And while you might think of recliners as a clunky eyesore, today, you’ll find a number of options that are sleek and contemporary. “There are a couple of pieces that are really good looking with contemporary lines,” says Jeanine Turner with Turner Design Firm, which specializes in organic, contemporary design. Our top pick, the Homall Recliner Chair, is a great value, works with modern and traditional decor, cleans with just a wipe, and reclines in multiple positions. Even among our list, it is a standout pick. Here are the best budget recliners. This is a narrow recliner, which means that you can fit one or two in many spaces. It also makes an ideal home movie seat, because you can put multiple chairs side-by-side. The faux leather is also easily wiped if you spill popcorn or soda. To recline, you will need to manually push back on the recliner. Because it isn’t heavy, weighing only 57 pounds, that is easy for most people to do. It also reduces the need for bulky hardware that can detract from the style. The back is only 38.6 inches tall. If you are on the taller side, it might not be big enough for you. This recliner is an exceptional value, even among a list of budget-friendly recliners. If you want to add comfortable seating to your living room, game room, or den, this is our top choice. It requires some simple assembly of putting the back and the seat together and screwing in four feet. Price at time of publish: $200 It comes in four different colors of faux leather, which is water-resistant and easy to clean. The seat is only 19.7 inches wide and 22.1 inches deep, so it may not make the best option for curling up. Instead, this recliner is a good pick for a small sitting room or movie room if you want to have plenty of seating and make the best use of the room that you do have. It is easy to move around in the room as the recliner weighs only 60 pounds. You will need 28 inches to maneuver it through doorways, however, so keep that in mind before assembling it. You might need to put it together in the room where you plan to use it. Price at time of publish: $233 While on the more expensive side of budget recliners, given its dual purpose and longevity, we think this recliner offers a great value. It comes in four colors and is Greenguard certified, which means that the polyester materials are free of volatile organic compounds, VOCs, and formaldehyde. It comes in at a mere 55 pounds, making for easy moving. Just note that some assembly is required. Price at time of publish: $399 In this category, the Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner is our favorite pick, as it offers superior comfort and three different sizes to choose from. This option offers extra cushioning on the headrest and a wider seat of up to 22 inches, allowing people to really sink into comfort when they sit. Mcombo offers three different models to choose from, each a different size. You can see which is the best for you based on their weight and height recommendations. This chair also includes extra features that can make it your new command central. It is made from faux leather and is a bit heavy, weighing 120 pounds. It has two built-in USB charging ports, a cup holder on each armrest, and exterior side pockets, perfect for a remote control or a favorite book. This recliner is a bit pricey but still a great value given its many features. Power lift chairs tend to be more expensive than other recliners due to their additional functionality. The recliner does require a bit of assembly before use. Price at time of publish: $620 Although it is on the pricey side, especially given the size, you’re paying for high-quality materials rather than extra size or features. The seat is 20.1 inches deep, and even when fully extended, the entire chair is only 65 inches long. It weighs 82 pounds and requires partial assembly. Price at time of publish: $780 This polyester chair isn’t as sleek as some of our other options and looks more like a traditional recliner. There is a side pocket to hold a book, the remote, or other small items, but it is secured by elastic that can sag. It comes in a slate blue which is more gray than blue. The back is 28 inches in height with a seat of over 19 inches in width. You won’t want to move this recliner around much, as it weighs a hefty 123.4 pounds. Some assembly is required. Price at time of publish: $710 This recliner’s fabric is polyester and comes in two neutral colors: apricot and gray, lending it to various decor styles. It requires some assembly, which may be difficult if you are buying this recliner because you want or need the therapeutic benefits to help with mobility. The recline button on the side is dark black plastic, which stands out visually but makes it easy to get to when you want to extend the footrest. This recliner weighs 70 pounds. Price at time of publish: $370 The back of this outdoor seat does not recline, but the footrest does extend, allowing you to put your feet up and relax. The seat offers ample room with a width of 21 inches. The recliner is easy to assemble and move around, weighing only 46 pounds. It is part of the Ventura line of outdoor furniture, which includes sofas, tables, and other types of chairs. You can opt for one with an extendable footrest in one area and have a matching set in another part of your yard. Price at time of publish: $599
Material
Like other seating options, recliners are made with various materials, from woven fabrics to leather. You can choose the chair’s fabric based on your personal preference, but it’s also important to consider factors like durability. If you’re worried about spills and stains, a leather recliner that’s easier to clean may be a better choice than a fabric one.
Additional Features
Unlike traditional chairs, recliners often come with additional features (which is part of why they’re so relaxing to sit in). Before you buy a recliner, decide which features are most important to you. For example, do you want the recliner handle on the right or left side? Do you have any special needs that require a certain type of cushioning or support? Do you want a recliner with built-in heating or massage capabilities? Answering these questions can help you decide on the best recliner for you.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she looked for recliners that didn’t skimp on style or features, even while they kept budget in mind. She also talked to Jeanine Turner with Turner Design Firm, the recipient of the International Property Awards 2022 Best Kitchen Design. “Usually, things get replaced because people are moving, or downsizing, or upsizing. Less often because they get broken,” says Turner. “Go with a neutral color in the big pieces so that you can change [the] color scheme with wallpaper, art, rugs, or pillows.”
