What is a reclining corner sofa?
A reclining corner sofa is a corner sofa in which the seating positions have their own powered recline mechanism. Upright, it looks and sits like any other corner sofa. When you want to stretch out, the seat reclines electrically at the touch of a button.
Which seats recline depends on the model:
- Cassoni corner and Cassoni XL corner (leather or fabric): you choose per seat whether it reclines electrically or stays fixed, for example to keep a fixed seat where an extended footrest would get in the way.
- Elevate corner and Elevate large corner (fabric): the seats recline electrically and the chaise longue end has an electric headrest. An ultra-high 106 cm back with lumbar support supports you right up to your head.
- Novell U-shape (leather or fabric): electric recliners and electric headrests, with lumbar support and heavily padded arms.
So on most models, recline is a per-seat feature rather than one mechanism for the whole sofa. Check each product page for the configurations available on that model.
What actually moves: recline and headrest
One control handles the recline. Press it and the footrest rises while the backrest lowers, together, in one movement. Press the other way and the seat returns upright.
The second motor is for the headrest. That is what "dual motor" means on these models: one motor for the recline, one for a headrest that tilts forward or back on its own. Recline fully, bring the headrest forward, and you are looking at the television rather than the ceiling. On the Elevate, recline and headrest are controlled independently per seat; on the Cassoni, each seat you choose as electric comes with both functions.
Corner or U-shape: which suits your living room?
An L-shaped corner sofa tucks into the corner of a room, or divides an open-plan space with its back to the dining area, leaving the rest of the room open to walk through. The Elevate corner is the compact option at 240-262 cm wide and 179 cm deep; the Elevate large corner starts from 303 cm wide and gives you the most seats of the Elevate corner layouts. The Cassoni comes as a corner sofa and as a larger XL corner.
A U-shape wraps around the room, with seating on three sides facing the centre. It suits larger living rooms where the sofa is the main gathering point and several people want to recline at the same time. It needs more floor space and more thought about walkways once footrests are extended. The Novell U-shape is our U-shape model, in leather or fabric.
Prefer a straight sofa after all? Our recliner sofas offer electric recline in straight sofas from 2 to 5 seats, and the recliner sofa buying guide compares sizes, mechanisms and materials. Furnishing a dedicated film room rather than a living room? Then look at our cinema corner sofas, selected with home cinema nights in mind.
Leather reclining corner sofas
Leather is available on the Cassoni corner, the Cassoni XL corner and the Novell U-shape. We use Italian full-grain leather: the top layer of the hide with its natural grain intact. It wipes clean, copes with daily family use and gains character with age, which matters on a reclining sofa, where seats see more movement and contact than on a static one.
Fabric is available on both Cassoni corners, the Novell U-shape and both Elevate corners, which come in fabric only. It feels warmer and softer from the first day and gives a living room a more relaxed look; spills just need quicker attention than on leather. On the Cassoni, cushioning of reflex foam layered with feather and down combines support with softness in either upholstery.
Our collection spans 50+ colours across leather, fabric and velvet, and free fabric and leather samples let you compare them at home, in your own light. The materials guide covers care and colour in more detail.
Dimensions and space
A reclining sofa needs more room than its upright footprint. Check two things:
- Wall clearance. The backrest needs space behind it to recline. On the Novell U-shape, allow 13 cm between the wall and the back for full recline.
- Footrest reach. Fully flat, the Novell's footrest extends around 58 cm in front of the seat. Keep walkways clear of that zone, especially in a U-shape, where seats on opposite sides face each other.
Seat depth counts too: the elements are 110 cm deep on the Cassoni and 107 cm on the Elevate. Whichever model you choose, measure your room against the dimensions on the product page.
Weighing a straight recliner sofa against a corner sofa? Our free room planner currently shows straight layouts only, not corner or U-shapes. Lay the straight sofa out to scale in the planner; for the corner or U-shape, mark the product-page dimensions on your floor with masking tape and walk around them.
Delivery and warranty
Each corner sofa is made to order in a fixed configuration. There is no warehouse stock: production starts once you order, so plan for a lead time of 12-16 weeks.
Your sofa arrives by pallet freight to your door at street level. The driver helps you unload; carrying it inside, unpacking it and connecting the sections is up to you, so measure doorways, hallways and stairs in advance. The delivery charge depends on the pallet class of the variant you order and is shown on the product page and at checkout.
The frame carries a 10-year frame warranty, with 2 years on motors and electronics.
Frequently asked questions
Which seats on a reclining corner sofa actually recline?
It depends on the model. On the Cassoni corners you choose per seat whether it reclines electrically or stays fixed; on the Elevate corners the seats recline electrically and the chaise longue end has an electric headrest; the Novell U-shape has electric recliners and headrests. Check each product page for the configurations available on that model.
How long does it take before my reclining corner sofa arrives?
Allow 12 to 16 weeks. There is no warehouse stock: your corner sofa goes into production once you order, in a fixed configuration and in the leather or fabric and colour you choose. Payment is also only taken once production starts, not when you place the order.
Should I choose an L-shaped corner sofa or a U-shape?
Choose an L-shaped corner if the sofa needs to leave a clear walking route or fit into the corner of an open-plan room. Choose a U-shape if you have the floor space and want seating on three sides, with several people reclining at once.
Which reclining corner sofas are available in leather?
The Cassoni corner, the Cassoni XL corner and the Novell U-shape are available in Italian full-grain leather. The Elevate corner and Elevate large corner come in fabric. Free leather and fabric samples let you compare colours at home before you order.
How is a reclining corner sofa delivered, and do I put it together myself?
It arrives by pallet freight at street level and the driver helps you unload. You carry the sofa inside, unpack it and connect the sections yourself. On the Novell U-shape, the seats are packed separately and you slot the backs into position.
How many power sockets does a reclining corner sofa need?
It varies by model. The Novell U-shape needs one power source per two seats, and an extension lead run underneath the sofa keeps cables out of sight. For the other models, check the product page and plan your socket and cable route before delivery day, particularly if the sofa stands free of the wall.
