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Today's Recliners Let You Kick Back in Style
Give your design a leg up with comfy recliners that look great, too
I started JASON BALL interiors out of a passion for the design and building process. For me, it's all about learning about my clients and creating a personalized space that fits the way they live.
I started JASON BALL interiors out of a passion for the design and building... More »
Many of us have fond memories of sitting on our dad's lap in his big recliner or maybe curling up in the over-stuffed piece of furniture to watch a Godzilla movie on Saturday afternoon. How recliners have changed over the years. No longer are they relegated to the "study" (code for "room that the public is not allowed to see"). The recliners of today, with all their design and good looks, now have places of honor in living rooms, family rooms and entertainment rooms.
Besides their good looks, recliners have a particular set of functions few other pieces in your home have. Of course, reclining is key. But just as important is their origami-like capability to provide a footrest when you want it — and tuck it away when you don't.
Thanks to some clever new recliner designs, its time to bring the recliner back into your main living space. Here are some great examples to get you started.
More: 9 Elements of the Perfect Man Chair
Besides their good looks, recliners have a particular set of functions few other pieces in your home have. Of course, reclining is key. But just as important is their origami-like capability to provide a footrest when you want it — and tuck it away when you don't.
Thanks to some clever new recliner designs, its time to bring the recliner back into your main living space. Here are some great examples to get you started.
More: 9 Elements of the Perfect Man Chair
| In what I can only imagine is a rather elegant home, this family room is set for large gatherings as well as movie nights for the home's inhabitants. The two chairs with their backs to us are, in fact, recliners and set in an optimal location for TV viewing. When not in the reclining position, they complete a comfortable and intimate conversation area. Tip: When considering placing recliners in the middle of a room, be sure to look at the back of the piece. You don't want to see a bunch of unsightly mechanical hardware. These are finished and tailored to perfection. |
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This blue leather recliner from Horchow would fit perfectly in an upscale family room.
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| Sometimes you just have to recline in something truly sumptuous. This lipstick-red leather recliner feels right at home in this fun and stylish interior. From silver sofa to silver leaf ceiling and high-graphic wall covering, this room screams glamour. |
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| Sometimes it takes a recliner to fit comfortable seating into a smaller space. This long and narrow room would not allow for an ottoman in front of this side chair. Design Within Reach, producers of this chair, tasked a furniture designer to come up with a comfortable recliner minus all the bulk. This scaled-down chair would fit well in any space requiring smaller-scaled furniture. But the real bonus is that this one also reclines. |
These two recliners are perfect for a TV room with space limitations. Notice the scaled-down arms and lower overall profiles of these pieces. They help the room from feeling crowded. Yet you can push back and relax. Each person also conveniently has his or her own little side table. Well thought out.
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Recliners have also become central to outfitting media rooms. If your home is large enough, you might consider turning one room into a screening room. This becomes the family hangout on movie night or the sleep-over room.
This media room has the style and elegance of a screening room from the early days of the silver screen. Two well-positioned recliners are certainly the best seats in the house.
This media room has the style and elegance of a screening room from the early days of the silver screen. Two well-positioned recliners are certainly the best seats in the house.
by Addison House
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Here's a nice set of recliners around which to build your contemporary screening room.
| In looking for rooms with recliners, I came across this contemporary traditional Hawaiian home. Besides the breathtaking view and outdoor space, the furniture arrangement is perfect given the space use. Anything other than streamlined sofas and these two recliners would have felt bulky and obtrusive. However, the reclining aspect of these chairs also plays an important role. They provide a landing spot to relax during any inclement weather, but still close enough to enjoy the outside. Just perfect! |
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| A Houzz visitor seeing this photo asked "Where do the TV viewers sit?" The question is a good one. As we saw in previous examples, a recliner placed directly in front of a TV is optimal for viewing purposes. But let me throw something else at you. The recliner you see here can also swivel! So, by providing the flexibility in this one piece of furniture, you can go from watching the outside (and, what a great view) to watching TV or gazing at the fire. What's even more impressive is the elegance in this room. Its subtle palette of creams and blues doesn't compete with the home's natural setting. I'd like to vacation here. Anyone with me? More: Browse recliners How to Arrange a Room for the TV and People, Too 9 Elements of the Perfect Man Chair |
Ideabook published on Oct. 27, 2011.
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Even in a small space they are still a good thing!
Also, the dimensions of that TV room are almost claustrophobic, but the decor suits it well, and keeps it from looking too small. And it really makes sense, to me, to devote a smaller portion of your home to TV watching - rather than the huge 'Media Rooms' that seemed so popular for so long.
Oh, and there has to be space for the dog to sit there too, a lab. The hunt is still on!
I may end up with reclining love seats instead of chairs!