We had a recliner sofa an love seat and both fit snug to the wall. I found out that a coffee table didn't work very well because when we reclined, the table had to be too far away to use. I solved the problem with end tables and lamps and that worked well. Leather is so easy to clean and looks good for a long time. There are leather cleaners and conditioners you can get and it makes the leather look like new. Mine was the puffy kind, but I have seen some that do not have puffy arms.

We had a Lane one for 13 years and loved it. Comfortable, easy to clean and neither boys in growong and eating year nor dogs -- nor either still damp out of the pool, damaged the upholstery (one scratch on the end from a frightened cat). The family wasn't going to agree on anything different for a repalcement. The cons would be price if you get a good one and leather issues (spotting, fading, peeling, color transfer or other problems) if you don't get a quality one. The other most likely issue is the recliner mechanism. Whether manual or power, you want quality so it will functions smoothy over the years. Power allows you to stop at any point while manual tend to have only two stopping points -- fett up and "full" recline.

We ordered ourcurrent sectioanl through Arhaus. It is the Hadley in a custom leather and with power recliners on the ends. They are not cheap, but you can get a good sale during which custom fabrics or leathers may be the same price or only $100 more than the stock choices (dark brown or possibly grey). You will wait 8-10 weeks for delivery, but that's not bad for custom.

The Lane did need additional room to clear the back movement, but the Arhaus does not. I have read a lot about Lane not being what they used to be -- son't know. That and the cedar chest I got while in high school are the only Lane furniture we have had. The Arhaus is so solidly built -- you can tell the frame is solid and it has 8 way tied foundation, down wraped cushions and a premium leather. I wasn't prepared to spend what we did when I started looking, but we needed an unusual size and were going to pay for any of our limited options. I do feel like we got what we paid for on this one.

Oh -- if you are going to make a major puchase with Arhaus, you might want to consider their rewards program. You get $100 for every $1500 you spend (they had at least one sale with double rewards points while we were shopping) and you could use that towards another purchase. We got our TV stand with a reward.

We also looked at Omnia -- they have nice leathers, but I have no doubt that we got a better made sectional -- and the Omnia also required wall clearance for the recliners.

ETA: Coffee tables -- we didn't use one with the last sectional. It had a chaise on one end and it just wouldn't work. I would like to have one, but DH and the boys don't. We have end tables and I have two small ottomans or a small table I can move into the center. We have talked about a C-table to use at the corner -- actually brought one home and then realized it was turned the wrong way for what we wanted. That is still a possibility. Some sectionals can have 3 recliners and that pretty much elimiates a coffee table. With 2 placed on either end, it really depends on the length of your sectional.

I just realized I answered everything based on a sectional, but pretty much the same for a sofa. The one difference would be that a coffee table only has to work in one direction, but that is likely to be placed further away from the sofa than you would use to set down a drink or something. Not sure what a brunch table is. If thay are light and easily moved, you might use them but a large, heavy table would definitely not be good with recliners.

Thanks for the replies. I have to decide if I want comfort over style.

We tried a stuffed electric reclyning sofa in the store, it was heaven.

Leather reclining sofas require more space than a conventional sofa. Inclining sofas can be used and don't require as much space. There are companies that make motion upholstery that is not ugly. You might check the websites for: Hancock and Moore, Bradington Young, Motioncraft. These are high end companies that build great quality. They are more expensive, but they will last. Motion upholstery, because of moving parts, can tend to have problems.

Another option is to use a cocktail ottoman with a sofa to prop feet upon.