasting comfort with straightforward operation, making them ideal for family homes, reading corners and everyday living.
Power Recliners
Power recliners let you adjust your seating position effortlessly at the touch of a button, delivering precise comfort that’s tailored to you.
Most models require access to a nearby power socket. However, many Loom Loft recliners are compatible with rechargeable battery packs, allowing you to position your sofa almost anywhere without trailing cables.
Depending on the model, features can include:
• Adjustable headrests
• Lumbar support
• USB charging points
• Independent reclining controls
Power recliners are ideal if you want modern convenience, personalised comfort and greater flexibility for open-plan living spaces or rooms without a nearby socket.
Choosing the right recliner
for your lifestyle
Today's recliners are available in a wide variety of designs to suit different homes and lifestyles.
Contemporary recliners
Modern recliners combine clean lines, tailored upholstery and refined detailing with advanced comfort technology, making them ideal for contemporary interiors.
Hidden reclining mechanisms help maintain a sleek appearance while delivering exceptional everyday comfort in modern homes and open-plan living spaces.
If you’re looking for sophisticated Italian-inspired styling, explore the Capua Collection, where premium materials, elegant design and effortless reclining comfort come together beautifully.
Recliners for family living
For busy family homes, comfort, durability and practicality are equally important. Generously cushioned recliners provide supportive seating for relaxing together every day.
Available in a choice of sizes and seating configurations, it’s easy to find the right combination for your household while enjoying lasting comfort built for family life.
For everyday comfort and versatility, discover the Piazza Collection, designed with supportive seating, practical fabric upholstery and traditional recliner sofa options for growing families.
Lift and rise recliners
At Loom Loft, our lift and rise recliners are designed to provide extra assistance when sitting down or standing up without compromising on comfort or style.
Many models include features such as adjustable headrests, lumbar support and easy-to-use controls, helping you relax in complete comfort while supporting greater independence.
For additional flexibility, explore the Volterra Collection, available with lift and rise, manual and power recliners alongside matching sofas and chairs for a coordinated living room.
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+Fabric or Leather Recliner?
Both fabric and leather recliners offer unique advantages.
Fabric Recliners
Fabric upholstery remains a popular choice because it feels warm, soft and inviting.
Available in a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes, fabric recliners suit both contemporary and classic interiors while creating a relaxed atmosphere within the home. Many homeowners choose fabric for its cosy feel and everyday comfort, making it ideal for family living spaces and longer periods of relaxation.
If you’re unsure which upholstery is right for you, read our How to Choose a Fabric Sofa guide for expert advice on fabrics, styling and choosing the best option for your home.
Leather Recliners
Leather recliners bring timeless sophistication together with lasting durability.
Natural leather develops character over time and can be particularly practical in busy homes thanks to its durable surface and easy-to-maintain finish. Whether you prefer a contemporary or traditional interior, leather creates a refined look while offering exceptional comfort for everyday living.
To learn more about leather finishes, care and choosing the right upholstery, explore our How to Choose a Leather Sofa guide before making your decision.
Choosing the right
Recliner Size
Before choosing a recliner, think about how the sofa will fit both your room and the way you live.
A compact recliner chair is ideal for one person or smaller spaces, while a two-seater recliner offers comfortable seating for couples and tighter room layouts.
Three-seater recliners provide generous seating for everyday family life, while corner and modular recliners are well suited to larger households and open-plan living spaces where extra seating is needed.
Choosing the right size ensures your sofa feels comfortable within the room rather than overwhelming it. Consider both your available space and the number of reclining seats you need before making your decision.
How much space does a recliner sofa need?
Unlike a standard sofa, a recliner needs enough room to operate comfortably when fully extended. Before choosing a model, measure both its closed and fully reclined dimensions, allowing enough space in front for the footrest and behind for the backrest where required.
If you’re considering a power recliner, think about the position of nearby sockets and safe cable routing. Wall-hugger recliners, such as the Lerwick Collection, require less clearance from the wall, making them an excellent choice for smaller rooms or compact layouts.
Before ordering, measure your room, doorways and access routes to ensure your new recliner can be delivered and positioned with ease. Our Sofa Measuring Guide explains how to measure your home correctly, while our Small Spaces Inspiration Guide offers practical ideas for making compact living rooms feel larger without compromising on comfort.
Features worth considering
Today’s recliner sofas offer far more than simply a reclining seat. Depending on the model, additional features can improve everyday comfort, convenience and long-term usability.
Popular features include:
• Comfort & support – Adjustable headrests and lumbar support help you find a more personalised seating position. Available on selected models, including the Ultimate Comfort option within the Volterra Collection.
• Convenience – USB charging ports allow you to keep devices close at hand while you relax. Available on selected models, including the Power Recliner options within the Newsham Collection.
• Personalised seating – Independent controls let you adjust the headrest and footrest separately for tailored comfort. Available on selected models, including the Power Recliner options within the Capua Collection.
• Space efficiency – Wall-hugger mechanisms require less clearance behind the sofa, making them ideal for more compact layouts. Available on selected models, including the Power Recliner options within the Lerwick Collection.
Think about how you’ll use your recliner day to day.
A family living room may benefit from USB charging, while a cinema room could make the most of adjustable headrests, lumbar support and independently controlled reclining positions. If space is limited, wall-hugger designs can help maximise your room without compromising on comfort.
For more inspiration, explore our Living Room Inspiration ideas to see how recliner sofas can be styled within contemporary homes, or browse our Open Plan Living Guide for advice on creating comfortable, flexible spaces.
Support Matters Just As Much As Comfort
While comfort is often the first thing people notice, the right support can make just as much difference to how a recliner feels every day.
Think about seat height, seat depth, back height and how well the sofa supports the way you naturally sit. If available, features such as adjustable lumbar support and power-adjustable headrests allow you to tailor your seating position for greater everyday comfort.
Before choosing, it’s also worth considering how easy the reclining mechanism is to operate.
Whether you prefer a manual recliner, power recliner or lift and rise chair, selecting the right level of support and adjustability will help you find a recliner that’s comfortable for years to come.
Get Personal Advice from a
Loom Loft Lifestylist
Not sure which recliner sofa is right for your home? Our Loom Loft Lifestylists are here to help.
Whether you’re choosing between manual and power reclining, deciding on fabric or leather upholstery, or finding the right size and configuration for your living space, we’ll provide honest, personalised advice tailored to your needs.
Simply complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch to answer your questions, recommend suitable recliner sofas and help you choose with confidence.
Furniture That Feels Like Home
Choosing the right recliner comes down to understanding how you live. Whether you prefer a manual or power recliner, leather or fabric upholstery, a compact chair or a spacious corner sofa, selecting the right combination of comfort, support and features will help you enjoy your home for years to come.
If you’re still deciding, explore our Recliner Sofa Collection to compare styles and configurations, or speak to one of our Lifestylists for personalised advice tailored to your home, lifestyle and comfort preferences.
Because the best recliner isn’t simply the one that looks right - it’s the one that feels right every time you sit down.
Recliner Sofa & Chair FAQs
For many homeowners, absolutely. Recliner sofas provide personalised comfort by allowing you to adjust your seating position for reading, watching television, relaxing or even taking an afternoon nap. Modern recliners also combine stylish design with supportive features, making them a worthwhile investment if everyday comfort is a priority.
Yes. Today’s recliner sofas are available in a wide range of contemporary and classic designs, with many featuring clean lines, tailored upholstery and discreet reclining mechanisms. Modern recliners are designed to complement stylish living spaces while delivering exceptional comfort.
A manual recliner is operated using a lever or body weight, while a power recliner adjusts at the touch of a button using an electric motor. Many power recliners also include premium features such as adjustable headrests, lumbar support, USB charging and independent seat controls, giving you greater flexibility and personalised comfort.
Some can. Wall-hugger recliners are designed to recline while sitting much closer to the wall than traditional recliners. Always check the recommended clearance for your chosen model to ensure it can operate safely and comfortably within your room.
Both offer excellent comfort, but the best choice depends on your lifestyle and personal taste. Fabric recliners provide a warm, soft feel and a wide choice of colours and textures, while leather recliners offer a timeless appearance, exceptional durability and are easy to maintain. For more advice, explore our Fabric Sofa Guide and Leather Sofa Guide to help decide which upholstery is right for your home.
The best recliner for back support is one that fits your body and the way you like to sit. Look for features such as ergonomic seating, adjustable lumbar support, power-adjustable headrests and a seat depth that allows you to sit comfortably with your feet on the floor.
Choosing the right seat height and back height can also make a significant difference to everyday comfort. The best recliner is ultimately the one that provides a comfortable, well-supported seating position for the way you relax.
Yes. A well-made recliner sofa can provide many years of reliable use when properly cared for. Modern reclining mechanisms are designed for everyday operation, while longevity also depends on the quality of the frame, upholstery and regular maintenance.
At Loom Loft, our recliner sofas are backed by a minimum 10-year frame guarantee. For additional peace of mind, our Furniture Care Plan includes five years’ protection, including accidental damage cover and protection for qualifying reclining mechanisms and electrical components.
Most power recliners do require access to a nearby power socket. However, many Loom Loft power recliners are compatible with rechargeable battery packs, allowing you to position your recliner without a trailing power cable. Battery pack compatibility varies by model, so speak to one of our Lifestylists for advice before ordering.
Yes, many recliner sofas are designed to make delivery easier. Depending on the model, sections may separate into individual seats, the backs can often be removed, and some ranges can be supplied in multiple pieces for easier access through doorways, hallways and staircases.
If access to your home is restricted, let us know before ordering. Our team can advise which recliner models are most suitable and discuss the best delivery approach for your property.