You are not alone if you've ever stretched out on your couch after a long day only to realize that the armrest is a lackluster headrest. Sitting on a regular-sized couch doesn't suffice when you want to lie back and relax.
Reclining loveseats allow you to kick back with a good book, watch TV, or nap comfortably without compromising space with a larger modular sofa or sectional. Talk about a win-win. Like other recliner sizes, you'll find loveseats with power or manual recline functions. But choosing a reclining loveseat can be more affordable compared to purchasing a full-sized reclining couch, especially if you opt for manual reclining.
We recommend looking for a recliner with a kiln-dried hardwood frame and a weight capacity over 300 pounds to ensure it can support two adults. Plush cushions reinforced with springs also ensure the cushions don't collapse over time.
Best Overall Reclining Loveseat
Wade Logan Gonsalez Power Reclining Loveseat
Mid-century style
Power head rests
Low wall clearance
High-quality leather upholstery
Nothing!
The ultra-plush recliners associated with man caves and basements have their place, but we're proposing chic loveseat alternatives that you'd be proud to have in your living room. The Wade Logan Gonsalez 70-inch Upholstered Power Reclining Loveseat has every feature you could imagine in a recliner with the bonus of being incredibly stylish.
We love the oversized seats and armrests which give the loveseat a distinct mid-century modern appearance, especially with the slender black metal legs. In addition to having a power recline function for the backrest and footrest, the loveseat also has a power headrest that rises for even more support as you relax. Unlike bulkier recliners, this design has a low clearance back so you can place it near a wall without needing much space for the back recline.
Additional features include independent power controls so users can adjust their seat to a preferred recline. The power controls also have a USB port to charge a phone or other small electronics. The loveseat is available in three top-grain leather colors: caramel, blue gray, or light gray.
We recognize this loveseat is a splurge, but Wayfair frequently offers sales, so we recommend purchasing it at a discounted price when possible.
Dimensions: 70 x 41 x 30 inches | Weight: 245 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Power recliner | Weight Capacity: 850 pounds | Frame Material: Metal, solid and manufactured hardwood | Seat Fill: Wrapped foam fiber
Best Budget Reclining Loveseat
Consofa Manual Reclining Loveseat with Console
Cup holders and center console
Side pockets
Easy-to-clean upholstery
Limited color options
Back recline is not most accessible design.
As we mentioned, manual recliners are often less expensive than powered designs, and this feature-packed option from Consofa rivals some of our ultra-plus powered options. It has a center storage console to keep remotes and other necessities close by. There are also cupholders and side pockets for each user.
The leg rest is operated with a discretely located lever between the seat cushion and loveseat arm. You lean against the backrest to make it recline, which we recognize may not be accessible to all users. We recommend that users with limited mobility consider the powered reclining loveseats on our list.
Additionally, we wish this loveseat was available in lighter upholstery options, but the gray and black colors are easy to care for and won't show stains like other options.
Dimensions: 68 x 36 x 40 inches | Weight: Not listed | Reclining Mechanism: Manual recline | Weight Capacity: 660 pounds | Frame Material: Wood and iron | Seat Fill: Foam
Best Splurge Reclining Loveseat
Homebody Double Recliner Sectional Loveseat
Multiple layers in cushion fill
Modular design
Pet-friendly fabric options
Remote could be lost
Larger than typical loveseat dimensions
If you love the aesthetic and functionality of modular sofas, the Homebody 2 Seat Sectional with 2 Recliners is the ultimate covert recliner. Similar to some of the other design-forward options on our list, you wouldn't expect this loveseat to have double recliners built into it. It also can be added onto as your family or home grows over time. It's important to know that this loveseat is closer in size to a typical 3-seater couch at 91 inches wide. The extra-wide seats make this loveseat the largest option on our list, but we think it's great for two-person households wanting a couch-sized option.
The recliners only require two inches of back clearance, so you can easily place this loveseat close to a wall. Additionally, each recliner has a wireless remote to control its settings rather than controls built into the arm, so it's less of an eye sore on your living room aesthetic. However, we recommend keeping the remote neatly tucked away from kids to avoid it becoming lost.
Plus, this loveseat has five layers packed into its cushions including memory foam and down feathers. You can select from three fabric options, although the colors are limited, they're meant to fit into any design aesthetic whether neutral or colorful.
Dimensions: 91 x 38.5 x 37 inches | Weight: Not listed | Reclining Mechanism: Power recline | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Frame Material: Not listed | Seat Fill: Down, cotton padding, memory foam, high resiliency foam, high-density foam
Best Boucle Reclining Loveseat
Crate & Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Sofa
Thoughtful design
Long power cord
Head rests rise with recline
Only one upholstery option
Boucle upholstered furniture is particularly popular, which makes this luxury recliner from Crate & Barrel a high-fashion choice. Underneath this stylish loveseat's upholstery, you'll find polyfoam wrapped in fiber to offer plenty of cushioning and ensure the cushions don't deflate over time. It also has an electric reclining mechanism with hidden controls that won't impact the overall aesthetic of the loveseat. The 80-inch power cord ensures you can always keep this loveseat plugged in without compromising the possible room layouts.
This loveseat is a bit on the larger side compared to most of the loveseats on this list, but it technically counts since it only seats two people. The only downside to this loveseat is that it is not one of the brand's made-to-order pieces so you can not swap out the boucle upholstery for a different material. If boucle feels too high-maintenance for your home, we recommend considering other designs on our list.
Dimensions: 84 x 46 x 28.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Reclining Mechanism: Power recliner | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Frame Material: Engineered hardwood | Seat Fill: High-resiliency polyfoam
Best Reclining Loveseat for Small Spaces
Lark Manor Amauria 59'' Power Reclining Cordless Loveseat
Cordless
Traditional design
Smaller dimensions
Will require more wall clearance
Cordless lifespan is unspecified
Many people opt for reclining loveseats because they are generally smaller than traditional reclining sofas. At 59 inches, this cordless loveseat is best suited for small spaces as it won’t take up a lot of room compared to a larger couch or sectional.
We love that this loveseat has a traditional couch shape with the addition of reclining functionality. Each half of the loveseat can be reclined independently too. The cordless design is also convenient given that it must be placed further from the wall since it doesn't have a fixed back. However, we're skeptical of the lifespan of this cordless reclining loveseat because there are no specifications listed for how the loveseat is powered.
However, its compact footprint and adjustability make this loveseat a great choice for apartments and small sun porches.
Dimensions: 41.5 x 59 x 39 inches | Weight: 222.2 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Power push button | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Frame Material: Metal | Seat Fill: Foam and sinuous springs
Best Leather Reclining Loveseat
Lark Manor Milladore 64'' Leather Power Reclining Loveseat
Separate controls for headrest and footrest
Option to make it cordless
Top grain leather upholstery
Only one leather color
This leather reclining loveseat is probably what you envision for ultra-plush, movie-theater-worthy seating. It's easy to clean with a water-based detergent and also has smooth top-grain leather upholstery that will wear beautifully with time.
Like most options on our list, this loveseat has power reclining on each arm with separate controls for the headrest and footrest. It also has a USB charging port to keep your electronics conveniently close by.
Wayfair also includes the option to make this loveseat cordless with the FreeMotion Universal Battery Bracket so you can arrange this loveseat anywhere in your space without being confined by an outlet. However, if you keep this recliner near a wall, it needs at least six inches of back clearance to fully recline. While we love the darker leather color, we wish the loveseat was available in a few colors for more versatility, but this isn't a dealbreaker in our book.
Dimensions: 41.5 x 64 x 40.5 inches | Weight: 209 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Push button power | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Frame Material: Metal | Seat Fill: Foam and sinuous springs
Best Reclining Loveseat with Features
MCombo Power Loveseat Recliner
Built-in vibration and heating settings
Cup holders on each arm
Side and front pockets
Lower weight limit
If you want your recliner to do more than just recline, we recommend the Mcombo Power Loveseat Recliner. This power recliner is a step above the rest on our list with several built-in features to upgrade your experience. Each seat has eight vibration nodes and a lumbar heating setting. There are cup holders on each arm and front and side pockets to store the massager remote or magazines.
Similar to our best leather reclining loveseat, this design has extra padding on the armrests and headrests. We also love that an additional two inches extend from the footrest when the loveseat is reclined so even taller users can enjoy this option.
We were surprised that the weight capacity is only 320 pounds, the lowest capacity on our list. However, we still think this loveseat is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a feature-packed design.
Dimensions: 61 x 37.4 x 42.5 inches | Weight: 171 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Power recline | Weight Capacity: 320 pounds | Frame Material: Metal | Seat Fill: Not listed
Best Reclining Loveseat with Center Console
Pottery Barn Cameron Square Arm Upholstered Power Reclining Sofa
Made to order
White-glove assembly
Removable legs
Some upholstery options require more maintenance
This Pottery Barn loveseat has a center console that provides room to hold remotes, drinks, wires, and other couch essentials. We love that you can select from several fabric colors and types, so the couch is customizable to your home's needs. The power cord for each recliner is located on the back of the chairs too so you don't have an unsightly cord sticking out from one end of the loveseat.
The legs are also removable, so it's easy to fit through a door frame when you need to move it again. However, white glove delivery and assembly is included with your initial purchase of this loveseat. This loveseat recliner is not cheap with a price tag of over $2,000.
Also, it can be a hassle to maintain depending on your upholstery selection. Make sure you select the right option for your household.
Dimensions: 82.5 x 39 x 41 inches | Weight: 287 pounds | Reclining Mechanism: Power recline | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds | Frame Material: Engineered wood | Seat Fill: Steel sinuous springs
Final Verdict
Our favorite reclining loveseat is the Wade Logan Gonsalez Power Reclining Loveseat because of its mid-century modern design and built-in controls. If you're looking for a feature-packed manual reclining loveseat, we recommend the Consofa Manual Reclining Loveseat, which has a center storage console and cup holders.
What to Look For in a Reclining Loveseat
Reclining Mechanism
Reclining loveseats can either utilize a manual or power reclining mechanism. Laura Botelho, Dallas-based interior designer of Laura Botelho Interiors, says she comes across power recliners most often which means they don’t have a handle, but instead utilize a button or switch like the Lark Manor Milladore 64'' Leather Power Reclining Loveseat (our best leather pick).
"Manual mechanisms require more strength to operate and may have a limited number of positions available," says Frank. "Power mechanisms are very easy to operate and require no strength." So, if you're looking for the easiest and smoothest reclining loveseats, powered models like Crate & Barrel's Leisure Power Recliner Sofa (our best splurge pick) and Free Motion's Ciearra 59'' Power Reclining Cordless Loveseat (our best for small spaces pick) are simple to operate.
However, Frank notes that power recliners are often heavier and more difficult to move, plus they have to be placed near a power source.
If you want to opt for a manual model, these do tend to be more affordable and easier to set up (and they can be placed anywhere in your home). An option like the Consofa Manual Reclining Loveseat (our best budget pick) prove reclining can still be smooth even if it requires a little more weight and effort.
Positions
Recliners offer varying backrest positions and footrest heights, so be sure to carefully read through the product description before buying anything. “There are some reclining loveseats that recline completely into a full-sized bed,” says Botelho.
For example, the Crate & Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Sofa reclines and has headrests that extend as it reclines, making it more comfortable to sleep on. Most of the recliners on our list have a 140-degree extension which is plenty for a comfortable nap, but we generally wouldn't recommend sleeping on a recliner overnight.
Upholstery
Whether you have a chair-and-a-half or a reclining sofa, the upholstery may vary. “I always suggest that my clients go with a leather or a performance fabric since reclining loveseats are commonly used to eat and drink and may be prone to messes and spills,” says Botelho.
Leather reclining loveseats are also a durable option that will develop natural wear with use. However, we recommend having a trusty leather cleaner on hand to keep up with scratches and polish the cushions occasionally.
-
How long do reclining sofas last?
According to Frank, reclining sofas last about half as long as non-reclining models, reaching about seven years. But high-quality options may hold up for closer to 15 years. "Lower-quality, mass-produced reclining sofas are designed to look good and feel great when the furniture is new in the showroom, then lose their looks and comfort within five years," he warns.
-
What material is best for reclining loveseats?
The materials used for the frame, cushions, and upholstery are important. "Sturdy reclining loveseat frames should be made with solid hardwoods or hardwood plywood," says Frank. Kiln-dried wood with reinforced joinery will enhance the durability even further.
For the cushions, Frank says high-resiliency foam is ideal. Genuine leather is generally the best option for upholstery, as it's naturally soft, easy to clean, and stands up well to daily wear and tear.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Casey Clark, a writer specializing in home products who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2023. As someone who lives in an apartment, she understands the importance of having high-quality furniture to make a space more livable. To choose the best product picks to include in this article, she consulted with industry experts. Additionally, she looked at third-party websites and shopper reviews to determine which products made the cut.
Our Experts:
- Jeff Frank, creator of and chief blogger at The Insiders Guide to Furniture
- Laura Botelho, Dallas-based interior designer, Laura Botelho Interiors.
- Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce
- Emma Phelps, associate editor at The Spruce