What is the best upholstery type for a recliner?

If you have been researching the most effective upholstery for your recliner, you will have noticed four popular material types that keep stoning up over and over again: 100% leather, fabric, polyurethane and high-performance fabric. Here, we've laid out the fundamental differences between each material type and exactly how they work to deliver their own unique – and completely comfortable – reclining experience.

For Longevity: 100% Leather

If you would like longevity, choose one in 100% leather. The natural finish of a real leather recliner offers a buttery-smooth feel designed to last for quite a decade – and during which you may want to lounge for hours at a time.

For soft, cosy comfort: Fabric

While requiring a touch more maintenance than leather, fabric recliners are still generally easy to wash – and a favourite upholstery choice for one simple reason: they're comfortable. Soft, cosy and slow to soak up heat, the standard tight-weave fabric will turn any piece into the plushest, most inviting place to rest.

For unbeatable value: Polyurethane

A synthetic material resembling genuine leather in look and feel, polyurethane offers a soft, smooth texture. A recliner made with polyurethane upholstery over deep comfort cushioning is meant to deliver the identical feeling of luxurious comfort as a chunk made of leather or natural upholstery – except for a fraction of the price.

For kids and pets: High-Performance Fabric

If you're worried about spills and messes from kids and pets, keep company with a high-performance fabric recliner. Soft and thick – yet breathable – and proof against stains, the high-performance fabric is one of the best and most affordable ways to bring easy-to-clean comfort into the front room.

Here are some of our greatest recommendations:

Daniel recliner chair

Weight capacity: 250 lbs.

Weight: 104.7 lbs.

Best features: - Delicate tufting - Leather

Here’s another customer favourite – and permanently reason. Featuring soft upholstery, smooth push-back operation, a fragile tufted feel and contrast framing (for style), the Daniel may be a tour de force when it involves comfort. Use it to snooze for 20 minutes or three hours. Either way, Daniel’s got your back.

Amala Recliner Chair

Weight capacity: 250 lbs.

Weight: 108 lbs.

Best features: Tight cushions - Adjustable headrest

Those looking to offset back pain will appreciate the Amala’s tight construction – there’s no ‘sinking in’ here. The luxurious leather, foot extension and full-reclining mechanism all work to produce supportive comfort.

Mari Swivel Glider

Weight capacity: 250 lbs.

Weight: 101.5 lbs.

Best features: Customisable upholstery

Luxe fabric gives Mari’s supportive seating a singularly sophisticated look. The planning also features a classic wingback design and swivel gliding base for a pleasing lounging experience. But the important reason the Mari has remained a customer favourite for this love has got to do with its feel: comfy but supportive and incredibly luxurious.