Who doesn’t love sinking into a sumptuous recliner after a day of hard work? The supportive headrest, the extending footrest and the plump cushioning can feel like sinking into a gentle cloud. Despite boasting unmatched comfort levels, these luxury modern chairs scare off many due to their bulky and sometimes formless design.

But, a recliner armchair doesn’t have to be the tired, drab piece of furniture we used to see in our grandparent’s homes. The modern recliner is a splendid amalgamation of functionality and modern aesthetics. Modern luxury designers have upgraded these chairs into stylish iconic forms that uplift and elevate contemporary living rooms in high-end homes.

A woman is relaxing in the stylish cream electric recliner riser chair, enjoying the serene atmosphere of a luxurious living area

Still sceptical? Let us help you see the recliner as a stylish new addition to your interior space. Comfort doesn’t always have to come at the cost of your design values.

Are Recliners a Good Choice for Luxury Interiors?

Recliners have long been associated with well-worn chairs with tired cushions in out-of-the-way corners of musty rooms, but indulgence need not be relegated to dark corners.

Every lounge should be a sanctuary of comfort, no matter where you choose to lay yourself down to rest. Similarly, luxury brands know how to imbue that worn-in comfort into designs that please the eye as much as the body.

Whether it's a power recliner, a riser recliner or a simple recline chair - its the modern design which achieves all that and more. Its sleek, minimalist form completed in high-end leather and luxurious fabrics makes for a visual treat. But the luxury interiors of today are no longer solely focused on looks.

They need to incorporate the elements of enhanced functionality, comfort and haute couture style. Your interior space is a canvas that displays your lifestyle and reflects your priorities, and your ultimate comfort should definitely be one of them.

Stunning gray-colored cosy recliner chair with cream cushions, paired with a round coffee table, set in a modern living room.

Different Types of Recliners

You can find a range of designs and mechanisms in luxury recliners including many advanced features such as built-in charging ports or user-friendly remote-controlled systems. But broadly speaking, here are the three categories to look out for:

Manual recliners

A manual recliner chair is ideal for those who want to keep it simple.

They feature a release handle or button that activates the mechanical chair supports, extending the chair into a reclined position. You can return it to a neutral position by simply pushing the footrest back in.

This recliner will not be suited for those with limited mobility or the elderly; however, the manual mechanism ensures it does not need any power or electricity outlets to function and can be placed wherever you want, without any limitations.

Electric recliner chairs

These chairs offer a much less physically straining mechanism. You can simply push a button to open up the recliner, and similarly press another button for it to go back to an upright position.

This style also gives you the luxury of choosing the optimal recline level according to your most restful reclining position. You may want to extend it flat for a brief repose or just a more comfortable relaxation to kick back and enjoy a quiet afternoon. Minimal effort and maximum comfort.

Lift chairs

A popular choice for the elderly or those with limited mobility; electric riser recliners don’t just lean back for a relaxed position but also lift up to help you stand back when you’re up without depending on anyone for assistance. This simplified addition gives you the luxury of independence, aiding in improved living standards.

Closer view of a gray fabric recliner chair placed in a modern room with a cozy fireplace in the background

Alternatives to Recliners

There are several ways to take a step towards comfort without going all the way in. Accent chairs, occasional chairs and tub chairs provide oodles of comfort – especially when paired with a stylishly cute ottoman in your living space. Pairing these two furniture items can feel less bulky and help create some eye movement in your interiors. Another good option is a stylish, curvy lounger. These feet-friendly seaters are not limited to the outdoors. They enhance your room’s comfort levels with a touch of whimsical charm.

What’s more, both manual and electric recliners are no longer exclusively offered as standalone pieces of furniture, standing out oddly from the rest of a lounge suite, but several Italian designers of modular suites now offer these as a matching optional piece within a set. The genius is that they work just as well as a standalone or an integrated arrangement. You can also opt for a recliner sofa set or a simple sofa with an adjustable headrest or an exceptional comfort level - our personal favourites being the Italian sofas from Gamma and Dandy. Sofa beds and divan beds are also some other good multi-functional alternatives that blend well with modern interiors.

A couple relaxing on a cosy recliner sofa, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional recliner chairs, in a  modern living room.

Things to Consider When Buying a New Recliner

There are many parameters that will determine which recliner will be the one for you. Not only should it suit your interiors in a seamless manner, but it should also complement your lifestyle.

Finding the Right Size

One of the most crucial elements is the size of a recliner. You need to consider the dimensions of your room. Even the sleekest of recliners require a certain amount of space around them to ensure that they’re creating a sense of luxurious comfort – not claustrophobic levels of a cramped area.

The size of your recliner also needs to be in accordance with your body. Modern luxury recliners come in multiple sizes ranging from petite to extra tall. When choosing any furniture item for its comfort value, we highly recommend that you try it out first. With a recline in the neutral position, your legs should bend at a 90-degree angle and your feet should touch the floor. When reclined, your feet should not be dangling off the footrest. The headrest should be perfectly aligned with your head and neck. If you don’t hit the right notes, you’ll discover that your recliner actually feels more uncomfortable than a regular chair.

Luxury brown leather electric recliner chair placed in a contemporary living room, complemented by a stylish coffee table and modern decor.

Opting for High Quality

Investing in a high-end, luxury recliner will ensure that you make an investment you won’t regret. There’s no point in getting a recliner that falls short in comfort levels, has a tacky finish, and has low-quality mechanisms.

High-quality recliners feature a highly durable hardwood structure that reflects in its sturdy form. The reinforced construction style features additional padding and webbing in the stress points to truly alleviate all your daily pains. You can literally feel the difference with a high-calibre sofa; especially when it comes to offering enhanced lumbar support.

Recliners that are constructed with care and attention to detail use the highest quality of materials when creating their mechanisms. From the smallest springs to the metal inserts used, they ensure a smooth reclining system that will not let you down with time.

Stylish brown leather recliner chair placed in a stunning living room, complemented by minimalist decor and modern furniture

Choosing Modern Silhouettes

Needless to say; looks matter. Yes, you are getting a recliner for the comfort value, but you don’t need to compromise on the ambience of your home.

A modern recliner is often so subtly designed that at first glance it can easily be passed off for a regular armchair.

Our designers recommend finding a recliner with clean lines, sleek forms and minimalist silhouettes. And that it’s also equally important to opt for high-quality upholstery and finishing.

Small details like concealed controls and hidden footrests will help it blend more seamlessly with other furniture items in the room.

The best part about choosing a sleek, modern design and luxurious upholstery for your recliner chair is that you can easily match it with any type of furniture in your living room, bedroom or home office.

Luxury black leather electric recliner riser chair, designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation, placed in a room with a beautiful outdoor view.

Multifunctional

The integration of technology and furniture in the form of a recliner has opened a world of possibilities.

Modern recliners can combine several other functions that will make your day-to-day lives that much easier.

You will find many recliner chairs with options like a built-in USB port, a Bluetooth-enabled speaker system, voice-control commands, storage compartments, cup holders, and much more.

In fact, many recliners also combine functions like heat control and massage options which will blur the lines between your living room and a luxury spa right in your chair.

In a fast-paced world, we need to keep an eye out for things that will enhance productivity and subsequently lead to a smoother lifestyle.

 Stylish brown leather recliner chair with a Bluetooth-enabled speaker system, placed in a modern room that offers a stunning outdoor view.

Styling a Recliner

There’s an art to adding recliners to your lounge without breaking its visual flow. You want to bridge the gap between function and form by paying attention to detail.

A recliner holds a lot of visual weight, you need to balance it out with an eye-catching, patterned or vibrant armchair in the same room. This will help distribute the attention and imbue the feeling of a larger space.

Accessories always play a huge part in elevating interiors. You can offset your recliner by placing a cosy rug beneath it. This will highlight your stunning, modern chair and create an anchoring effect around it. Another way to create cohesion is by adding some charming cushions or throws on your recliner; simple and effective.

Styling the area around your recliner is another great way of accentuating its posh form. You can create a gallery wall by layering pictures or paintings adjacent to the recliner. This will balance out the recliner’s form while also bringing it to more focus. Adding an attractive green planter, or a warm floor lamp will do wonders in creating a more well-designed and homely appeal around it. If you’re a book-lover, then do consider utilising your recliner as a lavish little reading nook by adding a classy bookcase near it filled with your best reads. Recliners make the perfect spot for nestling in with your favourite read.

Cozy gray electric recliner riser chairs paired with a stylish coffee table, set in a contemporary living area with minimalist decor.

Summing Up: How FCI London Can Help You

Modern Recliner chairs are the epitome of cosy chic – something no interior space can have enough of. A well-curated and thoughtfully placed recliner will be sure to turn heads for all the right reasons. Get in touch with our team of highly experienced interior designers to help find you the perfect recliner.

They have steadily gained popularity as the seat of choice among modern interior spaces – but we won’t blame you if you feel like you’re not there yet. Styling a modern recliner tactfully can feel intimidating without an interior expert at your service.

Get in touch with our team of highly experienced interior designers to help find you the perfect recliner.

Book an Appointment with an FCI Expert

Whether you’re interested in armchairs, recliners, outdoor offerings or the perfect match for your dining room, our skilled team will help you make a selection that will elevate your home.

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