I was recently at a consultation where I was helping a client create a wish list for her living room. It is a space where her family gathers often to play games and watch tv and she wanted it to be comfortable, yet elevated for her family and guests. She requested two reclining chairs but finished her request by stating something along the lines of, “but I know recliners don’t look good”. This got me thinking of all the other clients and friends/family members who have stated that comfort can’t “look good”, and I couldn’t stand to just leave them all believing that was the case.

I’ll let you in on a little-known secret that I believe should be broadcasted far and wide: Comfort and style can and should co-exist. If you follow Jamie Nell Design, you know that one of our key values is Function. It is important that your home is functional for your life, and I am in the art of finding those functional elements that also look amazing in my clients’ homes – including recliners.

So, this post is inspired by my clients and by all those who have come to the conclusion that a reclining chair can’t look nice. I am here to bust the myth, to elevate your home, and to make these beautiful pieces available for you! You can check them out in our Elevated Recliners collection HERE via Side Door.

#1 The Brooklyn Upholstered Recliner by Arhaus

I find this chair absolutely adorable. It’s a fairly compact size, only 32” wide and has some beautiful feminine details to it such as pleats and brass nailheads. It’s all around just a lovely armchair that would fit seamlessly in a traditional or transitional living room or a nursery alike. Find it upholstered in a warm leather HERE.

#2 The Chance Recliner by Four Hands

The Chance Recliner makes my heart sing. It has no physical indication of being a recliner. It’s modern and fun, yet it is comfortable and reclines. It would be a stunning piece in a living room, home office, or library.

#3 The Rowland Armless Motion Recliner by Arhaus

The Rowland Recliner might just be my favorite take on a recliner. It is so fun and modern, yet I can see it working in a variety of spaces. Featuring soft, natural leather that has hand-sewn flanged edges, expertly crafted frame, and seat cushions that are padded with dense foam and feathers, the Rowland Recliner is an elevated take on exceptional comfort.

#4 The Savion Grandier Power Recliner by Hooker Furniture

My husband and I sat in the sofa version of the Savion on a trip we took to Jackson Hole, WY last Summer. At first glance, it is an incredibly beautiful piece that doesn’t appear to be very comfortable. Let me tell you, though, that first impression was WRONG. When we sat down, we didn’t want to leave. It was like sitting on a cloud and my husband especially has been obsessed with it ever since. It is actually a piece the two of us are saving up to purchase for our own home.

#5 The Shasta Recliner by Hooker Furniture

I like this one for its simplicity. It’s your average high-quality arm chair, yet it reclines without all of the overstuffing that typically comes with a recliner. It has gorgeous little details such as slightly arched arms and a plush top grain leather upholstery. I’d love to see it sitting alongside a patterned sofa with a warm Minky blanket draped over the arm.

#6 The Alex Upholstered Recliner by Arhaus

The Alex Recliner is another chair that is built in a fantastic size for a variety of spaces – just 30” wide. It was inspired by vintage Parisian club chairs, creating a classic and sophisticated silhouette that would look great in just about any space. What I love are the strong lines and the upholstered headrest that look oh so cozy! Get the leather version HERE.

#7 The Fergeson Power Recliner by Hooker Furniture

The Fergeson Recliner has a lovely masculine look to it. I could see this in my husband’s office with its rich, dark leather and beautiful wood accents. It is meticulously hand-crafted by one of America’s top furniture manufacturers (as you can see, they kind of dominate this list). It’s a piece that I would not hesitate to spec in one of my client’s homes.

#8 The Brandon Recliner by Sunpan

The Brandon Recliner features strong architecturally inspired details that would look great in a transitional-style or even a mountain-modern home. I love how the arms are framed by the trapezoidal-shaped wood. Overall, just a great piece to add to our list of top recliners this year.

#9 The Tribeca Fabric Power Motion Chair by Bernhardt Furniture Company

The Tribeca Chair is such a perfect recliner for 2023. I’m seeing this modern 1990’s revival everywhere. It features a fun, rounded, modern shape in a faux-sherpa fabric that makes me want to cozy up with a good book. This chair proves that not all reclining chairs have to be upholstered in leather, but can fit within your particular aesthetic.

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Which of these recliners is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! Want to learn more about working with JND? Visit us on our Services Page.

Wishing you the most wonderful week,

Jamie Nell