This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas
A leather recliner is often a luxury investment, known for its sophisticated look, comfort, and long-lasting durability. Whether you're looking for a chair to unwind in after a long day or seeking a statement piece for your living room, choosing the best quality leather recliner chair can elevate both the style and comfort of your space.
With so many options available, how do you determine which one offers the best combination of quality, comfort, and durability?
In this article, we'll explore the factors that contribute to the best quality leather reclining chair, highlight some top choices, and provide you with expert tips on how to select the perfect one for your home.
Coming Up...
- Key Factors That Define the Best Quality Leather Recliner
- Top La-Z-Boy South Texas Leather Recliners for Quality and Comfort
- Ready to Find the Best Leather Recliner For You?
Key Factors That Define the Best Quality Leather Recliner
1. Type of Leather: The type of leather used in a recliner plays a significant role in its overall quality, feel, and durability. Leather is categorized into several types, each with its own benefits:
- Full-Grain Leather: Considered the highest quality leather, full-grain leather is made from the top layer of the hide, preserving its natural texture and markings. Full-grain leather is the most durable, ages beautifully over time, and develops a rich patina. It’s resistant to wear and tear, making it a great option for a recliner that will be used regularly.
- Top-Grain Leather: This is the second-highest quality leather, made from the top layer of the hide but with a more refined and uniform finish than full-grain leather. It’s softer and more flexible but still very durable. Top-grain leather is often used for high-quality recliners because of its strength and smooth texture.
- Genuine Leather: Genuine leather is a lower-grade material that has been processed to remove imperfections, often by sanding or coating it. While still made from real leather, it is less durable than full-grain or top-grain leather and may not have the same luxurious feel or longevity.
- Bonded Leather: Bonded leather is made from leather scraps that are bonded together with a synthetic material. This is the lowest grade of leather used in furniture, and while it can be a more affordable option, it lacks the durability and natural beauty of higher-grade leathers.
2. Craftsmanship and Construction: The quality of a recliner chair depends not just on the leather but also on the craftsmanship. High-quality leather recliners are constructed with attention to detail and precision. Look for leather recliner chairs with:
- Sturdy Frames: A solid frame made from hardwood, metal, or a combination of materials ensures the chair’s longevity. Recliners with solid frames tend to last longer and provide better support.
- Comfortable Cushions: High-quality foam or memory foam cushions ensure a comfortable seat that doesn’t sag over time. High-density foam will hold its shape and provide consistent support for years.
- Smooth Reclining Mechanism: A high-quality recliner should have a smooth and reliable reclining mechanism, whether manual or power-operated. The mechanism should be easy to use and built to last without any squeaking or malfunctioning.
3. Durability: Leather is prized for its durability, but not all leather recliners are created equal. The best leather reclining chairs use durable materials and construction methods that withstand daily use. In addition to the leather itself, the quality of the internal mechanisms, such as the reclining motor or frame, will contribute to the recliner’s overall longevity.
4. Comfort: A recliner’s comfort level is another key factor in determining its quality. Leather, by nature, can be cool or warm depending on the environment, so it’s essential to choose a recliner that offers both comfort and support. Features such as a well-cushioned seat, adjustable backrest, and leg rest, as well as ergonomic design, will ensure maximum comfort.
5. Style and Aesthetic: The best quality leather recliner should complement your home’s decor while offering functionality. Leather recliners come in various styles, from traditional to contemporary, and a variety of leather finishes and colors. Choose a recliner that aligns with your tastes while still offering the quality and features you need.
Top La-Z-Boy South Texas Leather Recliners for Quality and Comfort
1. Astor Platinum Power Lift Recliner
The Astor Platinum Power Lift Recliner is a generously scaled lift chair and power recliner designed for maximum comfort and support. It features a tall base that adds 1.5 inches to the overall height, making it ideal for taller individuals.
The tall back has three semi-attached cushions that can be adjusted for personalized support. With padded, flared arms and a chaise seat and leg rest, it offers a smooth reclining experience where the seat and back move together, eliminating gaps and ensuring full-body support in any position.
The recliner includes power tilt, independent back and leg rest motion, and an easy-to-use wired controller. The zero-gravity position helps alleviate pressure on the lower back and spine, while the chair can be placed just 11 inches from a wall.
With a 350-lb weight capacity and a convenient right-side storage pocket, the Astor Platinum combines style and functionality for optimal relaxation.
2. Brooks Wall Recliner
The Brooks Wall Recliner is a plush, ultra-comfortable chair with a clean, casual design that fits perfectly in smaller spaces.
Its chaise seat and leg rest provide full-body comfort, while the smaller arm posts and thinner arm pads give it a stylish, tailored look. The thinner back design adds to its sleek, less overstuffed appearance.
Ideal for limited reclining space, this chair can be placed just 7 inches from a wall and fully recline. The recline function moves the chair slightly forward, allowing it to fully recline without pushing back toward the wall.
A convenient side-mounted handle offers three supportive, safely locked legrest positions, and the back can recline independently without activating the legrest, providing customizable comfort. The chair remains sturdy when sitting down or standing up, as it does not rock.
3. James Power Rocking Recliner W/ Headrest
The James Power Rocking Recliner with Headrest is a casual, family-friendly recliner designed for ultimate comfort.
Its sculpted-bucket chaise seat and leg rest create a continuous comfort zone when reclined, while the pillow-top arms and plush tall back provide additional relaxation. This recliner rocks and reclines, offering total comfort with independent adjustments for the back, leg rest, and headrest.
The newly redesigned side-mounted control panel includes a convenient home button to return you to the upright seated position. For added convenience, a built-in USB port powers your smartphone or tablet, making it perfect for lounging in modern style.
Ready to Find the Best Leather Recliner For You?
When it comes to choosing the best quality leather recliner, it’s essential to look for a combination of durable leather, superior craftsmanship, comfort, and stylish design.
Leather recliners made from top-grain leather or full-grain leather provide the best durability, while genuine leather and bonded leather offer more affordable options but may not have the same longevity.
No matter which recliner you choose, ensuring it’s made with high-quality materials and designed with comfort in mind will guarantee you have a relaxing and durable addition to your living room for years to come.
The only way you’ll know for certain what type of leather recliner is best for you is to sit on the chair to see how it fits you. If you’re ready to take this step, come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store.
