Recliner sofas work well in a loft apartment when you plan for three things: enough clearance around the sofa for the backrest and footrest to extend, a power point within reach if you choose an electric model, and a design that looks good from every side, because in an open plan loft the sofa is usually seen from behind as well as in front. Lofts have the floor space recliners need, and their relaxed, industrial character suits generous, comfortable seating. Choose a recliner with clean lines and a slimmer profile, and it will sit comfortably in the room rather than dominating it.
If you are exploring options, our range of modern reclining chairs and seats UK is a good starting point, including designs that pair well with matching sofas. Below, we look at how to plan, choose and place a recliner in a converted or loft style apartment.
Lofts tend to have generous floor areas and high ceilings, which give recliners the room they need. In a smaller living room, a recliner can crowd the space when fully extended. In a loft, there is usually space to recline without blocking a walkway. The open layout also means the living area is often a place to properly unwind after work, and a recliner adds a level of comfort that standard sofas cannot match.
Recliners have also changed in recent years. Many designs are far sleeker than the bulky models of the past, with slimmer arms, lower backs and concealed mechanisms. That makes them easier to integrate into modern interiors. Browsing our wider collection of modern living room furniture UK sale alongside recliners helps you see how they combine with coffee tables, units and storage.
Manual recliners use a lever, pull handle or push back mechanism. They are simple, do not need electricity, and can be placed anywhere in the room. They suit lofts where power points are limited or where you want to float the sofa away from walls without trailing cables.
Power recliners use an electric motor controlled by buttons, often allowing you to stop at any position. Some include adjustable headrests, lumbar support and USB charging points. They need a power supply, so plan the position carefully. In an open plan loft, a floor socket beneath the sofa or a neat cable route along the floor avoids trip hazards. If you rent, check whether floor sockets are possible or choose a position near a wall socket.
Recliners need more space than standard sofas. Measure the depth of the sofa when upright and when fully reclined. The difference tells you how much extra floor space it needs in front. Then check how much clearance the back needs. Traditional recliners need a gap between the back of the sofa and the wall. Wall hugger designs, sometimes called space saving recliners, slide forward as they recline and need very little rear clearance.
In a loft, where sofas often float in the middle of the room, rear clearance is less of a concern. However, make sure there is still a clear walkway behind the sofa when the backrest is reclined, especially if the route leads to the kitchen or bedroom. Mark out the reclined footprint on the floor with tape before buying, so you can see how it affects movement through the space.
In an open plan loft, the sofa defines the living area. A corner recliner, with reclining seats at either end, creates a strong visual boundary and seats several people. A pair of reclining sofas facing each other creates a sociable layout. A single three seater recliner with matching armchairs gives flexibility.
Corner recliners are particularly effective in lofts. Our modern corner leather sofas UK sale include designs that suit the scale of loft living rooms, and leather sits well with exposed brick and timber.
Lofts are often defined by industrial materials: brick, concrete, steel, glass and reclaimed wood. A recliner upholstered in leather suits this character. Tan, cognac and brown leathers add warmth to brick and timber, while black and charcoal leathers sit well with concrete and metal. Leather is also easy to wipe clean and develops a patina over time.
Fabric recliners bring softness and absorb sound, which helps in echoing loft spaces. Textured weaves, wool blends and chenilles suit loft interiors and add comfort. Choose colours that work with the room’s materials: warm neutrals, deep greens, rust and navy all suit loft schemes.
Look for clean lines and slimmer arms to keep the recliner looking contemporary. Concealed mechanisms and tailored cushions give a sleek appearance. Metal or wooden feet that raise the sofa slightly make it look lighter.
Not every loft is the same, and the recliner should reflect the building it sits in. In a genuine warehouse conversion with cast iron columns and worn brick, a recliner in aged tan or chestnut leather on dark wooden feet looks at home, picking up the warmth of the original materials. In a newer loft style apartment with white walls, polished concrete and black window frames, a charcoal or slate fabric recliner with a crisp silhouette feels more fitting. Top floor flats with sloping ceilings and skylights often suit lighter colours, which keep a room with angled walls from feeling enclosed.
Consider ceiling height when you look at back height. Very high ceilings can make a low recliner look small, so a design with a slightly taller back and headrest can balance the proportions. Under sloping ceilings, the opposite applies. Place the recliner where the ceiling is highest, so there is plenty of headroom when the backrest is lowered, and keep lower pieces such as side tables and footstools under the slope.
Recliners offer more adjustment than ordinary sofas, so it is worth thinking about which features you will actually use. An adjustable headrest is helpful for watching television while reclined, as it keeps your head upright rather than tilted back. Lumbar support suits anyone who spends long evenings on the sofa. Independent reclining seats allow each person to choose their own position, which matters if you share the sofa with someone who prefers to sit upright. Keep the list short: each extra feature adds weight and complexity, so choose those that genuinely suit the way you relax.
Because loft sofas often float in the room, the back is visible from the kitchen, dining area or entrance. Many recliners have exposed mechanisms or unfinished backs, so check that your chosen design is fully upholstered on all sides. A console table behind the sofa, at the same height as the backrest, hides the back and provides a surface for lamps. Make sure the console does not block the reclining movement.
A recliner changes how you use the space around it. Coffee tables need to be placed far enough away for footrests to extend. Side tables become more important, because you may not be able to reach a coffee table while reclined. Our modern side tables UK sit neatly at the arm of a recliner, giving you a place for a drink, remote or book.
Media units should be placed at a comfortable viewing height and distance for reclined seating. Our article on styling TV units with corner sofas in UK living rooms includes useful advice on arranging viewing distance and layout around a large sofa.
Rugs help anchor the seating area and soften acoustics. Choose one large enough for the front legs of the recliner and any armchairs to rest on, and check that it does not interfere with the reclining mechanism.
Recliners are heavier than standard sofas because of their mechanisms. Converted buildings may have narrow stairwells, small lifts and tight corridors. Measure every opening along the route, including lifts, and check whether the recliner arrives in sections or with removable backs. Many recliners have detachable backrests, which makes delivery easier. Confirm this before ordering.
Recliner mechanisms benefit from gentle use. Avoid sitting on the footrest when it is extended, and do not let children stand on it. Check bolts occasionally and keep the mechanism free of dust and debris. For power recliners, keep cables tidy and away from moving parts. Clean leather and fabric according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
A recliner can be a comfortable, stylish addition to a loft apartment, provided it is planned with care. Measure the reclined footprint, choose between manual and power, pick a sleek design finished on all sides, and arrange side tables and media units for reclined viewing. Done well, it becomes the most relaxing spot in the apartment. You can explore our full range of sofas and living room furniture at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
It needs extra room in front for the footrest, and some designs need a gap behind for the backrest. Measure the fully reclined depth and mark it on the floor before buying.
Yes, as long as there is a nearby power point. In open plan lofts, a floor socket or a neat cable route helps avoid trip hazards.
Yes. Choose a design upholstered on all sides, and leave space behind for the backrest to recline.
Leather suits the industrial character of many lofts and is easy to clean. Fabric absorbs more sound and adds texture. Both can work well.
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