When choosing the perfect recliner, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right upholstery.
You’ll generally have two main options: a leather recliner—either genuine or synthetic—or a fabric recliner, which can come in a wide variety of materials.
Each choice comes with its own set of advantages and considerations, making it important to understand the differences.
In today’s article, we’ll focus on fabric recliners, exploring the types of fabric available and the benefits they offer, to help you feel confident and comfortable in your choice for comfort, style, and durability in your home.
Table of Contents
Leather VS Fabric
Before diving into the delightful options for fabric recliners, let’s take a moment to compare fabric and leather upholstery. Recognizing that both genuine leather and PU leather offer similar functions can help you feel more informed and assured in your decision.
- Style – Now, when it comes to style and leather recliners, it generally looks much more sophisticated and stylish than any fabric recliner. Fabric recliners look more informal, whereas leather recliners look more formal. Your fabric recliners have a more traditional look, whereas your leather recliners are slightly more modern.
- Comfort – Comfort. In terms of comfort, my personal experience is that a fabric recliner is much more comfortable than a leather one. When you first sit down on it, it feels very cool. It is cold to the touch and more breathable. On very hot days, sitting on leather can get quite sweaty and stick to you. Fabric recliners will mostly be warm and cozy. Fabric upholstery, such as linens and cotton, is slightly cooler and more breathable. However, most polyester- and microfiber-fabric recliners feel warm.
- Maintenance – Maintenance is important, as you must regularly clean and maintain your recliner. Leather recliners are extremely easy to clean. They generally do not absorb water; you can easily wipe them clean. Your genuine leather recliners will need a little more care, with a leather oil and polish to maintain them. Most fabric recliners will hold stains. They will absorb moisture, water, or any stain. Fabric recliners also collect dust, pet dander, and pet hair. Fabric recliners are not always the best option for homes with pets and children. They can be harder to clean, and they need to be washed.
- Hypoallergenic – If you have allergies or own pets, choosing a fabric recliner with hypoallergenic or easy-to-clean fabric options can help reduce allergen buildup, such as pet dander and dust, making your home environment more comfortable and safe. Clarifying which fabrics are best for allergy sufferers can help readers make tailored decisions.
- While fabric recliners are generally more affordable upfront, understanding their durability can help you feel confident about making a smart, long-lasting choice that fits your budget and lifestyle, giving you peace of mind.
Types of Fabric
These are a few types of fabric used to upholster recliners.
- Natural – If you lack the feel of a natural fabric, there are a few natural fabrics that can be used to upholster your recliner. We start with cotton, the most widely used natural fiber for upholstery for your recliner. That is also quite affordable. Cotton has a soft feel. It is breathable and fade-resistant, but unfortunately, it is susceptible to stains. Cotton can also easily catch dust and dirt, so it is not the best choice for an everyday-use recliner. I’m just mentioning this as a fact: silk is also sometimes used for recliner upholstery. It is usually for recliners that are more decorative than practical. Silk is extremely expensive, and your soul recliner must be cleaned professionally. Linen might also be used as upholstery for your recliner. However, Linen does seem to stain and wrinkle easily. Linen is very easy to dye and print, making it ideal for creating lovely, intricate upholstery designs for your recliner.
- Synthetic – We get to synthetic fabrics used to upholster recliners. As you will see from our list of recliners, most have synthetic upholstery, mostly polyester or microfiber. Polyester is the most commonly used fiber for upholstering recliners. It can be blended with cotton and other fabrics. It retains dye easily and is also a good choice for cleaning and maintenance. Nylon is used for indoor recliners, and it’s often combined with other synthetic or natural fibers. Nylon can be combined with velvet or chenille fabrics to make it more durable. Lastly, we have microfibre; as you will see, many recliners have microfiber upholstery. Now, microfibre can have different textures, from smooth, soft suede to velvety fields to coarser, fluffier feels.
Features of a Good Fabric Recliner
- Comfort – Look for a recliner that has upholstery that is comfortable for you. That will keep you warm in winter, cold in summer, and cool in between. The recliner should have a shape and a design that support your body with comfortable padding and ergonomic cushioning.
- Durability – Make sure you choose a good quality, durable recliner that will last long. The fabric should be durable and easy to maintain, and it should also not show signs of wear and tear easily.
- Aesthetics – Choose your recliner with your home décor and style in mind. Choosing a recliner in a color that complements the rest of your home would be best.
- Maintenance – Consider the maintenance of your recliner. Some fabrics are much easier to clean and are slightly more water-resistant than others. Look for. Look for water- and stain-resistant fabrics that are easy to walk on. Fabrics with a smoother surface are easier to clean and more resistant to staining than those with a more textured or fluffy surface.
Reviews: The Best Fabric Recliners
In our review section, we have some of the best fabric recliners available in different upholstery types.
1
- From Christopher Knight, we have the Gannon plush fabric recliner.
- It has soft polyester upholstery in neutral colors.
- The recliner also offers a gliding function.
- It is a push-back manual recliner.
2
- From Canmov, we have a powered fabric recliner.
- The recliner has a lifting function and side storage pockets.
- It has soft and anti-skid upholstery in neutral colors.
- The recliner is large and comfortable.
3
- The Mcombo recliner is plush and soft.
- It has overstuffed padding and soft fabric upholstery.
- It also offers a gliding motion and is an electric recliner.
- There are additional cup holders and USB ports.
4
- The Hana is a comfortable, wide fabric recliner.
- It has a more durable textured upholstery in a neutral blue color.
- The seat is wide and roomy with comfortable padding.
- The recliner has a sleek and modern style.
5
- The Irene House recliner is a fabric electric recliner.
- It has very soft, plush upholstery and cushioning, with a humanistic design.
- The recliner has a lift function, as well as heat and massage.
- It is available in a few neutral color options.
6
- The Artechworks recliner has a very fancy style.
- It is a Vintage-styled wingback recliner.
- The smooth fabric upholstery is available in a few pastel colors.
- The recliner is comfortable and decorative.
Index Table: Top Rated Fabric Recliners
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christopher Knight Gannon - Fabric Recliner |  |
| Christopher Knight | 98 |
| 2 | Canmov Lift - Fabric Recliner |  |
| Canmov | 97.9 |
| 3 | Mcombo Rocker - Rocker Fabric Recliner |  |
| Mcombo | 97.7 |
| 4 | Hana Tufted - Modern Fabric Recliner |  |
| Hana | 96.2 |
| 5 | Irene House OKIN - Chenille Fabric Recliner |  |
| Irene House | 97.8 |
| 6 | Artechworks Tufted - Fabric Recliner |  |
| Artechworks | 97.7 |
