Every home needs a quiet place to relax, read a book, watch TV with friends, or just enjoy some downtime. A recliner chair is an excellent addition to any living room or book nook. If you’re looking for the best rocker recliner to add to your space, this is the article for you!
Here, we’re going to discuss some of the best rocker recliners on the market and why you should have one in your living room. We’ll discuss the various features of each chair, including the recliner configuration, the upholstery finish, how these chairs are controlled, as well as some of the pros and cons. Last but not least, we’ll provide a buyers’ guide to help you choose the reclining chair that’s best for you!
So kick your feet up and let’s get started.
- High-density foam for comfort and support
- Soft, polyester upholstery
- USB port and cup holders
- Overstuffed seat back
- Durable, distressed faux leather
- Heavy steel frame
- Affordable for modest budgets
- Thick, durable upholstery
- One-pull lever for reclining
Other Recommendations
- Best Upholstered Rocker Recliner: La-Z-Boy Jasper
- Best Swivel Rocker Recliner: Evolur Harlow Deluxe Glider Recliner
- Best Power Rocker Recliner: Bonzy Home Power Recliner
- Best Leather Rocker Recliner: Esright Massage Recliner
- Great Option: Gladiator Rocker Recliner by Lane Home Furnishings
- Great Option: La-Z-Boy Collage Manual Rocker Recliner
Table of Contents
- Other Recommendations
- Product Reviews
- Things to Consider When Purchasing a Recliner
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrap-Up
- References
Product Reviews
After conducting extensive research, we chose several products from various retailers to provide you with the best rocker recliners on the market today. We also spent some time collecting information about the unique features of each one. Here are some of our top picks and everything you need to know about them.
This recliner by Slumberland is our pick for the best overall rocker recliner chair. It features gel-blended foam to make it fluffy and full but also supportive of your back and joints, which is a must-have for those who suffer from back pain. The upholstery is a super-soft polyester that comes in black or brown.
The Franklin Astro Rocker Recliner has some cool tech features, such as a charging slot for your smartphone and a USB port for the cable. It also has a stainless steel cup holder so you can keep your favorite beverage within arm’s reach. It rocks and glides, depending on the movement you’re looking for, and has a heavy-duty reclining mechanism that is easy to use.
What we like:
- It’s overstuffed and incredibly comfy
- It is easy to recline
- The USB port and cup holders are awesome
What we don't like:
- It only comes in two colors
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 40.5” x 40.5” x 44.5”
- Weight: 94 pounds
- Seat Height: 20 inches
- Frame Construction: Plywood
- Material: 100% polyester
The Larkinhurst is the premium reclining chair on this list, meaning it’s the highest-priced while also being of high quality. It features a pull tab for easy reclining and rolled arms for comfort. The seatback pillow is overstuffed for additional comfort and support on your upper back and neck.
The color options for this chair are brown or grey, and the upholstery has a nice distressed look to it. The fabric is a soft, faux leather, polyester blend. It features nailhead trim on the front of the arms, which gives it a rustic, old-world look. You can purchase this recliner on Amazon.
What we like:
- It’s beautifully designed with a high back and rolled arms.
- The faux leather and nailhead trim are beautiful.
- It’s pet-friendly. The fabric doesn’t tend to scratch or tear.
What we don’t like:
- The price tag is pretty high
- It’s heavy and difficult to move around
- The overstuffed back pillow can cause lower back pain due to a lack of lumbar support
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 40” x 43” x 40”
- Weight: 141 pounds
- Seat Height: 20 inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Material: Polyester/polyurethane blend
This recliner is another signature design by Ashley Furniture. It’s a great choice if you’re on a tight budget but looking for a nice, contemporary design.
The Alenya comes in two colors: dark grey or light beige. The upholstery is thick, nylon/polyester, which can stand up to lots of wear and tear. It’s particularly useful if you have young children or pets.
The cushions on this recliner are thick, sturdy foam wrapped in a poly-fiber for reinforcement. The reclining mechanism is a lever for one-pull reclining. When this chair is upright, it offers a gentle rocking motion.
What we like:
- The price tag! It’s moderately priced.
- The fabric can withstand a ton of use.
- It has a small footprint and takes up less space than many reclining chairs.
What we don’t like:
- It’s only available in neutral tones.
- The frame tends to shift and become noisy over time.
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 34” x 39” x 40”
- Weight: 93 pounds
- Seat Height: 20 inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Material: Polyester / nylon
La-Z-Boy is known for making awesome rocker recliners, and this one is no different. It is a little oversized and extremely comfy. You can choose between manual and power recline on this chair. The power option is more expensive, but it’s nice to have the choice.
The Jasper comes in a variety of colors and fabrics and the fabric is stain-resistant.
Another cool feature with this recliner - you can choose a rocker model or a wall hugger. The wall hugger is a great option when space is tight.
What we like:
- Both power and manual reclining options
- Choice of colors and fabrics
- The ability to order free samples of the fabric before purchase
- The choice between rocking and wall-hugging
What we don’t like:
- If you choose the power recline option, the price goes up by about $200
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 42” x 40” x 38.5”
- Weight: 76 pounds
- Seat height: 20 inches
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: 100% polyester
This super contemporary design is an Amazon bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. It is smaller and more versatile than most reclining chairs and is an excellent choice for a modern home. The upholstery is an easy-to-clean polyester blend that comes in 6 different colors.
The Evolur Harlow Deluxe is not only a glider recliner but also offers a 360-degree swivel. So you get three different motions in one chair: rocking, gliding and swiveling. It also has a port where you can charge your smartphone.
This chair offers support and comfort in all the right places without sacrificing style. It has foam-filled cushions and power reclining motion, making it the perfect place to land after a long day.
What we like:
- Sleek, contemporary design
- USB port for charging devices
- Power recline
- Variety of color options
- Rocking, gliding, and reclining motions
What we don’t like:
- The cushions can be a little stiff at first
- It sits a bit too high off the floor, especially if you’re under 5’5” tall
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 30” x 29.5” x 40”
- Weight: 93 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Material: 100% polyester
This power recliner is an Amazon bestseller that’s easy on your wallet and your body. It’s constructed of highly durable pinewood for the frame with steel mechanisms for the reclining motion. The recline feature is 100% powered by the motor under the chair.
There are six different neutral tones available. The upholstery is soft, artificial leather that is both breathable and comfortable. This recliner would fit nicely in a home that is more rustic than modern.
The cushions are a high-density foam, chosen for durability and support. You sink into the chair when you sit down, but not so much that it becomes uncomfortable. It’s ideal for tender back muscles and hip joints.
What we like:
- Great features for the money
- The artificial leather is both attractive and durable
- The motor is quiet, and the power button makes it easy to operate
What we don’t like:
- The colors shown online don’t quite match the real thing in person
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 41” x 38” x 38”
- Weight: 97 pounds
- Cushions: High-density foam
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Faux leather
This chair has the works when it comes to features and benefits. It offers some pretty standard elements such as rocking, reclining, and 360-degree swivel, but there’s more. It also has some fantastic massage features!
The Esright massage recliner has a vibration massage mode that will help relax your worries away. It also has a heating feature that will warm your muscles while the vibration massages them. As if that’s not enough, it has a remote control for you to manage all of the action!
Put your feet up on the leg rest and recline back 140 degrees. This massage chair also has additional features such as cup holders and storage spots for books and magazines. It’s one of our top picks because it has so many unique features.
What we love:
- The massage feature
- The heating features
- The fabric
- The remote control
What we don’t like:
- The frame is not as durable as we had hoped
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 33.1” x 35.8” x 43.2”
- Weight: 93 pounds
- Swivel: 360 degrees
- Vibrating Massage
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Polyurethane leather
If you’re looking for several options in color and fabric, this could be your recliner. It’s not a flashy chair at all but has more variety than the others we’ve discussed so far, and it’s a U.S.A. product!
With a limit of 500 pounds, it has the highest user weight capacity of all the chairs we’ve reviewed! It is designed for larger, taller people but is also great for multiple people at once. If you want to snuggle with the kids, the dog, or your significant other, this chair can handle it!
The Gladiator rocker recliner features full-body reclining that allows you to lay all the way down as if lying on a mattress. The footrest has a locking mechanism, so you don’t slide back into an upright position. It’s highly durable, with a frame made of 7 gauge steel, but requires some assembly.
What we like:
- The high weight capacity
- The variety of colors and fabrics
- The durability
What we don’t like:
- The footprint. It’s massive.
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 40” x 44” x 48”
- Weight: 163 pounds
- Base: 7 gauge steel
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Material: Suede
Even though it’s not in our top three, this recliner is still a wonderful option. You can find it on La-Z-Boy for a moderate price. It comes in gray or beige and has a flannel-like polyester upholstery.
The shape of this chair is unique in that it has a high seatback. It would be beneficial for tall people who need a little extra height at the top. It is simple in design and would easily fit into most decor styles.
A light foam fills the cushions, which makes them fluffy rather than stiff. The frame is durable and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It requires some assembly when delivered, so be prepared for that, as well.
What we like:
- Classic design
- It fits most decor styles.
- Washable fabric
What we don’t like:
- Limited color and fabric options
Important specs:
- Dimensions: 39.5” x 29.5” x 36”
- Weight: 65 pounds
- Seat Height: 18.5 inches
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: 100% polyester
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Recliner
Now that we’ve talked about some of the best rocker recliners available, let’s talk about choosing the best one for you. There are tons of styles and options to choose from that will help make your living room the comfy, cozy spot you want. Here is our comprehensive buyer’s guide for how to determine the best rocker recliner for you.
Space
First and foremost, you need to consider how much space you have available. There’s no sense in getting excited about an oversized recliner chair that is too big for your open area. You want to choose something that will fit nicely in the space without blocking any walkways.
When looking at rocker recliners online, navigate to the specifications page to see the product’s exact dimensions. This is a great place to start when it comes to assessing your space.
Type of Recliner
Once you figure out how much space you have, you can dig into the different types of available rocker recliners. I guarantee there are more than you thought! Here are some of the most popular types of recliners.
Power Recliner
As the name suggests, this type of reclining chair features a motor that allows the user to push a button to recline the chair. This category is terrific for people who have limited mobility or a lack of arm strength. It’s also a great choice for a relaxing experience because you don’t have to expend much effort to recline it or return it to its upright position. However, it’s wise to remember that power motors may need replacing down the line.
Push Back Recliner
These types of recliner chairs have to be manually pushed back into the reclining position. Some use a lever or a pull tab to make them recline; others require the user to push their back against the chair while simultaneously pushing the chair’s arms forward.
Rocking Recliner
These chairs feature not only a reclining motion but also a rocking motion. Rocker recliners can rock forward and back when they are upright. They are perfect for new parents to rock their newborns because they can function like a rocking chair or a recliner.
Glider Recliner
Glider recliners move forward and back, just like rocker recliners, but instead of rocking, they glide front to back. The chair stays in the same upright position while moving forward and back. A gliding recliner is great if you have trouble getting into or out of a reclining chair because it moves with you and not against you.
Wall-Saving Recliner
This chair is the best rocker recliner for tight spaces. The smaller the room, the more likely your recliner will be close to the wall. These chairs will protect the walls because they require minimal distance between the wall and the chair’s base and can still rock or recline.
Massage Recliner
A massage recliner is an amazing way to relax after a long day at the office. You can kick back in your chair, activate the massage function, and let it massage your worries (and that annoying ache in your lower back) away. A massage recliner chair will generally be a bit more expensive than the others, but if you’ve got the budget, it’s well worth it!
Upholstery
Here are some important questions to ask when it comes to upholstery:
- Is the fabric durable?
- Is the upholstery easy to clean?
- Does the product come in the color you’re looking for?
- How will the fabric look with your other home furnishings?
Durability
The durability of a recliner chair is heavily dependent upon the materials used. When we talk about materials, we’re talking about the frame, hardware, and cushions. These elements can have a significant impact on how the chair functions and how long it lasts.
If you want your recliner to last a long time, look for one with a steel frame. It will be much heavier than aluminum frames but is likely to last a lot longer. Additionally, it will also be able to support a higher weight capacity.
You also want to consider the type of foam that is inside the cushions. If it’s memory foam or gel, the cushions will likely form to your body and add extra comfort and support. This support can be beneficial for elderly family members who may have back or hip problems. If the foam is lighter and fluffier, it will offer less support.
The lighter foams tend to deteriorate more quickly than the heavy ones. Instead, consider purchasing a recliner with high-density foam. The higher-density foam will allow your cushions to withstand years of wear and tear.
Home Furnishing Style
The style of your home furnishings can significantly impact the type of chair you want to purchase. If you have primarily modern furnishings, an old-fashioned chair might not look great in the space, and vice versa. Selecting something that fits your motif may or may not be a priority to you, but it’s worth considering.
Price
You should go into this purchase decision with a budget in mind. It’s easy to get distracted by all the bells and whistles like cup holders, extra padding, massage features, and electrical components. Just keep in mind that all of these extras add up to a higher price tag.
If you have a modest budget, we recommend looking at the products online first. Online platforms will allow you to browse and read specifications and reviews without any pressure from sales associates. You can get a good idea of what you’re looking for at your own pace and within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still haven’t found the information you’re looking for, here are a few frequently asked questions to help you out. Hopefully, you’ll find what you’re looking for here!
Who makes the best rocker recliners?
La-Z-Boy has had an edge on the recliner market for many years. Their products are durable, classic, and well-designed. However, some big-box stores are coming out with excellent options, as well.
Ashley Furniture is one of the manufacturers that is currently making some top-notch rocker recliners. Two of their designs made our top-three list for this article! At the end of the day, the best rocker recliner is the one that has all the features that you’re looking for and fits your budget, too.
What is the most comfortable rocker recliner?
If you’re looking for comfort, we suggest the Franklin Astro Rocker Recliner. The gel foam is a remarkable technology that puts this chair in a class of its own. The foam and gel in the cushions form around your body to support your joint and provide ultimate comfort. If you’re looking to lean back and settle into a recliner, look no further. Also, having a footrest is only a bonus.
What is the best swiveling rocker recliner?
The Evolur Harlow Deluxe is the best in this category. It offers the best of both worlds because it rocks and reclines and has a 360-degree swivel. Because of its various features, it is both comfortable and versatile.
Wrap-Up
There are so many options out there for rocker recliners, which is why we narrowed down the search to the top products on the market today. In the end, it’s all about getting a rocker chair that will cater to your comfort and needs. Regardless of what you choose, we hope you enjoy kicking your feet up in your new, comfortable chair.
