1. Understand How Power Recliners Work
An electric recliner sofa uses a powered motor and reclining mechanism to adjust your seating position. Press the control button and the footrest extends while the backrest moves into a more relaxed position, depending on the design.
Most electric recliners need a nearby mains socket. Some models also offer independent seat controls or additional adjustable features, allowing you to customise how you sit.
The result? Adjustable lounging without having to manually push the mechanism into position.
2. Manual vs Electric Recliner Sofas
Manual recliners use a lever, handle or body movement to adjust the seating position. They're often mechanically simpler and generally don't need a power supply.
Electric recliners use motorised controls for smoother, more controlled adjustments. They're particularly useful for anyone who prefers button-operated comfort instead of manually operating the reclining mechanism.
We focus on electric recliners at Sofabase because we believe modern sofa comfort should be easy, adjustable and enjoyable.
Still weighing up whether reclining is right for you? Read our Recliner Sofa vs Regular Sofa comparison.
3. Choose the Right Recliner Size
Start with who will actually use the sofa and how much space you have.
A recliner armchair gives you a dedicated seat for reading, watching television or unwinding alone.
A 2 seater recliner sofa is ideal for couples or smaller living rooms, providing adjustable seating without taking over the room.
A 3 seater recliner sofa offers more room for family seating, while a corner recliner can bring several seats together and help define an open-plan living area.
The important thing is not simply how many people can sit on it. It's how comfortably the sofa fits your room when the reclining mechanism is fully extended.
4. Measure for the Fully Reclined Position
This is one of the most important checks before ordering.
Measure the sofa's width, upright depth and fully reclined depth. Leave enough room for the footrest to extend without hitting a coffee table, television unit or nearby furniture.
Check the clearance behind the backrest too. Some recliners move forward as they recline, while others need more space behind them. Never assume every power recliner can sit flush against a wall.
You should also check nearby plug sockets, walking space and the access route into your home, including doors, hallways and staircases.
Measure twice. Recline happily.
5. Decide Which Smart Features Matter
Not every electric recliner offers the same technology, so think about what you'll genuinely use.
USB-A and USB-C charging: Convenient ports for keeping compatible phones and devices charged from your seat.
Cupholders: A handy addition for film nights, gaming and busy family living rooms.
Storage consoles: Built-in compartments that give remotes, charging cables and smaller everyday essentials somewhere to live.
Drop-down tables: Selected 3 seater recliners include a fold-down centre section with cupholders for drinks and snacks.
Wireless charging: Selected models have a charging pad for compatible devices, helping reduce the need for separate cables.
Adjustable headrests: Available on certain designs for more control over your head and neck position.
For example, our Leon 3 Seater Power Recliner includes a drop-down table and cupholders, while the Owen 2 Seater Power Recliner offers wireless charging and console storage.
Choose the features that improve your daily routine rather than paying for extras you'll rarely use.
6. Find Your Ideal Comfort Level
A good recliner sofa should feel comfortable both upright and reclined.
Look at seat depth, cushioning, backrest height, lumbar support and firmness. Foam seating can offer a more structured, supportive feel, while fibre-filled sections introduce softness and cushioning.
Deep seats may suit relaxed lounging, but some people prefer a more upright position with their feet comfortably supported.
Don't forget the armrests. Well-padded arms can make a noticeable difference when you're reading, watching television or settling in for a longer evening.
If you're buying for someone with reduced mobility, remember that a standard reclining sofa is different from a riser recliner chair, which is specifically designed to assist the transition towards standing.
7. Choose Upholstery for Your Lifestyle
A recliner works hard, so the fabric needs to suit real life.
Polyester upholstery is often a practical option for busy households because it's durable and generally straightforward to maintain.
Chenille offers a softer textured feel, making it appealing for comfort-led living rooms.
Velvet introduces a smoother, richer finish for customers who want something more design-focused.
Some recliners also use leather or faux leather upholstery, which create different looks and have their own care requirements.
Colour makes a difference too. Grey offers a versatile base, beige brings warmth and black creates stronger contrast.
For a deeper look at upholstery and durability, explore our Fabric Sofa Buying Guide.
8. Meet Four Sofabase Favourites
Need somewhere to start? These four popular ranges show how different electric reclining sofas can be.
Lucca — Everyday Reclining
The Lucca Recliner Range brings soft polyester upholstery, padded arms, electric reclining and integrated charging into a relaxed, comfortable design. A great place to begin when you want straightforward power recline.
Lydon — Family Cinema Comfort
The Lydon Recliner Range is designed for serious lounging. Its spacious corner model features reclining seats, four built-in cupholders and integrated electrical sockets. Perfect for the household where film night is practically an event.
Leon — Classic Comfort Meets Technology
The Leon Recliner Range offers supportive cushioning, generous padded arms and electric reclining. The 3 seater adds a drop-down table and cupholders, making everyday lounging even more convenient.
Toledo — Contemporary and Comfortable
The Toledo Recliner Range combines a clean modern silhouette with smooth polyester upholstery, electric reclining and USB-A and USB-C charging. Ideal when you want functional comfort without a bulky traditional look.
9. Who Is a Recliner Sofa Best For?
Recliners are particularly appealing to people who spend plenty of time enjoying their living room.
They're excellent for couples who prefer different seating positions, families who love film nights, gamers who enjoy leaning back and anyone who wants convenient leg support while relaxing.
They're also useful when you want the comfort of putting your feet up without needing a separate footstool.
However, a recliner may be less suitable where floor space is extremely limited, a convenient electrical connection is unavailable or a fixed sofa design better suits your layout.
If stretching out across a deeper seat sounds more appealing than raising a footrest, you might prefer a power slider sofa. Our Power Slider Sofas vs Recliner Sofas comparison explains the difference.
10. Look After Your Recliner Sofa
Keeping an electric recliner in good condition comes down to sensible everyday habits.
Vacuum the upholstery regularly, clean spills according to the fabric care instructions and keep the reclining mechanism free from trapped objects.
Avoid sitting or standing on an extended footrest, never force the mechanism and make sure cables aren't pinched beneath the moving parts.
Check the individual model's frame and mechanism warranty before buying, as coverage varies.
For upholstery maintenance, visit our Fabric Sofa Care Guide.
