Modern recliner chairs might just be the seating upgrade you never knew you needed. They blend the unrivaled comfort of recliners with a sleek, modern design — no clunky eyesores here.
While old recliners were banished to basements and man caves (you know, areas where guests never go), these accent chairs are stylish enough to occupy any contemporary living space. In fact, according to interior designer Nina Lichtenstein, they offer ‘a chic alternative to traditional seating’
Equal parts comfort and style, a modern recliner is ‘a perfect blend of luxury and elegance that offers far more than your average accent seat,’ Nina continues. ‘Unlike regular accent seats, recliners provide adjustable support for your back, legs, and neck,’ she adds — perfect for reading, lounging, or a cheeky nap.
It's time to forget what you know about the recliner chairs from your childhood home. After hours of market research, I found 12 picks from top home brands, all of which have answered my prayers for options that are truly chic.
Modern Recliner Chairs
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Price: $629.99
Was: $899
Material: Velvet, Solid Pine & Engineered Wood
Currently on clearance, this West Elm recliner is an absolute steal. With its clean, modern noodle style, it’s plush and soft yet maintains a sleek profile. The seat is on the firmer side (rated a 4 on West Elm’s 1-5 scale), making it a great pick for reading or sitting room conversations. It's also contract grade, so you won’t need to replace this chair anytime soon. I opted for the versatile light gray, but this style is available in dozens of other upholsteries.
Price: $510
Was: $825
Material: Faux Leather, Solid & Manufactured Wood
If you’re shopping in the $500 or less price range, I’ll go out on a limb and say this is the best modern recliner you can buy right now. First off, it’s so clean and classic that no one would suspect it has reclining capabilities. Secondly, the upholstery is superb, unlike much of the subpar faux leather out there. Finally, the reviews: 4.7/5 stars on Wayfair with over 1,367 reviews. One happy customer raves, ‘There are others for a couple hundred bucks less, but this is worth the money. It’s comparable to much more expensive options in retail stores. Buy this chair and you too will love it!’ Case in point.
Price: $399
Material: Polyester Upholstery & Steel
Recliner chairs tend to carry a higher price tag than other accent chairs due to their intricate designs. It’s only natural to seek a budget option, but stylish ones are rare. After hours of online research, I found this gem on Perigold for $399. It looks far more expensive than its price suggests. Unlike most recliners, this versatile pick also glides and swivels, making it perfect for a nursery or anyone who wants more fun from their chair. You just can’t beat this one.
Price: $996
Was: $1,245
Material: Performance Velvet & Wood
I now believe in love at first sight. This seat looks like an ordinary (though highly chic) armchair, and yet, leans back effortlessly with a supportive seat to boot. It’s perfect for those who want a substantial silhouette and cozy feel but are short on space — the sleek lines free up visual space. Pair this velvet accent chair with a pastel patterned rug for a bright and cheerful living room vibe.
Price: $3,199
Material: Leather & Steel
You know when a pair of jeans is perfectly broken in? The fit is comfortable, and the slouch is just right? That’s this chair. It appears just the right amount of lived-in to make a house feel like a home, yet it’s not too traditional or granny-like. Would granny’s sitting room have anything with that super sleek solid steel swivel base? I think not (and if she does, she’s probably the coolest). For a design-forward setup, pair this blue accent chair with terracotta or hints of red.
Price: $2,999
Material: Top-Grain Leather & Manufactured Wood
When I dream up the perfect oversized armchair, something like this comes to mind. But even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined this perfect seat could also recline! I mean, hello, nap time! It's incredibly plush and serves as a fantastic room anchor. Despite its generous proportions, the back is designed to fit snugly against a wall, making it ideal for smaller rooms or for easy repositioning as your seating configurations change.
Price: $999
Material: Polyester, Steel, Walnut, Pine & Oak Wood
If you’re on the hunt for a reclinable mid-century accent chair, look no further than this beauty from Article. It features a three-point push-back mechanism for maximum customization and offers supreme comfort, as reflected in its 4.6/5 star rating. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: 'Low key, simple, elegant.' Exactly. And if you’re feeling fancy, this standout style is also available in leather.
Price: $2,403
Was: $3,423
Material: 8789 Juniper, Metal & Manufactured Wood
To the untrained eye, this chair might seem similar to others on this list or elsewhere on the market. But design lovers will appreciate the subtle luxury. It's all in the proportions. The subtly elongated shape, sturdy gleaming legs, and expertly angled geometry make it a piece of 'quiet luxury' — you know it looks expensive, but you can't quite pinpoint why. And if that doesn’t convince you, maybe this will: a perfect 5/5 stars on Wayfair. Pair with metallic accents, creams, neutrals, or colors — this classic beauty goes with everything.
Price: $589.99
Was: $1,379.99
Material: Faux Leather & Metal
If you love a clean, ultra-modern look and are on a budget, this chair is a good bet. Given that it's faux leather, I'm not going to say it’s the best quality compared to the other finds on this list. But it does the job and looks quite chic with its armless design. It has stellar reviews and looks great in customer photos. Given its price, consider purchasing two for a sleek sitting duo, anchored with a patterned rug underneath.
Price: $899
Material: Performance Velvet, Solid Oak & Engineered Wood
I know, I know: a wingback chair doesn’t usually scream 'modern,' but I’m making an exception here due to its sleekness. It has an airier feel than a traditional wingback, sort of like the diet version of a classic favorite. It maintains all of the classic charm and is chic as ever. I imagine it sitting pretty in a modern interior with classical sensibilities. The style is available in dozens of swatches to suit your preferences, and given that it’s West Elm, I expect this pick to hold up well over time.
Price: $769.99
Material: Faux Leather & Wood
I could not, and still cannot, believe that I found a chair (or should I say chair and ottoman duo) like this from Target — it looks so luxe! While it’s not quite as inconspicuous regarding its reclining capabilities as some of the other options here, I love how it leans into this functionality with full force, turning its inner mechanisms into chic accents. The chocolate brown looks great anywhere from offices to living rooms, and the ottoman makes it all the better to kick back and relax. And as if this find couldn’t get any dreamier, it’s got 4.9/5 stars — just beyond.
Price: $1,999
Material: Top-Grain Leather & Steel
I saved one of the best for last. If you have the budget, consider this swivel recliner from Pottery Barn. ‘That’s a recliner?!’ you might be thinking. Yes, yes, it is, which is what makes this statement chair so special. Of course, that’s also thanks to its modified wingback silhouette, which forms a striking contrast to its sleek metal legs underneath. Handsome and quite the conversation starter. I have extensive in-person experience with Pottery Barn furniture and would imagine that this is one of those pieces you will never, ever regret — even decades down the line.
What are the most comfortable modern recliner chair materials?
There is little point in buying a recliner if not for comfort. So, choosing a material that feels good on your body is crucial when making your selection. Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein offers a few suggestions for materials that are cozy, stylish, and stand up to everyday life.
Number one is leather — ‘a timeless material that offers durability and easy maintenance.’ While it is one of the more expensive options, high quality leather like full or top-grain varieties age like fine wine. They give your recliner ‘a sleek, sophisticated look while providing a soft, comfortable seating experience,’ Nina enthuses.
Another go-to is fabric, though not all are created equal. Opt for high-quality upholsteries, like ones made from linen or cotton, urges the designer. Plus, they’re ‘available in various colors and patterns, making it easy to match your decor.’
If you live in a busy household or have children or pets, stain-resistant microfiber will be your best bet. ‘Known for its softness and durability, microfiber is an excellent choice for those seeking a plush feel,’ Nina adds.
How should I style a modern recliner chair?
Unlike recliners of years past, modern recliners are meant to be seen. Still, they can be majorly enhanced with the right styling. Nina offers a few tips to make your new chair blend seamlessly and stand out all at once.
First, assess your surrounding furniture. Where does your recliner make the most sense? Are there open spaces? An ottoman nearby? ‘Position your recliner alongside complementary furniture,’ says Nina, adding that ‘A sleek side table or a contemporary floor lamp can create a cohesive look.’ To make these elements look more cohesive, consider incorporating a rug underneath. ‘This not only defines the space but also adds warmth and texture to the room.'
Modern recliners are already on the cushy side, but extra pillows never hurt! Choosing cushions of different colors and textures inject some personality and additional coziness to your seat, suggests Nina. And finally, greenery is always a good idea. ‘Place a plant nearby to bring in nature. Greenery can soften the look of the recliner and add a refreshing element to your decor,’ explains the designer.
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