There are numerous choices out there when it comes to leather recliners - so which one is best for you?
This buyer's guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to purchase a new, quality leather recliner.
In this piece, we look at some of the best brands to consider when purchasing a new leather reclining chair or sofa.
We discuss some of the most important things to look out for, including a recliner's mechanism, which can make or break the longevity of any reclining furniture.
Buy a reclining chair with a lousy mechanism, and there will be ongoing issues dealing with a chair that won't recline properly.
Read on as we help you choose the perfect reclining sofa or chair for your home
Recliner Construction - What We Need To Know
As a consumer, there are a few things you need to know about when purchasing any type of reclining furniture. Reclining sofas or chairs have either a manual or electric mechanism and thus there are more things that can break down.
The most important things to consider with reclining furniture?
1. The Mechanism
There are a few major providers of mechanisms for reclining sofas and chairs. Leggett & Platt is the biggest and considered one of the most reliable reclining mechanisms in the industry, both for manual and electric reclining mechanisms. Leggett & Platt is a behemoth in the reclining space and the odds are that if you have a nice, high quality recliner, it probably has a L&P mechanism inside.
A Legget & Platt recliner mechanism.
Ultra-Mek of North Carolina is also well respected in the furniture business, thus if you see either a Leggett & Platt or Ultra-Mek mechanism, there is a good sign the piece is well crafted and of high quality.
Before buying any recliner, be sure to ask the furniture store what the warranty is on the mechanism itself. For any recliner, there is always the potential for something to go wrong with the mechanism. Thus, ensuring there is a solid warranty in place is a big part of the purchasing decision.Â
2. The Frame
Any chair or sofa with a mechanism inside must be built with a high quality frame. As we have discussed before, the best sofa frames are built with solid hardwoods (not plywoods) or engineered woods. The mechanism connection to the frame is important as well, thus the build quality and the attention to detail is equally important.Â
3. The Leather Quality
The cheapes and lowest quality recliners are made with bonded or faux leather. Â A slight step up from there is a recliner that is using a 'leather match' which covers the backs and sides of the furniture with a fake leather that is far inferior to the real thing. Stick with manufacturers that are using a top grain or full grain leather. Â
4. Foam Density/Quality
The longevity of a reclining sofa is highly dependent on the quality and the density of the foam cushioning of the sofa. A recliner using low density foam cushioning is not going to last very long. I recommend looking for a reclining sofa or chair with a high density foam - try to go for something with 2.5 density (as opposed to the 1.8 density industry standard).Â
The Best Recliner Brands
1. Hancock & Moore
Hancock & Moore is one of our favorite leather furniture brands, based on the made in the USA attention to detail and high quality at what we see as a reasonable price.Â
Hancock & Moore offers a wide range of different leather reclining chairs and sofas. Their reclining furniture pieces use a Leggett & Platt mechanism with superior craftsmanship in regards to the frame, leather upholstery and cushioning.Â
I like the Hancock & Moore Blackhawke recliner. These are unfortunately not sold online so you would need to visit a local furniture store that sells H&M furniture.Â
2. Ekornes Stressless
Ekornes is a Swedish furniture manfacturer that has been in business since 1934. In the 1960's Ekornes started making trendy lounge furniture with the later launch of the Stressless chair line.
The Ekorness Stressless reclining chairs are of utmost comfort and use a proprietary reclining mechanism with high-quality materials, including top-grain leather and solid wood frames. However, the Ekornes Stressless chairs come at a high price, with average retail on most chairs in the $2000 to $3000 range.
Many of their sofas also come with a range of customizable options, such as the choice of base style and the ability to add features like adjustable headrests and built-in USB ports. If you have the budget, the Ekornes Stressless chairs are a fantastic option for a high quality recliner focused on maximum comfort and support.Â
Our Favorite Ekornes Stressless Recliner
3. Motioncraft
Motioncraft is a division of Sherrill Furniture, based in North Carolina with all furniture made in the USA.Â
Motioncraft has a good reputation and I tend to recommend consumers stick to furniture made here in the states. Motioncraft uses both Leggett & Platt and Ultra-Mek with most pieces offering many different customization options.Â
4. Stickley
IT won't come cheap, but Stickley recliners are highly recommended. Another US based manufacturer, Stickley makes all of their furniture in their NY based manufacturing facility. Prices are mostly on par with Hancock and Moore, so if you are looking for a budget piece, Stickley isn't a good solution. However, if you have the budget, Stickely is a great choice.
My favorite Stickley recliner is the Bustle Back Bow Arm Morris Manual Recliner.
5. Bradington Young
Bradington Young is another North Carolina-based manufacturer making high-quality leather recliners and sofas. Its price points are mid-tier, and slightly below that of Hancock & Moore. It is a solid recliner choice for anyone seeking something that won't entirely break the bank.Â
The frame build quality at Bradington Young isn't top of the line, as they use multi-ply, 7/8 inch laminated hardwood components instead of solid hardwoods used by Hancock & Moore. However, Bradington Young uses made in the USA mechanisms from Ultra-Mek along with high quality leather and dependable craftsmanship.
My advice? Visit a local Bradington Young dealer and try them to see what you like! Check out their clearance section to see if you can snag a good deal. Note that Wayfair sells some Bradington Young pieces, but you will likely get a better deal in person.Â
6. Leathercraft
Leathercraft is a North Carolina furniture manufacturer that has been around for over 50 years. They are one of the top-tier premium leather brands, in a similar realm as Hancock & Moore.Â
Regarding reclining furniture, Leathercraft has a broad offering of different sofas and chairs with a strong reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. From a pricing standpoint, Leathercraft recliners average from $2500 to $4000, on par with Hancock & Moore.Â
Using high-quality, made-in-the-USA reclining mechanism made by Leggett & Platt along with high-quality top grain leathers and solid hardwood frames.
Leathercraft is an excellent choice for any leather recliner.
7. American Leather
American Leather is a North Carolina based furniture manufacturer that prides itself on technological innovation and high quality furniture at an affordable price.Â
American Leather sells three types of recliners - the 'Comfort Recliner', the 'Re-Invented Recliner' and the 'Comfort Air' recliner.
The Comfort Recliner is made with a 'proprietary Infinity System' which automatically adjusts to your body providing what American Leather calls the 'ultimate lounging experience'. These chairs are ridiculously comfortable.
Adley Comfort Recliner from American Leather
The Re-Invented recliners tend to try and cover up the fact that a reclining mechanism is hiding within and tend to be a bit more stylish.
Neeson Re-Invented Leather Recliner from American Leather
The Comfort Air recliners contain a 'patented mechanism' that 'cradles you to the perfect lounging position for optimal comfort'. Â These chairs are indeed comfortable and probably one of the best in terms of overall comfort.Â
The Cirrus Comfort Air Recliner from American Leather
** Updated note is that I did have some recent complaints from one American Leather customer that spent a lot of money on one motorized and one non-motorized sofa. The motorized components on one sofa (Chelsea) stopped working after a few days. The good news is that the President of American Leather was very responsive. The bad news is that they told the customer that they had an issue with motorized parts from one supplier. Thus, while we still like American Leather they are on what I might consider a bit of a 'watch list'.
