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The Best Leather (and Vegan Leather) Chairs to Buy on Amazon

An easy way to add a touch of sophistication to your space

By Kathleen Walsh

Kathleen Walsh

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July 29, 2020

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leather armchairs recliners

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If there’s a certain comfy element missing from your living space and you’re in the market for a decent leather chair, you’re in luck. A number of manufacturers are now making affordable, comfortable chairs that fit multiple room sizes and decor schemes. Whether you’re looking for a reclining theater seat, an armchair, or a more sophisticated piece of furniture to round out your decor, there are great picks out there for every taste, size, and comfort level.

Reclining leather chairs should be large and soft enough to accommodate an impromptu afternoon snooze, with easy-to-operate and efficient reclining mechanisms. A leather armchair should have enough heft to not make you sink when seated, and you should select a finish that’s cohesive with your room’s basic design style. Here are some other qualities we recommend for both types of chairs.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Leather Chair

Whether you’re looking for a recliner or simple armchair, things like material, construction, comfort, and durability are all going to be important. Here are some of the things we look for.

Material: Genuine leather is generally the softest and most durable material, but it can be difficult to clean and, for ethical reasons, may not be the correct choice for everyone. Whatever leather material your chair is made from, it should be soft to the touch, not sticky or rubbery, and supple.

Size: Reclining chairs are, as a general rule, larger than standard living room armchairs, so pay attention to dimensions, including the dimensions of the chair when fully reclined. Even with recliners, we tend to gravitate toward smaller reclining chairs, as these are more versatile for a variety of spaces, and tend to look a little more sophisticated in modern living rooms.

Comfort: A leather armchair, even an upright one, is meant to be comfortable. We keep in mind the material and softness of the cushions, which should allow you to sink into the seat just enough while remaining fully supported. The shape of a chair’s back and depth of seat are other contributing factors to a chair’s comfort. Most leather armchairs are straighter backs and more rigid shapes than chairs made from plusher fabrics.

Durability: The lifespan of your chair will depend largely on the quality of its construction as well as the materials used. A hardwood frame is always a good sign, as is quality upholstery, stitching, and cushion foam that will not soon flatten and harden.

1. Homall Recliner Chair

Recliners are not often known for their elegance, which is part of the reason we love this leather chair’s clean lines and compact design, which looks both modern and sophisticated.

We also like the feel of the PU (polyurethane) leather, which is smooth and soft to the touch, and cleans easily with a damp washcloth. And though slender in design, people still agree that the reclining mechanisms are sturdy and effective. There’s just enough tilt to let you lie back for a nap or for watching TV, without taking up too much space in the room.

The vegan leather looks just like the real thing, and won’t crease or wear in like genuine cow hide. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to a traditional leather recliner, this is a solid bet.

homall recliner leather padded seat

Buy Homall Recliner Chair $136.99

2. FDW Single Reclining Leather Chair

Despite its small size, this single reclining chair is still remarkably nappable, even for very tall people. Design details like the high back, padded armrest, and foot and back extensions are what make this seat so comfy. Another bonus of the relatively diminutive size is its light weight, which makes the chair easy to fit in small spaces and move from room to room.

The manufacturer also notes the chair’s durability, thanks to a heavy-duty steel reinforced backrest and frame, and solid wood construction. This chair is made from a water-resistant PU leather, making it extremely easy to care for.

fdw reclining leather chair

Buy FDW Single Reclining Leather Chair $145.32

3. Rivet Revolve Modern Leather Armchair

Our non-reclining pick is this brown leather seat, whose mid-century modern design is almost universally compatible with any interiors. We like the Don Draper look of the square frame, tapered legs, and muted brown leather, while others note the ease of assembly and plush, comfy seat.

It’s a stylish accent piece that doubles as your new favorite reading chair. And if you don’t happen to love the brown leather as much as we do, this chair comes in a variety of textiles, colors, and fabrics. This chair is made from a genuine leather that will patina beautifully over time.

amazon rivet leather armchair midcentury

Buy Rivet Revolve Modern Leather Armchair

4. Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner

If you’re really most interested in a chair’s lounge capacity and you’re not short on space, we recommend this oversized, power lift recliner. Not only does it recline, but its reclining functions are motorized and operated by a button. So, if your energy levels are at below zero, this chair is ready to welcome you into it’s generous, overstuffed arms.

There are a couple features to this recliner that we particularly like. The first is that the motorized operation is remarkably quiet, so as not to disturb your relaxation. The second is that when extended, the chair’s lift is noticeably higher than other reclining chairs, which improves comfort, especially for anyone with sore muscles and joints.

Most leather chairs are stiffer and more structured, but this one lets you sink right into its plush material. (Note: this is a polyester material that’s been treated to look like leather, making it a great option for those prefer vegan-friendly seating).

oversized leather recliner lift

Buy Signature Design by Ashley Yandel Power… $1,099.99

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