What Is the Best Upholstery Type for My Recliner? (+ the 10 Best Recliners)
If you have been researching the best upholstery for your recliner, you may have noticed four popular material types that keep popping up over and over again: 100% leather, fabric, polyurethane and high performance fabric. Here, we have laid out the basic differences between each material type and exactly how they work to deliver their own unique – and completely comfortable – reclining experience.
For Longevity: 100% Leather.
If you want longevity, choose one in 100% leather. The natural finish of a genuine leather reclining chair offers a buttery-smooth feel designed to last for more than a decade – and in which you will want to lounge for hours at a time.
For soft, cozy comfort: Fabric.
While requiring a bit more maintenance than leather, fabric recliners are still generally easy to clean – and a favorite upholstery choice for one simple reason: they are comfortable. Soft, cozy and slow to absorb heat, quality tight-weave fabric will turn any piece into the plushest, most inviting place to rest.
For unbeatable value: Polyurethane.
A synthetic material resembling genuine leather in look and feel, polyurethane offers a soft, smooth texture. A recliner made with polyurethane upholstery over deep comfort cushioning is designed to deliver the same feeling of luxurious comfort as a piece made from leather or natural upholstery – but for a fraction of the cost.
For kids and pets: High Performance Fabric.
If you are worried about spills and messes from kids and pets, go with a high performance fabric recliner. Soft and thick – yet breathable – and resistant to stains, high performance fabric is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to bring easy-to-clean comfort into the living room.
Top-Rated Recliners - The Official List
Weight: 120.2 lbs.
Best features: USB - Reversible
One of our most-reviewed recliners and top-rated power recliners, the Kennedy has it all: seating that boasts supportive foam encased in a fiber-filled bag for an ultra-soft cloud-like experience. You’ll also love the all-encompassing comfort and luxury of chenille upholstery. A USB port provides easy and instant charging.
Real Review for the Kennedy Recliner
"I recently bought a comfortable reclining sofa chair that has transformed our living space! It’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying quality time with family. The additional chair is cozy and works great for guests who stay over. Everyone loves how inviting it is! This sofa has truly made our home more welcoming. I highly recommend it! Thank you for considering my review for the prize!" -Francis Perdomo
Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
Weight: 104.7 lbs.
Best features: - Delicate tufting - Leather
Here’s another customer favorite – and for good reason. Featuring soft upholstery, smooth push back operation, a delicate tufted feel and contrast framing (for style), the Daniel is a tour de force when it comes to comfort. Use it to snooze for 20 minutes or three hours. Either way, the Daniel’s got your back.
Real Review for the Daniel Recliner
“We had been looking for a stylish leather recliner that wouldn’t take up too much space in our small condo for a long time - this one is pretty much an exact replica of a recliner from West Elm but half the price!! So impressed with the quality, comfort, and delivery experience. Do yourself a favor and buy this chair!” - Jess D
Weight: 96 lbs.
Best features: Customizable upholstery
Luxe fabric gives the Dale’s supportive seating a singularly sophisticated look. The design also features a classic track arm design and gliding base for an enjoyable lounging experience. But the real reason the Dale has remained a customer favorite for so long has to do with its feel: comfy but supportive and incredibly luxurious.
Real Review for the Dale Recliner
“I bought this recliner for my mother. She doesn’t have the strength to push the recliner back so we got her this electric one. She absolutely loves it. She loves the size the color and it is just the most comfortable chair she’s ever had. One of our favorite features is the neck rest that moves up and down because mother has osteoporosis so bad her neck is bent at an odd angle, I highly recommend this chair to anyone who needs to elevate their feet and support their knees and support their neck. Best Purchase we ever made!”- S Hale
Weight: 118 lbs.
Best features: Power reclining motion - Smart
Available at an outstanding value, the Cruz power reclining collection is all about quality and flexibility, thanks to a choice of configuration and color. Channeled cushions and seating with innerspring foam provide the ultimate in support, while power reclining mechanisms offer the ease and relaxation of smooth motion at the touch of a button.
Real Review for the Cruz Ecru Recliner
"I recently had a csection and knew there was no where for me to comfortably sleep. I lived in this chair for a month, it was so comfortable and easy to get in and out of. I also paid for the fast delivery and assembly and the men were so nice and polite. Definitely will order from here again." - Bestchairmia
Weight: 172 lbs.
Best features: The list of features and amenities goes on and on, starting with luxurious leather seating, power reclining, power lumbar and power headrest support, plus Zero Gravity and USB charging capabilities. Air massage and 3-zone heating also keep you comfy while the immersive audio technology allows you to enjoy movies, video games and sports to the fullest. Hidden audio speakers, subwoofers and low base frequency transducers transport you and make you feel part of the action.
Real Review for the Matrix Recliner
"This chair was everything that we were hoping it would be!! SO comfortable, gorgeous leather, and the features and tech bells and whistles are such a treat. We also got the matching sofa, and the one glitch that we didn’t expect is that our old tv tuner/audio system can’t pair the audio for both the couch and chair at the same time, but that’s an easy fix with getting a dual-Bluetooth transmitter. The delivery service was also fantastic!" - Kim and Andy
Weight: 132 lbs.
Best features: Tight cushions - High-density foam
Those looking to offset back pain will appreciate the Hercules' tight construction – there’s no ‘sinking in’ here. The luxury fabric, foot extension and full-reclining mechanism all work to provide supportive comfort.
Real Review for the Hercules Power Recliner
"Very comfortable swivel chair with ample cushioning! Modern classic style. Smallish in size but not too small with high seat area for easier sitting and standing up out of the chair. Easy to use reclining mechanism and fairly short required wall clearance to recline. Really love the chair!" - Eylane M
Weight: 262.9 lbs.
Best features: Heat Massage - USB
Everything you need for fully luxurious, relief-inducing lounging can be found in our Zachary power reclining loveseat. Wrapped in a high-performance fabric in on-trend saddle brown, the cover is handsome and durable. Experience all the bells and whistles, including Zero Gravity reclining which suspends you in a neutral position that provides a wealth of health benefits.
Real Review for the Zachary Saddle Recliner
“Amazing furniture. Got the whole set! Transformed our most used room in our home! So comfortable, I sometimes sleep on it!” - Tony M in Hayward
Weight: 137 lbs.
Best features: Heat - Massage
Stay warm and cozy with the Majorca’s built-in heating pad and luxury massage setting. (Or don’t. Opt out of this bestselling, highly-reviewed luxury chair that comes with the most buttery-smooth upholstery, power reclining tech, extended footrests and battery pack; walk away from what locals dub “heaven in a chair” so that there’s more for the rest of us!)
Real Review for the Majorca Recliner
“Great recliner at a reasonable price. Perfect for my dad who is on the petite side. The chair has the right firmness, and the material is really cozy. The remote is easy to use, and the heating and air elements are a big plus.” - DeniseN
Weight capacity: 275 lbs.
Weight: 110.2 lbs.
Best features: Adjustable headrest - Neutral hue
Once again, we’re calling out the Connie because it’s just that good. Featuring soft upholstery, foam cushioning and easy to clean (like high performance!) fabric, the Connie offers reclining like you’ve always dreamed of – all for less than the cost of a few grocery runs.
Real Review for the Connie Recliner
“After shopping several stores for my husband's recliner, we came back to Living Spaces for this one. He sat in lots of chairs, trust me! But this one fit him perfectly and it's wonderful having the seat and the USB port. The delivery people were wonderful and even moved the old recliner for us. A great experience all around. And very happy with the recliner.” - pilotc
Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Weight: 115.5 lbs.
Best features: Power Recliner - USB
Distinguished by loose, reversible cushions, our Kennedy power recliner features seating that boasts supportive foam encased in a fiber-filled bag for an ultra-soft cloud-like experience.
Real Review for the Kennedy Recliner
“Loving this sectional! It is so fluffy and comfy! Our floors are grey toned so it does tend to pull grey for us but after changing some lighting and adding some decor it will be perfect! We were hesitant because it is so light colored but so far we haven’t had any issues with a dog and a very muddy backyard! We did have issues with the product arriving damaged/stained for some reason. It was the corner piece..TWICE. I was given the option to have them send a service tech to repair/evaluate for replacement of the piece..this was incredibly frustrating as we purchased a NEW $4,000+ couch. We don’t want it fixed we want the piece/condition we purchased. We ended up going to our local warehouse for further assistance and they were incredibly helpful in resolving this issue for us.” - Julia2024
Weight capacity: 2350 lbs.
Weight: 108 lbs.
Best features: Swivel - Wood sides
Yet another repeat: the Amala, a master class in mid-century modern if there ever was one. Use the design’s chic wood panels, subtle tufting and matching ottoman to make guests hate you out of jealousy (in a good way) and love you for the comfort it provides.
Real Review for the Amala Recliner
“I love the look of this chair recliner & ottoman. Was hesitant at first because sometimes the more modern styles aren't as comfortable as traditional styles, but this one is perfect! Bonus: It fits my moderate room size without crowding the space. Surprises: Return swivel that spins back in place when you leave the chair, and headrest has a few levels of movement forward and back -- so if you sit in it and you feel curled forward at first, just push headrest forward to release and ratchet it back a couple positions, then recline slightly.” - Lounger
Best Recliners of 2024
Common Questions About Choosing the Best Recliner Fabric
What upholstery materials are the most durable and comfortable for a recliner, especially for high-traffic living rooms?
For a balance of durability and comfort, consider performance fabrics like microfiber or polyester blends, which resist stains and wear exceptionally well. Leather is also a classic choice, offering a luxurious feel that gets better with age and is easy to clean. At Living Spaces, we offer a wide selection of recliners in these resilient materials, ensuring long-lasting comfort and style for your busy home.
How can I select a recliner fabric that's pet-friendly and easy to maintain if I have furry companions?
When it comes to pets, look for tightly woven fabrics like microfiber or certain leather types that are less prone to snagging and easier to wipe clean from fur and accidents. Many of our recliners at Living Spaces feature pet-friendly options with stain-resistant treatments, making it simpler to keep your furniture looking pristine even with your beloved animals around.
What are the pros and cons of choosing leather versus fabric upholstery for a recliner in terms of feel and temperature regulation?
Leather offers a sophisticated look and is generally easy to clean, but it can feel cool in winter and sticky in summer; fabric, on the other hand, provides a warmer, cozier feel year-round and comes in endless textures. Explore our diverse range of recliners at Living Spaces to find the perfect material that suits your personal comfort preferences and climate.
Are there any specific fabric types that would be ideal for someone with allergies or sensitivities when looking for a new recliner?
For allergy sufferers, opt for smooth, tightly woven materials like leather or microfiber, as they trap fewer allergens like dust and pet dander compared to more textured fabrics. Many of our recliners at Living Spaces are available in hypoallergenic materials, helping you create a healthier and more comfortable seating experience.
Considering long-term value, which recliner upholstery options tend to hold up best over time and justify their investment?
High-quality leather and well-constructed performance fabrics like those found on many Living Spaces recliners offer excellent long-term value due to their inherent durability, resistance to wear, and timeless appeal. Investing in a recliner with a robust fabric that can withstand daily use ensures you’ll enjoy its comfort and style for many years to come.