This Once-Dated Living Room Staple Is Getting a Major Upgrade in 2026, Designers Say

Looking to invest in a new versatile piece of furniture for your space in the new year? Don’t underestimate the power of the recliner, which is coming back into vogue and has plenty to offer within the home, according to interior designers.

This comfortable seating option is practical for everyday use and has recently gotten a major facelift—yes, recliners can indeed be stylish. We asked interior designers about the resurgence of the recliner and how to best style one in your home.

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Why Recliners Are Getting a Modern Makeover

Recliners are by no means seen as a relic from decades past—these cushy pieces of furniture are back in full force and are getting a modern makeover, pros say.

“Recliners are having a resurgence because comfort has become a priority in home design,” says Mary Gordon, the co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling.

Additionally, Gordon explains, today’s culture of working from home—and therefore spending more time there—translates to a desire for furniture of this kind.

“People want furniture that feels good and fits within a curated interior,” she says.

Moreover, in addition to spending more time in the comfort of their homes, people have expressed a greater desire to fuse wellness amenities into their living spaces.

Tracy Morris, the founder of Tracy Morris Design, describes many of today’s recliner options as “functional wellness pieces,” and Wayfair interior designer Nicole Cella agrees.

“Consumers are gravitating toward pieces that promote relaxation, ergonomic support, and stress relief,” she says.

Of course, do not expect to see recliners that remind you of your childhood making their way into today’s homes.

“Manufacturers have responded with pieces that are streamlined and sleek rather than the older bulky shapes,” Gordon says.

Today’s recliners are characterized by sleeker profiles as well as more sophisticated fabrics and materials. For example, Gordon says, you might spot recliners that offer metal or wood bases along with high end upholstery.

“Consumers no longer want a recliner that looks like a recliner,” Cella says.

While today’s recliners have gotten a glow up in comparison to their predecessors, they’re by no means too precious to be enjoyed on a daily basis.

“Recliners are also being designed with high-performance fabrics that are pet-friendly, stain resistant, and easy-to-clean,” Cella says.

Additionally, recliners have been made modern with the help of new innovative developments.

“Technology has allowed for many models to have quieter motors and smoother motion that feels more refined,” Gordon says.

Where to Style a Recliner

Given all of the upgrades that have been made to recliners, these are no longer pieces that you’ll be inclined to hide in lesser used rooms of the house. Today’s customers may enjoy displaying recliners in spaces that are still viewed as a bit more formal.

“In a living room, a pair of sleek recliners in front of a fireplace can create a defined seating area that complements a traditional sofa,” Gordon says. “A recliner near a window becomes a quiet reading corner that feels both modern and inviting.”

Gordon adds that placing a recliner in a home office is also a great idea, while Morris adds that she likes the concept of weaving a recliner into the primary bedroom, where it can serve as a spot to read or sip coffee that isn’t the bed.

Cella likes the idea of styling a recliner in a way that is purposeful as opposed to tucked away within a corner. Doing so, she says, “allows for the recliner to become the focal point of a space, rather than a forgotten element or clunky distraction.”

Cella likes the idea of placing a recliner alongside a slim sofa or even pairing two recliners side by side in front of the television.