Yes, Recliners Can Be Cool. Like These 10 Recliners.

There are those for whom the recliner needs no convincing. They intrinsically understand that the chair is the most comfortable seat in the house, the throne of the true American, style be damned. It is a laid back perch on which they can experience the triumphs and failures of American sports, the news of the day via magazines and newspapers, and, of course, the sweet dreams of a well-earned nap. The self-selected members of the recliner tribe do not care how bulky the piece of furniture looks, or whether it matches the other pieces of furniture in the room—there was so much truth in Martin Crane’s famous recliner on Fraiser. For them, the recliner is home. Home is the recliner. The couch? That’s for guests.

But then there are those who hear the word "recliner" and see nothing but an eyesore. The over-stuffed piece of furniture representative of the grumpy patriarchs they never want to become. They’ll choose a chair with an ottoman any day of the week, even though it takes up more space than they’d like. And, frankly, isn't as nap-friendly.

Fortunately for everyone, recliners have become more stylish over the past two decades or so, resembling, well, cool furniture. Choosing one is no longer a sacrifice of style. If you are already a member of the recliner tribe, perhaps it’s time for a bit of an upgrade that makes a big statement. And if you are recliner-curious, here are some that you can proudly put in your living room that will have everyone asking: That’s a recliner?