Contemporary living room featuring a sleek, modern recliner, illustrating how today's recliners blend style and comfort, far from your grandpa's chair.

Recliners have come a long way from the bulky, old-fashioned chairs our grandpas love. Today’s recliners blend sleek design with cutting-edge technology, offering unparalleled comfort without sacrificing style. These modern marvels are designed to complement contemporary living spaces while providing ultimate relaxation. The Star Furniture design team has curated a selection of today's best recliners, showcasing how far they've evolved. Discover why these aren't your grandpa’s chairs and see how they can transform your home.

The Evolution of Recliners

Since their big debut, recliners have come a long way in terms of functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. What has become a symbol of luxury and relaxation in the American living room actually began its journey hundreds of years ago in Europe and has been evolving ever since. In fact, the earliest version of the recliner dates back even further to ancient Egypt. Known for enjoying their leisurely meals in style, the ancient Egyptians invented wooden seats that featured sloped backs and could recline as early as 1330 BC. 

Fast forward to the early 1800s, when fully reclining, adjustable dental chairs came into the picture. By the mid-19th century, the French had created a piece of furniture that could act as a chair, bed, and chaise lounge, complete with padded armrests. While these early renditions of reclining chairs paved the way for the modern recliner, it wasn't until the late 1920s that what we now think of as a recliner was born. It was at this time when two cousins, Edward Knabush and Edwin Shoemaker, trademarked the design of a reclining, simple wooden bench. This opened up the opportunity for businesses to take shape and the rest is history. 

Technological advancements in the 1950s made recliners more easily manufactured and, therefore, more affordable for the average homeowner, and the piece became a staple in living rooms across the nation. Through the decades, recliners have continued to evolve both in terms of style and design as well as functionality and technology.

Modern Aesthetics in Recliners

Let's be honest: Recliners of the past aren't remembered for their stunning good looks or eye-catching visual appeal. While recliners of old used to be added to a living room to provide a comfy spot for grandpa to kick up his feet at the end of the day, modern recliners offer the same comfort and functionality without taking away from your living space's stylish decor. Take a look in any modern furniture store and you may be surprised to find accent chairs of all kinds that offer reclining features. From timeless leather and tufted upholstery to floral prints and luxurious suede, contemporary recliners often look as ordinary as regular sofas or armchairs when not in use. Check out some of the Star Furniture design team's favorite recliners that can complement any home decor:

  • With its low back and crisp white color, our Delta Power Recliner would make a lovely addition to any contemporary living space. 
  • Our Finn Reclining Chair is handsome and versatile, complete with top-grain leather and a classic design.
  • Cozy and elegant, our Mixon Recliner features neutral fabric that will give any space a modern touch.
  • Sleek style and rich color make our Violin Recliner a beautifully unique seating experience.

Advanced Technology in Modern Recliners

Recliners' name gives away their primary function; they're a furnishing that is intended to promote relaxation and rest. Their comfort and appeal don't have to end there, however. Modern recliners often feature a variety of advanced technological features that help contribute to an even more relaxing, indulgent experience. Some of these features include power reclining, convenient USB charging ports, and wireless control. You can also expect to find many recliners that offer adjustable headrests to accommodate users of varying heights, lumbar support for added comfort, and memory settings to ensure your chair is customized to your preferences day after day. Looking for a modern recliner with the latest technology? Here are some of our favorites at Star Furniture:

  • In terms of comfort and advanced features, our Viewpoint Power Recliner packs a punch. This rocking recliner features power reclining, air massage, heat therapy, and more.
  • Along with classic blue leather and plush cushions, our Dawson Rocking Recliner includes many modern technological features, including a power headrest and lumbar adjustment.
  • You can't beat the convenience and comfort that comes with our Broadway Recliner, which boasts a lay flat mechanism and built-in USB port that will make this piece your new favorite place to lounge.

Comfort and Ergonomics

One of the most common advancements in modern furniture is an understanding of ergonomics in their design. When furnishings are made in a way that best supports a person's body, they're able to experience greater comfort and their overall well-being is enhanced. The appreciation of ergonomic design and comfort has spilled into the world of recliners, too, leading to more styles prioritizing proper support and superior comfort. While many factors go into maximizing comfort and ergonomic design, one of the most important is the materials that are used. High-quality materials, including memory foam and upholstery, can be found in the latest reclining chairs, helping homeowners find the perfect balance between comfort and style. This also affects the shape of modern recliners, with more attention being added to features, such as headrests, lumbar support, and footrests. When looking for a recliner that offers unparalleled comfort and support, don't hesitate to ask one of the Star Furniture interior designers. 

Versatility and Functionality

While Archie Bunker lounging on his recliner in front of the television may have become a classic image for many Americans after the 1970s sitcom put the reclining armchair on the map, modern recliners shouldn't be limited to the living room. Today’s recliners are versatile and stylish enough to be incorporated into various rooms throughout the home. Whether placed in a cozy reading nook, a home office, or even a bedroom, these contemporary pieces add both comfort and elegance to any space. Sure, they provide a comfy place to unwind while watching your favorite show on a lazy afternoon, however, their versatility and functionality make them a practical addition for many other areas of the home as well. 

For instance, arranging a group of recliners together can provide the ideal seating option to enjoy a movie with your family in your home theater. Likewise, they offer a practical place to rock babies and young children in their bedrooms. Recliners can even make a cozy addition to a bedroom or home office; pair them with a small side table and floor lamp and you've found the perfect place to enjoy a good book. Any area of your home where comfort and relaxation are a priority is suited for a modern recliner.

Modern living room with a sleek recliner sofa, showcasing how today’s recliners combine style and functionality, redefining the classic comfort chair.

Customization and Personalization

When you have a particular aesthetic or functional feature in mind, no other piece will measure up without it. Fortunately, shopping at a trusted furniture store, such as Star Furniture, will give you the option to customize many furnishings to ensure you find the perfect piece for your home, including recliners. Whether you're looking for a particular fabric, color, size, or style, it's always a good idea to ask one of our trusted Star Furniture designers where to find what you have in mind. Many pieces feature multiple options, such as our Tucker Recliner, which is available in both leather and fabric. When customizing your dream recliner, be sure to choose one that blends well with your existing home decor and lifestyle. For example, the leather Tucker Recliner may be easier to clean and maintain if you have pets or young children at home than the fabric option. The more specific you are with the designer you work with, the happier you'll be with the final product you get to bring home.

Health Benefits of Modern Recliners

You've probably heard that the right mattress can help provide an array of health benefits, but did you also know that the same is true for modern recliners? It's true. Many recliners available today include features that can help reduce stress and improve aches and pains.  Heat therapy, massage functions, and ergonomic design can all help you feel your best when enjoying your recliner as well as when you stand up and move around. With this in mind, it's worth considering your specific health and comfort needs before choosing a new recliner. For instance, if you experience back pain, choosing a recliner with extra lumbar support or heat therapy may be a good idea. Likewise, if you have a job where you're standing up for long periods of time throughout the day, you may prefer a recliner that includes massage functions. Check out these from Star Furniture to get your recliner shopping journey started:

  • Coming home will be your favorite part of the day when you have this plush Hercules Recliner to sit down in, complete with heat therapy and massage features. 
  • Our Primo Rocking Recliner will add a beautiful pop of color to your living space while providing a cozy place to unwind thanks to its power headrest, lumbar adjustment, and air massage. 
  • Finding the support you need while easily getting in and out of our stylish Logan Lift Chair will be a breeze with its power recline, power lift, and power lumbar support features. 

Trends in Modern Recliner Design

Like other furnishings, recliners have evolved to match the trends found in modern home decor, impacting both their functionality and appearance. First and foremost, many modern recliners do so much more than merely recline. As we've already touched on, it's easy to find recliners that are used to maximize their comfort. These include adjustable headrests, added lumbar support, technological conveniences, air massage, heat therapy, and other customizable options. More noticeably, recliners today are fabricated to complement popular home decor styles, ensuring that they blend seamlessly with your home's existing decor. Whether your home is adorned in rustic, mid-century modern, or minimalist decor, you can rest assured that there is an array of recliners to choose from in your preferred style. Modern recliner design is constantly evolving. Be on the lookout for the latest recliner design trends, such as the Albrecht-2 Power Recliner from Star Furniture.

Enhance the Style and Comfort of Your Home with a Modern Recliner from Star Furniture

Everyone deserves to have a home that's as comfortable and relaxing as it is stylish and inviting. If your home doesn't currently exude relaxation, chances are that incorporating a modern recliner can help change that. While old recliners may have gotten a bad rap for being bulky, unattractive, or old-fashioned, modern recliners are anything but. Contemporary recliners can blend in with your surrounding decor or stand out as a beautiful accent piece. Along with advanced features and contemporary designs, modern recliners can be customized to match your ideal functional and aesthetic needs. From built-in USB ports and power reclining features to massage and heat therapy, a modern recliner can take your resting experience to the next level. 

At Star Furniture, our experienced design team is eager to help you find the perfect recliner for your living room, bedroom, or office. Visit us online to check out our wide selection of recliners and reclining sofas and sectionals, then stop by one of our convenient showroom locations to get started. We can't wait to help you find your perfect place to recline!