A recliner in your home: how to combine comfort and style

You can stylishly coordinate a recliner in four steps: first, choose the spot—with enough room to lean back; then, select the shape that matches your sofa; next, choose the upholstery; and finally, pick the base. At Stressless, you have 124 upholstery colors, 8 wood finishes, and 2 metal finishes to play with, so the chair truly complements your interior.

A recliner has one clear purpose: to help you relax. But that doesn’t mean it has to look like a functional piece of furniture that you’d rather tuck away in a corner. When chosen well, a recliner can become the centerpiece of your living room. A question we often hear in the store is, “How will this look in my home?” These seven tips will help you get started.

1. Where is the best place to put a recliner?

A place where you can sit back and relax, with a view of whatever you’re doing: the TV, the window, or the fireplace. A recliner takes up more space than a regular armchair because the backrest tilts backward and there’s often a footstool in front of it. So be sure to measure not only the chair itself but also the range of motion.

• Can the backrest recline freely without hitting a wall or cabinet?
• Is there enough room in front of the sofa for the footstool without it blocking the doorway?
• Can you easily walk around the couch?
• Does natural light or a reading lamp shine on where you're sitting?
• Do you look straight at the TV without turning your head?

2. How do you pair a recliner with your sofa?

A recliner doesn't have to match the style of your sofa. A subtle difference can make your interior just a little more interesting, as long as there's still a clear connection. Three combinations that always work:

Same color, different shape

The most understated choice. An armchair and sofa in the same color of leather or fabric create a cohesive look, while the difference in shape keeps things interesting. Ideal for a smaller living room.

Same material, different color

If you want a bit more contrast, choose the same material in a different color: for example, a sofa in light gray leather and a recliner in cognac. The material ties the pieces together, while the color adds character.

Different upholstery, similar shade

A leather recliner next to an upholstered sofa in a complementary shade, such as sand next to beige. This allows you to add texture without making the overall look too busy.

At Stressless, you can have your sofa and recliner made with exactly the same upholstery. Check out the Stressless sofas if you're looking for both at the same time.

3. Do you want the recliner to be an eye-catcher, or do you want it to blend in with the rest of the room?

Either option works, as long as you make a conscious choice. In a neutral living room with white walls and light-colored flooring, a lounge chair in a warm or deep color—such as forest green, cognac, or coral red—will be the piece of furniture that catches your eye. In a room with lots of color, art, or patterns, a chair in a subdued shade will bring a sense of calm.

Whichever side you choose, make sure the color appears one more time in the room. You can do this by:

• a pillow or throw in the same shade;
• the wood used for the frame, which is also used in your floor, table, or cabinet;
• the metal of the base, which attaches to lamps or frames;
• a rug that matches the color of the sofa.

4. Leather or fabric: How does the upholstery affect your interior?

Leather has a timeless, sleek look, reflects light, and develops a patina over the years. It complements both classic and modern interiors. Fabric absorbs light, feels warmer, and creates a softer, cozier atmosphere; a textured fabric, such as bouclé, also adds depth.

Please note: a color that looks beautiful in the store may look different at home. Lighting, flooring, and wall colors can all affect how upholstery appears. So be sure to take samples home and view them where the sofa will go, both in daylight and in evening light. At Stressless, you can choose a recliner from 124 colors across 14 leather and fabric collections.

Practical considerations also matter: leather is easy to clean, but it’s more susceptible to scratches from pets. Read more in our article on how to choose the right recliner.

5. Classic or modern: Which model and base suit your style?

Stressless divides its recliners into two collections. The Classic collection features the familiar, rounded Stressless shapes, with models such as the Mayfair, Consul, Sunrise, and Ruby. The Urban collection has cleaner lines and a sleeker back, with models such as the London, Tokyo, and Paris.

The base reinforces that style. A wooden disc base gives it a warm, classic look. A metal base, such as Signature or Cross, has a lighter, more modern appearance. Wood is available in eight colors; metal comes in polished chrome or matte black. Choose a wood color that complements your floor or furniture, or deliberately opt for contrast—such as black metal in a light-colored interior.

6. Two recliners side by side: how do you arrange them?

Choose the same model, but in your own size. From a distance, two identical chairs look like a serene, symmetrical pair, while everyone sits comfortably. Since the models in the Classic collection come in sizes S, M, and L, you can do this without changing the style.

Position them at a slight angle toward each other, with a side table in between: that way, you can talk without turning your head, and you’ll both have a place to put a book or a cup of tea. If you want a more playful look, choose the same model in two different colors.

7. How can you turn your recliner into a real reading nook?

A recliner is more than just a TV chair. With a few simple touches, you can turn it into a place where you can truly unwind:

• a reading lamp that shines at an angle from behind onto your book;
• a small side table within arm's reach;
• a soft rug under the chair and footstool;
• a bookcase or open wall cabinet nearby;
• a throw in a color that matches the room.

Place it by a window, in a quiet corner, or next to the fireplace. A chair you use every day deserves a spot that gets just as much attention as your sofa. You’ll find all models, sizes, and bases on our Stressless recliners page.

Come try it out for yourself in Leuven or Antwerp

You can only truly appreciate comfort when you sit down. In Leuven and Antwerp—the only official Stressless stores in the Benelux—the full range is available, and paramedically trained consultants will work with you to find the right size and model.