Modern Recliners Reimagined: Comfort and Design for the Way We Live Now

Modern Recliners Reimagined: Comfort and Design for the Way We Live Now

The modern recliner looks nothing like its reputation. What was once considered purely functional has evolved into something far more refined. Today’s recliners are intentional, sculptural, and designed to support both the body and the room they live in.

At Seldens, our curated selection of recliners is chosen with the same eye we bring to sofas, dining tables, and other home furnishings. Comfort matters, but so does proportion, material, and how a piece contributes to the overall feeling of a space. The best recliners feel considered rather than mechanical—designed to be seen and lived with, not tucked out of sight.

Recliners at a Glance

  • Modern recliners should look like lounge seating first—with comfort built in, not bolted on.
  • Power features can be discreet, especially when paired with clean silhouettes and concealed mechanisms.
  • Swivel, glider, and rocker bases add flexibility without making the room feel cluttered.
  • Material and scale matter: leather, wood, and upholstery should feel intentional in your space.

Stressless: Engineered Comfort With a Tailored Presence

Stressless has long been a leader in ergonomic seating, but what continues to set the brand apart is how advanced comfort is paired with clean, timeless design.

For those who appreciate precision and ease, the Ekornes Stressless Max Power Recliner offers a fully motorized experience with independent adjustment of the headrest, backrest, and footrest. The chair responds smoothly as you sit, with a gentle rocking motion and a 360° swivel Moon base that allows it to move naturally within a room rather than feeling fixed in place.

Pictured above: the Stressless Max Power Recliner in two leather options.

On the manual side, the Stressless Admiral Classic Chair & Ottoman is a study in timeless comfort. With a firmer seat, distinctive stitching, and a height-adjustable headrest, the Admiral supports a wide range of body types while maintaining a tailored silhouette. Extensive leather and wood finish options allow the chair to feel fully integrated into your home—whether your style leans modern, transitional, or classic.

Pictured above: the Stressless Admiral Classic Chair & Ottoman styled in multiple lifestyle settings.

Fjords: Scandinavian Clarity With Everyday Flexibility

Fjords recliners reflect a distinctly Nordic approach to comfort. Light, architectural forms are paired with thoughtful ergonomic features, making these chairs especially well-suited to open-concept living spaces.

The Fjords Oslo Swing Relaxer is a manual recliner that focuses on intuitive movement. A manually adjustable headrest supports the neck and lower back, while the swivel, glider, and rocker base adds gentle motion without visual bulk. Available in multiple sizes and upholstery options, Oslo adapts easily to different spaces and lifestyles.

Pictured above: the Fjords Oslo Swing Relaxer—light, architectural comfort with gentle motion.

For those seeking power functionality in a streamlined form, the Fjords Magnus Recliner with Battery offers dual motorized control of the back and footrest, allowing for continuous, personalized support. Its slim profile and adjustable headrest keep the design feeling modern and understated, while the battery option preserves flexibility in room layout without visible cords.

Pictured above: the Fjords Magnus Recliner with Battery—streamlined power with layout-friendly flexibility.

Himolla: Concealed Function With Modern Elegance

Himolla recliners are designed for those who value visual simplicity. At first glance, these chairs read as sculptural lounge seating rather than traditional recliners.

The Himolla Aura Swivel Recliner features a concealed headrest and footrest that remain hidden when not in use, preserving the chair’s clean lines. Manual reclining, lumbar support, simultaneous head and leg adjustment, and a 360° swivel base make it as comfortable as it is refined. Available in rich, modern colors, Aura feels intentional in spaces where aesthetics matter just as much as comfort.

Pictured above: the Himolla Aura Swivel Recliner—concealed comfort with a sculptural presence.

Stickley: Heritage Craftsmanship Meets Modern Ease

Stickley recliners bring a sense of history and craftsmanship into the conversation—celebrating fine materials and expressive woodwork while incorporating thoughtful reclining mechanisms.

The Stickley Surrey Hills Recliner is a manual recliner that hides its footrest completely when upright, allowing the beautifully curved lattice back and solid oak frame to take center stage. Designed to look as good from the back as it does from the front, this chair belongs in rooms where furniture is meant to be seen from every angle.

Pictured above: the Stickley Surrey Hills Recliner—craftsmanship-forward design with concealed comfort.

For those who want traditional luxury with modern convenience, the Stickley Durango Power Recliner delivers plush comfort with discreet power recline and built-in USB charging. Hand-placed nailhead trim, premium leathers, and American craftsmanship give Durango a presence that feels warm, substantial, and enduring.

Pictured above: the Stickley Durango Power Recliner—traditional luxury with modern power convenience.

Choosing the Right Recliner for Your Space

Selecting a recliner today is less about choosing between comfort and design and more about finding the right balance for how you live. Manual recliners offer simplicity and timeless appeal. Power recliners provide precision and ease, especially for longer periods of use. What matters most is how the chair fits into your room, your routine, and your sense of style.

The right recliner should feel intentional, supportive, and beautifully at home in your space.

Recliner FAQ

Manual recliners are simple, timeless, and often feel more traditional. Power recliners are ideal when you want precise positioning, independent adjustments, or extra ease of use—especially for longer periods of sitting.

It depends on the mechanism, but as a general rule, plan for a comfortable clearance behind the chair so it can recline without feeling tight. If you’re unsure, bring your room measurements to Seldens and we’ll help you plan the best fit.

Absolutely—especially swivel, glider, and rocker styles with clean silhouettes. Modern recliners (like Fjords and Himolla) read as lounge seating first, which makes them easier to integrate into open layouts.

Yes. Our teams in Bellevue, Olympia, and Tacoma can help you compare mechanisms, sizes, materials, and customization options—so the recliner you choose fits your comfort needs and your space.

Experience Modern Recliners at Seldens

The best way to understand the difference in today’s recliners is to experience them in person. At Seldens, our showrooms feature a curated selection of recliners that balance comfort, design, and craftsmanship. Our designers are always available to help you explore features, finishes, and customization options.

Visit us in Bellevue, Olympia, or Tacoma to discover how recliners have evolved to fit the way we live today.

Explore more at https://www.seldens.com.

 


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