A reclining sofa is one of the biggest pieces you'll buy for your home, and you'll use it every day. So it's worth getting right. Knowing how to choose a reclining sofa comes down to five things: the space it needs when reclined, the right layout for your room, the upholstery, the features you'll actually use, and how it feels when you sit in it. This guide walks through each one, with a checklist at the end.
Step 1: Measure for the recline, not just the sofa
This is the mistake people make most often. A recliner needs more room than its upright size.
Measure the wall or zone where the sofa will go, and note the width.
Ask for the fully reclined depth of any model you like. Then make sure there's space in front for the footrest and still a path to walk past.
Check the clearance behind. Some recliners need a gap from the wall to recline fully. Others are designed to sit closer. Ask for the exact model's figure.
Find the outlet. Power recliners need to plug in. Plan where the cord will run so it stays out of walkways.
Measure the way in. Measure doorways, hallways, stairs and the elevator if you're in a condo. Large sectionals usually come in separate pieces, but measure anyway.
A practical tip: mark the reclined footprint on the floor with painter's tape. Then live with it for a day.
Step 2: Pick the right layout
Single seat or armchair. Good for a reading corner, a bedroom or next to a sofa you already have. Our ÉLAN (85 × 96 × 107 cm) and PILOT (74 × 87 × 117 cm) are power reclining armchairs.
Loveseat or three-seater. The classic choice for most living rooms. Matching sizes let you build a set: a three-seater facing the TV, with a loveseat or single seat at the side. ASHER comes as a single seat, loveseat or three-seater (94, 160 or 231 cm wide). TAURO comes as a three-seater or single seat.
Sectional. Best for family rooms and movie nights, when everyone wants their own reclining spot. Check which side the chaise or corner faces before you order. CALVA is an L-shaped sectional you can order left- or right-facing. KOVA is a modular sectional with built-in cup holders.
Step 3: Leather or fabric
Leather is the classic reclining-sofa choice. It's easy to wipe clean, it looks refined, and it suits modern, clean-lined rooms. To care for it, dust it regularly and wipe spills promptly with a soft, damp cloth. Keep it out of strong direct sun and away from heaters, and follow the care guidance for your specific leather.
Fabric feels softer and warmer to the touch. Some people prefer it in a cozier, more casual room.
Ask what the leather is and where it comes from. The leather on our power sofas comes from tanneries in Italy, Brazil and other countries. If you prefer fabric, GRAVO and MASHIE are motion sofas upholstered in fabric.
Step 4: Choose the features you'll actually use
Power or manual recline. Power lets you stop at any angle with a button. Manual uses a lever or a push-back and has set positions. (We compare them in detail in Power Recliner vs Manual Recliner.)
Power headrest. It tilts the headrest up when you're reclined, so you can still see the TV comfortably. If you watch a lot of TV lying back, this is worth having.
Cup holders and storage. Handy for movie nights and on large sectionals.
Independent seats. On a multi-seat recliner, check that each seat reclines on its own, so one person can lie back while the next sits up.
Step 5: Check what's inside
What's underneath matters as much as what's on top. Ask about:
The frame. Plywood and solid wood are what you want to hear.
The cushioning. High-resilience foam springs back after you stand up instead of flattening.
The seat support. Elastic webbing, and sometimes pocket springs, give a supportive, even seat.
Our power leather range is built on plywood and solid wood frames with high-resilience foam and elastic webbing support. The KOVA adds pocket springs. The range is made by Violino, a leather-furniture specialist founded in 1991.
Step 6: Sit in it
Specs only get you so far. Try the recline from upright to fully back, and back up again. Notice where your head lands. Check that your feet reach the footrest comfortably and that the seat depth suits your height. If two people will share it, sit in it together.
Quick checklist
Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
Reclined depth + space to walk past | The recliner needs more room than its upright size |
Clearance from the wall | Some models need a gap behind to recline fully |
Outlet location (power models) | Keeps the cord out of walkways |
Doorways, stairs and elevator | Makes sure the sofa can get in |
Left- or right-facing (sectionals) | Getting the corner wrong is a costly mistake |
Leather or fabric | Comes down to upkeep, look and feel |
Power headrest, cup holders | Pay for the features you'll use |
Frame, foam and support | Decides how it holds up over the years |
See the range in person
You can see every model, with sizes side by side, on our power leather sofas page. Or come and try the recline at our Richmond showroom, open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
FAQ
How much space do I need for a reclining sofa?
More than its upright size. Leave room in front for the footrest when fully reclined, plus a path to walk past. Check the exact model's clearance from the wall, since some recliners need a gap behind them.
Is a reclining sectional a good idea for a small living room?
It can be, if you measure the reclined footprint first. In a smaller room, a reclining loveseat plus a reclining armchair is often easier to fit than one large L-shape, and it gives everyone a seat.
Is leather or fabric better for a reclining sofa?
Leather is easy to wipe clean and looks refined. Fabric feels softer and warmer. Choose the one that fits how you live and how much upkeep you want.
What features should a reclining sofa have?
Start with the type of recline, power or manual. Then decide whether you want a power headrest, cup holders and seats that recline independently. Underneath, look for a plywood or solid wood frame and high-resilience foam.
Can I try a power reclining sofa before buying?
Yes. You can sit in our power leather sofas and recliners, try the controls and compare the leathers at our Richmond showroom, open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.