This Sleek Castlery Sofa Fixed Everything I Hate About Traditional Recliners

I’ve never been a fan of reclining sofas. Maybe I’m scarred from the manual recliners of my childhood, with cumbersome handles or jarring auto-recline mechanisms that send you shooting back in a shock (essentially countering the relaxing feel they’re supposed to facilitate), but I’ve never cared for them. It wasn’t until I visited Castlery’s new flagship store and laid eyes on the Jaron Leather Recliner Sofa that I learned just how wrong I’ve been — reclining sofas have come a long way!

The Jaron sofa challenged every (albeit misguided) notion I had about recliners. Whereas the ones I remember used to be bulky, clumsy eyesores, Castlery’s Jaron Leather Recliner Sofa is space-saving, smooth-operating, and seriously stylish. You actually can’t tell that it’s a recliner at all. So to my fellow recliner skeptics, believe me when I say that the Joran sofa will be the one to convert you (it did me!). Here’s why. 

My biggest issue with most recliners is that they’re usually lacking in terms of style. But the Jaron Leather Recliner Sofa delivers tenfold, with its bubbly sculptural shape and supple top-grain leather. I couldn’t tell it was a recliner at first glance, which is exactly how it should be. Its deep cushions and gentle curves look loungey and inviting, but the sofa still has a clean, modern look that would fit right into a sleek, urban loft or a warm, boho living space. It’s a sofa with range! 

It’s also one of the more small-space-friendly reclining sofas I’ve come across at 86.6 inches wide. While I viewed the two-seat model in-store, the Jaron sofa’s modular design can be configured as a sprawling L-shaped sectional (reclining seats and all!), a three-seater sofa, and more to suit spaces of any size. You can also choose between wide or slim arms to save additional space. It also doesn’t require a ton of clearance to fully recline, making it a safe bet for smaller living rooms. 

I’m pretty sure I let out a long “ooooh yeah,” when I sat on the Jaron for the first time. The deep seat cushions are soft and bouncy, while the back has a balanced, medium-firm feel. And the smooth leather allowed me to easily slide back for a relaxed sit. I worried the headrest might be too low at first, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s fully adjustable and can be set at 16 different angles for optimal support. 

Then there’s the power-reclining mechanism. The controls are hidden away on the sides of the seat cushion (no bulky remote or unsightly exposed buttons here), and with a simple press-and-hold of the button, I can recline up to a full 180 degrees for total relaxation. Best of all, the mechanism is smooth and virtually silent — there’s no noisy springs or clunky motion like I mentioned earlier. When the sofa is in its reclined position, I could easily see myself dozing off for a nap or even offering it to overnight guests who need a place to crash. And I love that I can adjust it to achieve a more upright position for entertaining, working from my laptop, you name it. It’s a couch that suits every need. 

I say if you want a comfortable, loungeable sofa that doesn’t compromise on style, then the Jaron sofa should be at the top of your list. It made me, a staunch recliner-hater, a total believer. So if you have similar hangups about reclining sofas, I’m positive it’ll change your mind, too. 

Buy: Jaron Leather Recliner Sofa, $3,998