Reclining Sofas Vs. Stationary Sofas: Which Sofa Is Best For You?

This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas

A new sofa can become everybody’s new best friend in your living room. Whether you know what you want or you’re still undecided, knowing the pros and cons of different types of sofas is important.

Maybe you’re still deciding between a reclining sofa and a stationary sofa. While both can be strong options, both will complement strengths in different ways and types of rooms.

Today we will address the differences between reclining sofas and stationary sofas to help you decide which option is best for you.

• Reclining Sofas
  • Pros of Reclining Sofas
  • Cons of Reclining Sofas
• Stationary Sofas
  • Pros of Stationary Sofas
  • Cons of Stationary Sofas
• Which Type of Sofa Is Best For You?

Key Takeaways

• Reclining sofas are more comfortable, but typically more expensive.
• Stationary sofas are more visually appealing, but less comfortable.
• Reclining sofas are also more customizable than stationary sofas.

Reclining Sofas

Reclining sofas are customer favorites at La-Z-Boy South Texas for good reason. These sofas feature adjustable backrests and footrests that allow users to recline into a more comfortable position.

Typically, sofa recliners come in various configurations, including two-seater, three-seater, and sectional options, making them suitable for different room sizes and seating needs.

Key factors to consider when thinking about reclining sofas include:

• Comfort and Support: The best reclining sofa is designed with ergonomics in mind, offering plush padding, and supportive cushioning, and can be customized to include adjustable headrests and lumbar support to enhance comfort.
• Materials and Upholstery: These sofas come in a variety of materials, including leather, faux leather, and fabric.
• Power Features: Our power recliner sofas come with added features like built-in USB ports for charging devices, adjustable headrest, and extra lumbar support, making them a luxurious addition to any living space.
• Space Considerations: While reclining sofas offer enhanced comfort, they do require more space compared to standard sofas due to the reclining function. Some models are designed as wall-hugging reclining sofas that allow the sofa to recline fully with minimal clearance from the wall, optimizing space usage.

If you're looking for a reclining sofa with a manual latch, the Brooks Reclining Sofa would be a good option for you. However, if you'd like to take comfort to the next level with power, check out the Pinnacle Power Wall Reclining Sofa W/ Headrest & Lumbar.

Pros of Reclining Sofas

Personalized Comfort

While a non-reclining black sofa can be comfortable, it may not feel like it’s personalized, especially for you. When you turn it into a reclining sofa with lumbar support, it will allow you to settle into the couch and find your ideal resting position.

Power Upgrade

With a power reclining sofa, you can personalize your sofa even further!

Not only will you be able to recline with the touch of a button, but the remote has a built-in memory function, allowing you to save your favorite recline position and get back to it the next time you use the sofa.

You can also upgrade your power recliner sofa to include an adjustable headrest and additional lumbar support to take your comfort to the next level.

Cons of Reclining Sofas

Less Aesthetic Value

While there are visually appealing reclining sofas, reclining furniture generally is more bulky and has less aesthetic value. These sofas have a split back, which is not as visually appealing from the back as stationary sofas.

If you are looking for a sofa that fits in a formal living room setting, you will likely be better off with a stationary sofa.

Mechanical Issues

Stationary sofas can certainly experience problems that require service. Problems such as leather or fabric ripping can occur, and the cushions of a big sofa may wear down over time.

Reclining sofas require a reclining mechanism and more parts that have the potential to present mechanical problems in the future. Issues such as faulty metal or broken springs are simply more likely to happen with a reclining sofa than they are with a stationary blue sofa.

Stationary Sofas

Stationary sofas are a staple in living room furniture, known for their fixed seating position and versatile design. Unlike recliner sofas, stationary sofas offer a stable and traditional seating experience without moving parts.

This type of sofa is a classic choice for both modern and traditional interiors, providing a blend of comfort, style, and durability.

Here are some of the key factors to consider when looking at reclining sofas:

• Design and Style: Stationary sofas come in an extensive range of styles, from contemporary and minimalist to classic and ornate. This variety ensures that there is a sofa to suit any décor preference and room aesthetic.
• Upholstery Options: Stationary sofas can be upholstered in a wide range of fabrics and leather.
• Cushioning: La-Z-Boy sofas feature well-padded seats and back cushions. Some models offer removable or reversible cushions for added longevity and maintenance ease.
• Fixed Position: Stationary sofas have a fixed seating position, which can be advantageous for maintaining a sleek and uncluttered look in the living area.
• Placement Flexibility: Stationary sofas are easier to place in a room compared to their reclining counterparts, as they do not require additional space for reclining mechanisms.
• Room Aesthetics: Their stable form helps maintain a consistent look in the living area, making them ideal for creating symmetrical or balanced seating arrangements.

A stationary sofa typically offers visually appealing features such as stylish wood legs and sleek track arms, but if you don't have any interior design ideas, you may struggle to find the right sofa. This video will show you some great interior design trends you need to see in 2024.

Pros of Stationary Sofas

Lower Cost

Generally speaking, stationary sofas are more affordable compared to recliner sofas. This is because they do not have the reclining mechanism involved in the cost of construction and because they do not offer the amount of upgrades that reclining sofas do.

More Aesthetic Value

Stationary furniture is typically more visually appealing than reclining furniture. With more tapered bodies and visible wood legs, a leather sofa will fit better in a formal or modern setting.

Cons of Stationary Sofas

Less Customizable

A La-Z-Boy stationary sofa’s material and cushions can be personalized and upgraded, but stationary furniture is far less customizable than reclining furniture. Without the reclining function, a sofa will likely feel less personalized.

Less Comfortable

A reclining sofa is simply more comfortable than a stationary sofa to most people. In general, reclining furniture is considered more comfortable than stationary furniture.

Which Type of Sofa Is Best For You?

Choosing the right sofa can feel overwhelming when you have so many options. Reclining sofas and stationary sofas each provide their own set of strengths and weaknesses.

When deciding between a reclining sofa and a stationary sofa, there are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself:

• Do you want a power sofa?
• Do you want a sofa with visually appealing wood legs?
• How much are you willing to spend?

At La-Z-Boy South Texas, we’re confident that you will find the right sofa for you. Not only because we have all of the options, but also because our staff will work with you as long as it takes to find the right one for you.

To work with an in-store expert designer, come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store.