Once upon a time, the “dad chair” was a hulking, overstuffed recliner parked in the corner of the living room—more eyesore than design statement. With its plaid upholstery and sagging cushions, it was less about style and more about stubborn comfort. But today’s recliners have undergone a serious makeover, blending form and function in ways that would surprise even the most traditional dad. From sleek silhouettes to high-tech upgrades, this chair now holds its own in modern interiors. The evolution isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about meeting the needs of contemporary life with smart, stylish features. To help you spot the best of the bunch, the Star Furniture design pros are breaking down the standout features that make today’s recliners both fashionable and functional.

1.The Effortless-Ease Dad: Power Recline & Lift Support Chairs

When it comes to a chair that offers unparalleled comfort, support, and ease of use, you can't beat a recliner with a multi-functional power system. Perfect for dads recovering from long workdays or simply embracing peak relaxation, power recliners provide a variety of luxurious features, including reclining, lifting, lumbar support, and a headrest. These features don’t just contribute to comfort—they enhance safety and ease, making them a wonderful option for older dads and grandpas. Looking for a power recliner with maximum lift, support, and style? Look no further than the Carroll from Star Furniture. Fully powered, including lift and lumbar functions, this cozy chair features top-grain leather and transitional charm.

2. For the Classic Dad: Push-Back Manual Recliners

Modern recliners don’t have to be complicated or over the top. In fact, many include manual push-back designs that blend a traditional feel with contemporary style. These furnishings are ideal for dads who love simplicity and timeless design (think: no cords, no fuss, just comfort). Manual recliners are perfect for dads who appreciate a hands-on experience, as well as those who love vintage or classic aesthetics. The Nolte recliner from Star Furniture is a beautiful example of a recliner that pairs manual comfort with classic charm. This traditional push-back recliner is made with 100% top-grain leather and Hooker Furniture’s signature craftsmanship, making it a quality piece that will effortlessly elevate any home.

3. For the Connected Dad: Recliners with Built-in USB Ports

Recliners have come a long way in recent years. What was once seen as a functional seating option for reading the paper and enjoying an afternoon nap has evolved into so much more. The modern recliner helps you stay connected right from the comfort of your chair, thanks to built-in USB ports that charge your devices while you lounge. Recliners with built-in USB ports are ideal for the dad who works from home, games, or streams sports. He can charge up without having to leave his chair, adding everyday convenience in a smart, subtle way. If you're ready to charge up while relaxing in a comfortable recliner, you can’t go wrong with the Marlow power recliner from Star Furniture. A traditional silhouette meets tech integration with power reclining and a built-in USB port that makes the living room your favorite place to be.

4. For the Style-Conscious Dad: Transitional Silhouettes

Recliners are often chosen for their comfort and functionality, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be stylish. If you'd love to incorporate a recliner into your home but don’t want to sacrifice the visual appeal of your décor, you're in luck. Modern recliners are designed to blend seamlessly with curated interiors—not just man caves. This allows reclining chairs to work well in open-concept spaces and living rooms with intentional design. Star Furniture’s Deacon power recliner is a great example of a transitional chair made with the modern home in mind. Its sleek profile, power functions, and high-end materials make it the perfect piece to enhance both comfort and visual appeal.

5. For the Dynamic Dad: Swivel & Glide motion recliners.

Today's recliners do more than just recline. Many modern recliners include convenient 360º swivel and gliding capabilities. This adds dynamic movement to match the rhythm of family life, making it an ideal option for rocking babies or pivoting toward conversation in an open-concept floor plan. Whether you're incorporating the recliner into a shared space, a nursery, or a modern media room, you’ll love being able to rock, swivel, and glide effortlessly in comfort and style. Swiveling in style is a breeze in the Ridley recliner from Star Furniture. The Ridley is a modern recliner that offers power, swivel-glide motion, and sleek leather for contemporary comfort.

6. For the Tailored Dad: Custom Order Options

When you can’t find a recliner that includes all your desired features, why not create your own? Many modern recliners offer customizable options, including fabric, leather, and finish. Today’s dads don’t want to settle for furniture that’s just “okay”—with a customizable recliner, they don’t have to. Taking the time to design a piece that matches your space and personal taste is the best way to make the most of your recliner and enhance your everyday life. At Star Furniture, we’re proud to offer plenty of customizable furnishings, including the Quinnie, which combines your ideal comfort and style. The Quinnie is a transitional recliner with custom order availability, power features, and USB charging.

Find Your Dad's Dream Recliner at Star Furniture

There’s no question that today’s recliners are redefining comfort. This is good news for dads. Homeowners are ditching outdated dad chairs for pieces that are smart, stylish, and ready for real life. Browsing online for living room recliners and reviews is a good way to get an idea of which options may be best for you, but you can’t beat trying them out for yourself in person. With this in mind, be sure to stop by one of Star Furniture’s convenient showroom locations to experience the modern features of our favorite recliners firsthand. Whether you're rocking a newborn, watching the big game, or just claiming your corner of calm, there's a new dad chair for that at Star.