Recliner Sofa Buying Guide: 5 Crucial Considerations You Must Make

Recliner Sofa Buying Guide: 5 Crucial Considerations You Must Make

There is nothing quite like sinking into a comfortable seat after a long day. The desire to buy a recliner sofa is a step towards ultimate home relaxation, yet the buying process itself can often feel a little overwhelming. With countless styles, materials, and clever features now available, how do you ensure you are choosing the perfect piece for your living space?

It is easy to get lost in the sea of options. You are not just buying a sofa; you are investing in a central piece of your home furniture that needs to look fantastic, feel amazing, and last for years. That is why we have broken down the entire process into the five most critical steps. By reviewing this essential guide, you will gain the clarity and confidence needed to make a choice you will cherish.


Table of contents


How to measure for a recliner sofa

Before you even start looking at colours or materials, the first and most critical step is mastering your measurements. A recliner requires more space than a standard sofa, not only when stationary but also when fully extended.

Start by measuring the space where the sofa will sit. Note the standard dimensions (width, height, and depth), but then crucially add around 30cm to the depth measurement to account for the full recline. This ensures your chair will not hit the wall or obstruct a pathway when in use. Mark out the full perimeter of your floor with masking tape to get a clear visual sense of the space it will occupy.

The second part of the measurement process is often overlooked: access. Recliner sofas are typically large and come in sections. You must measure the width and height of all access points from the delivery van to your living room. 

That means your front door, any internal doors, narrow hallways, and staircases. If your new sofa cannot physically fit through your front door, the other steps do not matter. Measure twice to avoid a lot of heartache later.


What will be your recliner sofa’s main purpose?

Understanding how you plan to use your recliner sofa will dictate the features you need. Are you looking for a practical, supporting piece of furniture, or will it be the dedicated heart of your family’s entertainment?

If your recliner will serve as a supporting relaxation piece—an occasional chair for quiet reading or simply another comfortable seat in a formal living room—a focus on elegance and comfort is paramount. For this purpose, we recommend a distinguished single armchair, such as the Valencia Leather Tan Recliner Armchair. Its compact size and timeless design mean it complements existing furniture without overpowering the room.

However, if your purchase is intended to be the main attraction for home movie nights and family downtime, you need a statement piece built for true indulgence. A model with built-in amenities makes all the difference. For this, the Cinema Tan Electric Leather 3 Seater Recliner Sofa with Two Cup Holders is an ideal choice, offering dedicated cup holders and maximum seating capacity.


Ideal placement and viewing distance

When setting up your main entertainment recliner, placement is key. Ensure the seating is centred to the television for the best viewing angle. The ideal distance from your screen depends on its size, but a general rule of thumb is to sit about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal measurement of your screen away. This distance ensures a fully immersive, comfortable viewing experience without causing unnecessary eye strain.


Which material recliner sofa works best for you?

The choice between a fabric and a leather recliner sofa is significant, shaping the sofa's feel, maintenance, and ultimate aesthetic. Both materials have their distinct advantages and drawbacks, as outlined below:

Feature

Fabric Recliner Sofas

Leather Recliner Sofas

Pros

Wide variety of colours and patterns. Warmer to the touch in winter. Generally softer feel.

Extremely durable and long-lasting. Easy to wipe clean from spills. Develops a pleasant patina over time.

Cons

Can stain easily and be difficult to clean. Absorbs odours. Less durable against constant abrasion.

Can be cold in winter and sticky in summer. Higher initial purchase price. Limited colour choices.


To help you decide for your specific space, here are our top material recommendations for popular interior design styles:

Décor style

Material Recommendation

Rationale

Traditional

Leather

The rich texture and classic, polished finish of leather perfectly embody the sophisticated, weighty feel of traditional interiors.

Contemporary

Fabric

Modern woven fabrics allow for clean, sharp lines and offer interesting textures that complement minimalist, current designs.

Minimalist

Fabric

Choose a light, textured weave in a neutral tone. Fabric often appears less imposing and softer than a heavy leather item.

Home CInema

Leather

Ideal for this setting. It resists spills from drinks and snacks and is simple to wipe down, ensuring longevity and a premium look.



Consider the colour choice in a recliner sofa

The colour of your new recliner sofa will define the mood of the room, so this decision requires careful thought. You are selecting a long-term investment, so choosing a colour that will stand the test of time is vital.


Existing decor

Does the room already feature warm wood tones, or are the accents primarily cool metal and glass? A navy blue or charcoal grey sofa pairs wonderfully with a cool palette, while rich tan or warm brown complements rustic woods and earthy tones. The sofa does not have to be the exact same colour as everything else, but it should harmonise with the existing pieces to create a cohesive look.


Seasonality

Darker colours, like deep forest green or sophisticated black, create a cosy, intimate feel that is perfect for the cooler months. Lighter shades, such as oatmeal or light grey, reflect light beautifully and feel airy and expansive during the summer.


Popular colours

Finally, while classics like beige and brown are always sensible, consider current popular colours to keep your room feeling modern. Shades of grey continue to dominate the market for their versatility, while deep, luxurious jewel tones like emerald and sapphire are currently very fashionable, offering a bold yet timeless statement.


The best complementary furniture for a recliner sofa

A recliner sofa works best when paired with the right supporting furniture to maximise both convenience and comfort. Here are three key items that will instantly upgrade your reclining experience:

  1. A C-Shaped Side Table: This small, functional table features a base that slides underneath the sofa. The ‘C’ shape allows the tabletop to hover directly over the arm or lap area. Justification: It provides a stable surface for a mug of tea, a bowl of popcorn, or a remote control, all within easy reach without requiring you to get up or stretch awkwardly.

  2. An Adjustable Floor Lamp: A tall floor lamp that can be positioned directly over your shoulder or lap. Justification: While overhead lighting is functional, a dedicated floor lamp provides focused, warm light for reading or crafting, allowing you to enjoy your favourite hobbies comfortably without straining your eyes.

  3. A Slim Console Table: Placed behind the recliner sofa (if it sits in the middle of a room). Justification: This is a practical way to manage charging cables and remotes, keep the area tidy, provide a home for decorative pieces, and prevent the large sofa from completely dominating the space.


Explore recliner sofas at Furniture Instore

Choosing the right recliner sofa means carefully balancing function, comfort, and style. You now know the five crucial steps: measuring for both room space and access, defining your sofa’s purpose, selecting the perfect material for your décor, making a considered colour choice, and pairing it with smart complementary furniture.

The journey to finding your ideal reclining haven begins here. Ready to implement your new knowledge?

Take the next step and explore our premium recliners from our Foster, Cidliano, and Roma collections.


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