By Johnson :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-raymour-flanagan-console-loveseat-chaina-delacruz-12-1-6fe8d07289ce4119a9b44058137bf94c.jpeg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Take a Seat While I Tell You About the Niche Furniture That Will Change How You Relax")
You know those delightful reclining seats in movie theaters that have cupholders and armrests that you can lift, essentially making a loveseat for you and your partner? Those are available for homes now (I know, I’m excited, too).
My teammate and I recently offered up space in our own homes to test out reclining loveseats, learning their ins and outs, sitting and laying for hours on end, and even inviting our family members and guests to try them.
Reclining loveseats don’t get as much attention as traditional couches or even regular recliners, but there’s a time and a place for them…like today, in my TV room. Depending on your needs and your home’s layout, one of these could be a great choice for you, too.
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Extremely comfortable
Durable, attractive fabric upholstery
Reclining requires minimal space behind
Attached cushions look tidy
If you’re looking for a comfy spot to watch the next season of your favorite show, look no further. The very same day that this reclining loveseat arrived (and was set up by an extremely helpful delivery team), my teammate had a family member over to watch a movie. They marveled at its comfort after sitting on it for hours with their feet up and found guests will even stay on the loveseat to chat after a movie has ended—a testament to its coziness.
Along with the comfort, my teammate really likes the look of this seat, too. The cushions and seats are attached, so it keeps a tidy appearance (no pillows on the floor next to the furniture, which is a frequent issue in my own house).
What Our Tester Says
Everything is attached together so the loveseat looks great all the time. The woven fabric is soft and durable enough for everyday use. Even after reclining or sitting for three hours, after I get it up, there is no sagging!
The seat has been shared with a puppy, and isn’t too much worse for wear. The pup has left behind a few scratches, but otherwise light stains and smudges have been a cinch to remove.
It’s easy to trigger the recline mechanism from a seated position, and doesn’t take much effort–just a quick pull towards the back of the piece. The backrest doesn’t extend too far, either (the recline pulls the seat lower, instead of pushing the seat back), which is also nice and gives you the option to place it near a wall as opposed to say, the center of the room.
Putting the footrest down, however, takes a touch more energy. We do sometimes opt to get up first and then re-set the recliner, instead of using our legs. In other words, you probably don’t want to skip leg day if you order this piece (or maybe there’s a way to replace leg day by pushing down on the footrest? Maybe consult a trainer first!).
The other area of caution? It’s so comfortable, we’ve even dozed off and napped on it, so just be sure to keep a throw blanket nearby.
Dimensions When Upright: 40 x 76 x 37 inches | Reclining Mechanism: Manual
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Comfortable, theater-style feel
Built-in, hidden cupholders
Manual reclining is smooth and satisfying
Compact but fits two adults (and a dog) comfortably
This Reclining Loveseat is currently my go-to spot in my family’s TV room. The big difference you’ll see between this piece and the above is that it’s about 15 inches shorter, it’s made with faux leather that wipes clean, and there are no center armrests, just the sides.
Depending on how you like to lounge, the lack of center armrests could be a pro or a con. For me personally, who will gladly snuggle with any member of my household at any time of day, it’s a huge perk. I’ve also taken to sprawling across both seats and pretending it’s a chaise (which would probably make the designers of this loveseat cringe, but what they don’t know won’t hurt them).
To trigger the recline mechanism and sit on it like you’re supposed to (ahem), there’s a small latch just underneath the side armrests, on the outsides of the recliner. It takes very little effort to release the recliner, but once the footrest slides out, I usually have to shift my weight to encourage it to extend the last few inches.
Now, I think there’s a chance that this footrest stiffness is due to the newness of the piece (I’ve been using it for about two months at time of writing), but only time will tell. Even if it doesn’t correct itself, it’s not a huge issue. I’d categorize it as a bit of a quirk as opposed to a full-fledged flaw.
I also need to point out that, though you can’t see them at first glance, there are indeed cupholders built into this loveseat recliner–hidden ones that slide out of the armrests.
It’s hard to overstate how satisfying this detail is, but I’ll try: If you’ve ever worn a dress with pockets, then you will know exactly how it feels to have a reclining loveseat with hidden cupholders. It’s the sort of feature that, as soon as someone steps into the room and acknowledges the existence of this recliner, I have to say, Look! It has cupholders!
All in all, this reclining loveseat is a welcome addition in my home. I will say that it feels suitably sturdy and durable but it’s not quite as beastly as the old school recliners I think of my extended family members having when I was a kid. Do I think I will have it for years to come? Yes. Do I think I’ll hand it down to my young kids and see it used for generations to come? Eh, doubtful. But for the price, I’m totally okay with that.
Dimensions When Upright: 41 x 61 x 37 inches | Reclining Mechanism: Manual
Other Options I Have My Eye On
If the above picks that we’ve tried aren’t quite your cup of tea, my team and I have identified some other options that could be good contenders, based on other unique features.
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This powered pick has a storage console, cupholders, and USB ports.
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With a contemporary design, visitors might not even notice this a recliner.
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Another chic and contemporary pick, there are two available sizes and 71 fabric and color choices.
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La-Z-Boy offers more than 400 upholstery options, promising both customization and comfort.
How We Tested And Chose the Reclining Loveseats
To really get a feel for the top two picks, we had them delivered and set up in our own homes, and used them regularly for weeks. We sat, slept, snacked, and snuggled on them, paying keen attention to attributes like:
- Comfort: Do we like sitting or laying on it? Would we come back to this spot if we didn’t have to?
- Ease of Use: Did we struggle with any of the mechanisms, or was the recline element tricky in any way?
- Durability: Can we (and our loved ones) climb up without feeling like it’s going to tip over? Do we see it lasting for years to come?
- Quality: Do we have any concerns about the material or the structure?
- Value: How does the price compare to the overall look, feel, and design details?
- Features: What about cupholders, arm rests, cushions, and other extras?
To select the untested picks, we prioritized features not reflected in the reclining loveseats we’ve tried ourselves, with an eye on well-known, trusted brands.
The Spruce
How to Choose a Reclining Loveseat
Make Sure It’s the Right Size for Your Space
Please trust me on this: don’t just skim the measurements and go with it if they sound about right. Double or triple check the loveseat’s precise measurements and compare it to your space and to any furniture that it’s going to be replacing.
One thing in particular to note is that recliners need space for both their upright and reclining positions, so you’ll want to ensure that wherever you position it has room for you to kick up your feet and to comfortably lean back—ideally, without bumping any walls or blocking any walkways. For context, the one in my home goes from 37 inches deep to 65 inches deep when it’s fully reclined.
Decide Between a Power or Manual Reclining Mechanism
Both of our tested selections above have manual reclining, which means you flip a switch or pull a latch to engage the reclining mechanism. There are, however, powered options that use a built-in motor to push and pull the footrest and backrest into place, which you control by switch or button.
The choice comes entirely down to your personal preference, with a variety of designs, styles, and price points represented by both. My assumption when I started considering a reclining loveseat was that electric models would be more expensive—but that’s not necessarily the case, especially if you’re looking beyond name brands.
The Spruce
Consider Form and Function
The aesthetics of your reclining loveseat are a valid consideration, especially since it’s likely to take up a significant amount of space in your home. Like with most traditional loveseats or or reclining chairs, there’s plenty of styles available to suit varying design preferences, both when it comes to color and upholstery material. A few things to keep in mind as you shop:
- Certain materials may require more maintenance. We had to do a bit more upkeep to remove stains and tend to scratches on the Raymour & Flanigan Console Loveseat Molven Reclining Console Loveseat, which is chenille, compared to the Latitude Run Ilkeston Manual Recliner Loveseat, which is faux leather.
- High-end materials (like suede or real leather) are more expensive.
- Neutral colors are easier to style, and can feel updated on a whim with the addition of throw pillows or blankets.
- The functionality of these pieces makes them a bit of a niche product, and we see most brands leaning into basic color palettes. So, you’re unlikely to find a reclining loveseat in a statement design or color.
Why Trust The Spruce?
I’m Dena Ogden, an associate editor who’s been testing products, writing, and editing for The Spruce since 2022. As someone who works from home in the Pacific Northwest, I have very strong opinions about comfort and coziness, so testing a reclining loveseat was a labor of love.
Along with my own experience, I did a deep-dive into fellow testers’ insights about reclining loveseats. I also conducted research on reclining loveseats, including brands, materials, and expectations that users should consider.