Picture this. The latest episode of your favorite series has just been released and you have the evening free to enjoy it. You gather your favorite snacks and beverage and get ready to settle in for what critics call the greatest moment in television history. But just as you sit, your lumpy recliner steals the spotlight.
You’ve had that recliner for years. It’s been through some of the best moments in entertainment you can remember. So, naturally, it’s hard to let go of something so sentimental. But when it comes to compromising your health — specifically, your spine — it’s time to consider canceling and replacing it with new material.
At the end of the day, a TV recliner is supposed to provide comfort while you give yourself time to forget about the stresses of the day. In order to do that, you need a quality recliner that suits your needs and lifestyle. Luckily, we’re bringing you our top TV recliner picks inside this complete buying guide.
At a Glance:
Exploring Recliner Upholsteries
Recommended TV Recliner Brands
Reclining Mechanisms
When it comes to recliners, it’s all about the motion. The more the bells and whistles, the higher the price tag. For instance, do you know the differences between a power and manual recliner? Let’s break them down for you.
For the Traditionalist: The Manual Recliner
All recliner chairs come from this prototype, which uses a lever to adjust the seating angle. It’s not the most impressive presentation to some, but there is one major advantage: no connections required. A wireless setup means a manual recliner can be placed virtually anywhere in the home, giving it the most flexibility out of the options.
For Those Geared for Relaxation: The Power Recliner
Prefer your chair to do the work for you? Upgrade to a power recliner to go from sitting upright to lying flat at the press of a button. Power recliners come with a variety of control options, including buttons, connected remote controls, and switches. As mentioned, these need to be connected to a power source, so keep an open mind when considering one of these for your space.
For Loungers Who Want It All: The Triple Recliner
From there, power recliners can be upgraded to include a power headrest and even an adjustable lumbar region with triple recliners. This setup gives users the ultimate positioning versatility from the head down to the feet with minimal effort. Simply press the dedicated button, find your ideal resting position, and settle in for some entertainment.
For Some Extra Sway: The Swivel Recliner Mechanism
Even more range of motion can be yours with a swivel recliner. Available in manual and power options, swivel chairs are a great option for users with limited mobility — or the gamer who simply wants snacks at the ready without having to get up.
For the Siesta Lovers: The Rocking Recliner
While popular in nurseries, rocker recliners are nothing to snooze about. Gentle rocking and customizable reclining are the perfect combination for those who enjoy sneaking in a midday nap. A rocker recliner is also great for users with health conditions that require them to sleep in an upright position, including sleep apnea or heartburn. A variation on the design is the glider recliner, which features the same rocking motion on a guided track for a smooth, gliding sway.
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ReclinersTypes of Recliner Upholsteries
Downtime on a TV recliner can be enjoyed on three main material options. Each offers a unique look and level of comfort made for a specific kind of lounger and living situation. Take a look at the differences, starting with the most affordable materials to the most luxurious.
Fabric Upholstery
Does catching up on your favorite series surrounded by plush comfort sound like your style of lounging? If so, an upholstered TV chair might just be what Doctor (Who) ordered. Popular upholstery options include velvet, microfiber, and weaved textures, all of which provide a touch of coziness that is more breathable than leather upholsteries. Recliners upholstered in fabric are typically a bargain hunter’s best option, but keep in mind fabrics are more vulnerable to stains and generally have a shorter lifespan than synthetic materials or leather.
Faux Leather
Faux leather is the look of genuine hide with many of the same great qualities for a fraction of the cost. For instance, faux leather recliners are extremely easy to clean with just a microfiber cloth and water. Faux leather is less porous than genuine leather, meaning it won’t absorb spills and stains as easily, but be aware — not all faux leather is the same.
For the best experience, explore recliners made with polyurethane versus PVC leather (also known as vinyl leather. Faux leather made with polyurethane is built with more layers than its counterpart, providing more durability.
Genuine Leather
Splurge, binge, and relish downtime in luxury on a genuine leather TV recliner. These reclining chairs come in five main categories. From the least to most durable, these include bonded, bicast (bycast), genuine leather, top-grain leather, and full-grain leather.
The good news is that recliners upholstered in real leather have the longest lifespans, ranging anywhere from 10–20 years when properly maintained. That means you can still get a good deal on a lower-quality leather recliner with a comparable look, feel, and convenience of one made from full-grain leather.
Best TV Recliner Brands
From reviews to style to affordability, we’ve taken a look at the best recliner brands in our catalog, ultimately settling for these three standout brands. Take a look at what Corinthian Furniture, Southern Motion, and Steve Silver Co. all bring to the table when it comes to your personal downtime with television.
Corinthian
Affordability and American pride meet at Corinthian Furniture, the veteran-owned furniture brand with more than 30 years of crafting quality furnishings for the home. Corinthian manufactures fine furniture for the entire home using a seven-step process to ensure ultimate attention to detail. Settle in on recliners sporting styles from traditional to transitional and made of top materials for total comfort and durability.
Southern Motion
It took this Southern-native brand just 25 years to become a leading name in sofas, sectionals, chairs, and recliners. Today, the Mississippi-based brand counts on over 1,500 Southern Motion workers to build and upholster seating furniture for every kind of downtime. Brand highlights include SoCozi reclining massage chair upgrades with heat that bring an evening at the spa to your living room, plus Zero Gravity recliners that expand the limits of relaxation while improving circulation while you unwind.
Steve Silver Co.
Steve Silver Furniture is a fixture of home furnishings with a full catalog of products that range from the bedroom to the living room and everywhere in between. Explore single recliners for some solo indulgence or recliner sectionals for the whole family to gather during a movie in the media room. Whichever choice you choose, you can count on over 35 years of dedication to creating some of the finest American furniture available on the market.
Best of: Our Top TV Recliner Picks
Check out these five best recliners reviewed by our experts from a different category. Which one will you choose as your TV companion?
Best Triple TV Recliner: Larry Saddle Brown Triple-Power Recliner
The beauty of simplicity meets the power of versatility with this triple power recliner from Steve Silver Co. Lie back and dial into deep relaxation with customizable headrest, lumbar, and reclining to enjoy your favorite shows from the best angle. The sleek silhouette also features a few hidden gems. On the side, a pocket for magazines and remotes, while a flip-top armrest reveals a lighted cupholder ready to hold your favorite downtime beverage.
Best Theater Recliner: Casabella Brown Power Recliner
Corinthian delivers an oversized recliner for loungers looking for beefed-up relaxation when it’s time to unwind. Pair the integrated Bluetooth speakers to your television for immersive entertainment that surrounds you as decadently as the luxurious faux leather and pub-back seat. When a comfortable reclining gaming chair is the call of duty, this power recliner delivers, complete with armrest storage, drink holders, and MicroDynamic foam to keep you comfy while you go through sagas of movies and gameplay.
Best Massage TV Recliner: Southern Motion™ Fame Blue SoCozi Massage Rocker Recliner
Having a case of the blues is a good thing when it comes to this Southern Motion recliner. A sleek frame with rounded arms and bolster cushioning are an invitation to relax you’ll love settling in on at the end of your day. For rough days, treat yourself to a complimentary massage. The SoCozi massage function with heat melts away stress and fatigue while you give your body a moment to sit back and enjoy the finer things in life — like poly-foam cushioning and supply faux leather.
Best Headrest Recliner: Gazelle Power Headrest Recliner
Elevate your relaxation with this power headrest recliner that nods to the sophistication of a gentleman’s office. Complete with the hearty character of diamond stitching and nailhead trim, this power recliner packs a punch of personality for a timeless statement in your favorite lounging area. Make yourself at home against the divided back and padded arms before adjusting the headrest in a comfortable position to enjoy sports, entertainment, or a classic book.
Best Zero Gravity TV Recliner: Living Room Saturn Chaps Leather Zero Gravity Recliner
Go beyond ordinary reclining with this Southern Motion Zero Gravity recliner that lies completely flat. The unique positioning offers a therapeutic landing zone for tired legs and feet and helps improve circulation while you relax. You’ll have no problem finding your groove on its plush build and sleek track arms that let you sink into a daydream the moment you take a seat.
TV Recliner FAQs
Still curious about recliners? Here’s what buyers are asking!
What is the difference between a TV recliner and a lounger?
A lounger is any stationary chair permanently fixed in a lounging position. There is no mechanism that allows a lounger to adjust positioning. Additionally, these chairs are usually made without a footrest and are often paired with a matching ottoman.
On the other hand, a TV recliner does change positions with either a manual or power mechanism. Once activated, a kick-out footrest supports the legs in a fully reclined posture.
What is a zero wall recliner?
Also known as a wall hugger recliner, zero wall recliners feature a unique build that allows them to be positioned as close to the wall as possible, even when fully reclined. Zero clearance recliners are great for tight spaces and often only need a few inches of space between the wall and chair to enjoy full range of use.
How long should a recliner last?
Good news! Today’s recliners are built to last around a decade of everyday use when properly maintained. Factors such as the reclining mechanism and fabric can increase durability. The most durable recliners
Why Trust Us?
At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 50 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.
Shop TV Recliners at Bob Mills
Start reveling in endless comfort and shop recliners for unbeatable prices at Bob Mills. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you select the perfect TV recliner — whether you call the Bob Mills Furniture store nearest you or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our showrooms throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to discover why we are everyone’s favorite local furniture store. Visit us today!
Learn More: The Important Differences in Recliners