Forget the old-school recliner chair. I’m talking about the puffy fabric chair with a large handle on the side that, when pulled, kicks the chair out like an angry mule. We want to go for recliners that don’t look like recliners, like a modern La Z Boy. So, I compiled and reviewed the features of some of my stylish favorites.
My Top 5 Favorite Recliners That Don’t Look Like Recliners
This is the list of reclining armchairs I like:
- Churchhill Leather Recliner With Nailheads
- Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair
- Wingback Reclining ArmchairLa Z Boy Recliner Armchair
- La Z Boy Recliner Armchair
- Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
| Armchairs | Available in Genuine Leather | Automatic/Manual Reclining Mechanism |
| Churchhill Leather Recliner With Nailheads | Yes | Manual |
| Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair | Yes | Automatic |
| Wingback Reclining Armchair | Yes | Manual (push back/front) |
| La Z Boy Recliner Armchair | Yes | Automatic |
| Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman | Yes | Automatic |
Below, I discuss these five favorites, so continue reading:
1. Churchhill Leather Recliner With Nailheads
The above is a stunning leather reclining armchair by Restoration Hardware with wood legs. Look at that beauty. Who can tell it’s a recliner? The same model comes without reclining features (for those who prefer ottomans).
Seriously, that chair would look fabulous in most living room designs. Still, I was hoping we didn’t get too excited yet. It’s because Restoration Hardware, though one of my all-time favorite furniture retailers, is costly.
Here’s where it gets interesting. RH lets us choose from 58 different leather options. Another excellent customization option is nailheads or no nailheads (I like nailheads) and with a high-leg recliner. While electric-powered, I’m okay with that because it’s so awesome in design and amazingly provides instant reclining comfort.
2. Mid-Century Modern Reclining Armchair
I can’t believe the price of this mid-century modern beauty with wood legs. Its features include high arms and a long tapered back matched with long tapered wooden legs. This is a high leg recliner with a classic mid-century modern armchair design. It will look great in many living area designs, including contemporary and mid-century modern.
I don’t mind polyester blend cushions; this could be the perfect high leg recliner. I certainly like it, including the speckled light gray. Like recliners with low-cost prices, I must assemble this piece of furniture.
3. Wingback Reclining Armchair
I do love a wingback seat, and we have two of them with wood legs. The problem with wingback chairs is they aren’t comfortable because of the straight up-and-down angle of the tall back. So, the reclining wingback solves the instant reclining comfort problem. It offers that classic and timeless wingback chair design with wood legs, perfect for our living room.
The above-featured reclining wingback armchair has polyester upholstery. It comes in navy blue, charcoal gray, red, light gray tweed, and taupe tweed. To activate the recliner, I simply push it back (pretty standard).
There are subtle nailheads along the side of the seat that give it some texture. The best part is this chair is not all that expensive, yet it looks great.
4. La Z Boy Recliner Armchair
I just got a La Z Boy Recliner Armchair, and it’s incredible! This incredibly cozy La Z Boy provides instant reclining comfort with memory foam support. Its reclining feature is a total relaxation game-changer.
Regarding its build quality, this La Z Boy is solid and feels built to last. The reclining mechanism is smooth, and the design is stylish. Also, it has built-in lumbar support, which is a big plus! I can opt for the power recline and massage functions with relaxed legs.
This La Z Boy is an investment that’s worth it! We can also watch for deals to make it more budget-friendly. The La Z Boy Recliner Armchair is not a high leg recliner. Also, this La Z Boy is all about top-notch and instant reclining comfort and style. It’s a fantastic addition to any living space.
5. Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
It’s an iconic piece of furniture that seamlessly combines style and comfort. While the Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman may not look like a typical high leg recliner, it offers exceptional relaxation.
Its classic mid-century modern design, featuring genuine leather upholstery and molded plywood, adds a touch of sophistication to any room. The ottoman, like a La Z Boy, provides a place to put our feet and legs up, making it perfect for lounging and reading.
What to Look for When Choosing Recliners That Don’t Look Like Recliners
Below are some features to look for when choosing not just any reclining chair. I’m talking about beautiful recliners that don’t look like recliners, such as a La Z Boy armchair.
Stunning Designs Beyond the Ordinary
A nice design makes secret recliners. I love the big, oversized armchair look with a high leg recliner, yet other options exist. There are some fabulous, sleek mid-century accent chair type recliners. They come with leg rest as well.
Smooth Reclining Mechanisms
I have tried an electric-powered La Z Boy armchair recline with a leg rest, too. What I love most is that I can place the La Z Boy where I like for whatever I’m doing—most of them, I simply push back to recline. I prefer the “push-back” mechanism of the La Z Boy over some unsightly handles on the side for these armchairs that don’t look like recliners.
The Swivel Armchair Advantage
I’m not big on swivel chairs, yet it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker if the perfect design and function swiveled. It’s not that I don’t find features like these useful; I have young kids who will turn it into a merry-go-round. Thus, they’ll possibly destroy it, especially its legs, within a year (or faster).
Swivel also requires more floor space. I could see my kids swivel on this chair next to an end table and knock milk and cookies everywhere.
Choosing the Right Fit: Rec Room or Living Room
While I would never put a theater-style La Z Boy recline in the living room, theater-style recliners still need to have their place in the home. In a media room, rec room, or some man cave, the monster theater-style La Z Boy is a great fit. It’s among the features I find not fitting for the living room, though.
I can have fabric options for less, and they can look great. It’s not as great as genuine leather cushions, yet great nevertheless. Here’s some not-so-good news. An excellent La Z Boy armchair is costly:
- Genuine leather starts at $1,500 (and goes up north of $5,000).
- A “leather” for $500, it’s bonded or faux.
Nonetheless, this is an investment. Genuine leather or high-quality upholstery will last decades. On the other hand, cheap bonded leather or upholstery will last a few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Recliners That Don’t Look Like Recliners?
Several furniture manufacturers produce recliners that don’t look like recliners. Some well-known recliner brands that offer them include La Z Boy, Ashley Furniture, Ekornes Stressless, and Palliser.
What Design Features Make Recliners That Don’t Look Like Recliners?
Recliners that don’t look like recliners incorporate sleek and modern features with clean lines. Usually, the reclining mechanism is concealed, and the chair’s overall design is more akin to a stylish accent chair than a bulky recliner.
Conclusion
Modern recliners that don’t look like recliners offer a stylish alternative to traditional ones. When selecting one, consider factors like concealed reclining mechanisms, upholstery options, and placement within the home. The top five favorites discussed in this article showcase a range of choices for secret recliners, from luxury leather to budget-friendly options.
