What Can I Put Behind a Reclining Sofa? (10 Ideas)

Last Updated on May 30, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

When considering how to furnish and decorate a living space, furniture arrangement plays an essential role in optimizing the functional and aesthetic appeal of a room.

Finding the right piece that fits perfectly behind a reclining sofa can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible with careful consideration.

From decorative accents to storage solutions, there are plenty of options available to add the perfect touch of style and practicality to your living space. Here are some ideas on what you can put behind a reclining sofa.

1. Add a storage ottoman

ottoman behind reclining sofa

A storage ottoman is a great way to make use of much-needed extra space behind a recliner. Not only does it provide additional seating, but it also comes with compartments for storing books, blankets, pillows, and other items.

2. Wall Art

wallart behind reclining sofa

Wall art is an important element in any living space, and what better place to start than behind a reclining sofa.

Adding a statement piece of artwork or picture frames can instantly draw attention to the area while also creating a focal point in the room.

You’ll not only be able to show off your unique style but will have the added benefit of enhancing the overall appearance of the space.

Be sure to select pieces with colors and themes that coordinate with the rest of your decor for a unified look.

3. Bookshelves

bookshelf behind reclining sofa

Bookshelves are a great way to maximize storage behind a reclining sofa. Bookshelves provide practical and stylish storage for books, knick-knacks, and other items while also complementing the overall design of the room.

They come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit any space, including corner shelves that can hug the edge of a recliner.

Wall-mounted shelves also make great use of space, while adding an interesting visual element to the room.

With bookshelves, you have the added benefit of being able to rearrange and switch up your decor as often as you’d like.

4. Console Table

console table behind reclining sofa

A console table is a great way to make use of the area behind a reclining sofa Console tables are typically long and, making them perfect for fitting in tight spaces like behind a recliner.

They can be used as additional surface space to display lighting fixtures, decorative pieces, or provide extra storage with baskets or shelves.

Console tables come in a variety of styles and materials, making them the perfect accent for any room.

Whether you opt for a traditional design or something more contemporary, console tables are sure to add elegance and practicality without taking up too much space.

5. Floor Lamp

floor lamp behind reclining sofa

A floor lamp is a great way to provide both ambient lighting and a decorative element in the room.

A tall, freestanding light fixture placed behind a reclining sofa can help to brighten up the area while adding a touch of style.

Floor lamps come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials so you’ll be sure to find one that matches the look and feel of your living space.

Floor lamps are also great for providing lighting in dark corners or making a room seem larger by drawing attention to its vertical height. Finally, they’re easy to move around when rearranging furniture.

6. Room Divider

room divider behind reclining sofa

Room dividers are a great way to separate one area of the living room from another while also creating a sense of privacy and organization.

Decorative screens, beads, curtains, or shelving units can be used to partially or completely divide an open-plan space.

This is especially useful in larger rooms that don’t have walls or when creating a private space for reading or working in a shared room.

Dividers come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and designs so you’ll be sure to find one that fits the look and feel of your living area.

7. Space-saving Furniture

saving furniture behind reclining sofa

Space-saving furniture is an excellent way to make use of a limited area behind a reclining sofa. Multipurpose or foldable furniture, such as nesting tables and fold-out desks, are designed to be compact and can easily fit in a smaller space.

Not only do they allow you to maximize the available space while maintaining functionality but they can also be easily moved or stored when not in use.

Nesting tables are perfect for providing extra surface space while fold-out desks make great workstations that can be tucked away when no longer needed.

Space-saving furniture is a great way to make the most of a small area while still providing practicality and style.

8. Indoor Plants

indoor plant behind reclining sofa

Indoor plants are a great way to bring some of the outdoors in. Not only do they add touch of nature and life to any room, but they can also help improve air quality and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Plants that thrive indoors or in low-light conditions include aloe vera, spider plants, peace lilies, fiddle leaf figs, and succulents.

With the right care, these plants can add a subtle pop of color to any room while helping to purify the air around them. Indoor plants are an easy way to freshen up the look of your living space while bringing a bit of nature inside.

9. Personalized Touches

personalized photos behind reclining sofa

Adding personalized touches to your living room is a great way to make it feel more like home. Family photos, travel souvenirs, or other sentimental items can help bring a sense of warmth and familiarity to the space.

Placing these items behind the reclining sofa can create an intimate atmosphere that’s unique to you and your family.

You can also use decorative trinkets and artwork to add color and character to the room. Whatever you choose, these personalized touches will make your living area feel more like home.

10. Rugs

rugs behind reclining sofa

Rugs are a great way to create a cozy atmosphere in any living space. Whether it’s for comfort or style, adding a rug to your living room can instantly change the look and feel of the room.

Smaller rugs are perfect for behind a reclining sofa while larger ones can be used to define space or provide an area to gather around. Rugs come in all sorts of styles, colors, patterns, and materials so you’ll be sure to find one that fits the look and feel of your living area.

Conclusion

Creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere behind your reclining sofa doesn’t have to be hard. With the right furniture and decorative touches, you can easily transform this often-forgotten area into an eye-catching feature of your living room.

From accent chairs and ottomans to wall art and plants, there are plenty of options to choose from that can help you make the most of this space.

So don’t be afraid to get creative and embrace your personal style when designing your living room!

By following these simple tips, you can create a warm and inviting area that will be enjoyed for years to come.

FAQs

What kind of furniture can I put behind a reclining sofa?

You can put an ottoman, side table, or console table behind a reclining sofa. You may also want to consider adding a decorative rug, wall art, or bookcase in the space as well.

What should I avoid putting behind a reclining sofa?

Avoid putting anything that could block the path of the footrest when it is in its fully reclined position. Additionally, try to avoid heavy pieces of furniture that may be difficult to move when needed.

Can I put a couch or loveseat behind a reclining sofa?

Yes, you can place a couch or loveseat behind a reclining sofa as long as it allows for sufficient space between them and is not too bulky. Make sure to measure the area and take into consideration any other furniture pieces that may be nearby.

Does the size of the reclining sofa matter when placing furniture behind it?

Yes, the size of the reclining sofa will determine what type and size of furniture can be placed behind it. Be sure to measure the area carefully before making any purchases. Additionally, consider how much space is needed for people to move freely around the reclining sofa and any other furniture in the room.

Can reclining sofas go against a wall?

Yes, reclining sofas can typically be placed against a wall, as long as there is enough space for the footrest to open up when in its fully reclined position. Be sure to measure the area and make sure that it allows for sufficient space between the wall and the sofa.

How far from the wall does a reclining sofa need to be?

Generally, a reclining sofa needs to be at least 12 inches away from the wall in order for its footrest to open up fully. Always measure the area before purchasing a reclining sofa and make sure that it allows for enough space. Additionally, consider how much room will be needed for people to move around the sofa freely.

Do you need space behind a recliner sofa?

Yes, space behind a recliner sofa is necessary for the footrest to open up and move freely when in its fully reclined position. Make sure to measure the area before purchasing a reclining sofa and allow for at least 12 inches of clearance from any walls or other furniture pieces. Additionally, consider how much room will be needed for people to move around freely.