The old recliner has finally given up the ghost. It served me well for a good fifteen years, but the springs are shot and it makes a noise like a dying animal every time I sit down. My wife is getting on me to replace it, so here I am.

Honestly, I don't even know where to begin. You walk into a big furniture store and it's like a minefield of salesmen. I grew up thinking La-Z-Boy was the gold standard, the absolute peak of comfort. But now I look at their prices and you have to wonder if your paying for the name or for actual quality. I've seen those ads for Stressless chairs too, and while they look nice, the price tag could fund a small military operation.

It's sort of like buying tools or a new driver for golf, every brand claims to be revolutionary but half the time it's just marketing fluff. I'm not looking for anything too crazy, no ejector seat or built-in fridge. Just something comfortable that will last, and offer some decent lumbar support for a bad back. Are the powered ones with USB ports and all that just more things that can break down the line?

So, I'm turning to you all. What's the buy-it-for-life recliner of today? Or at least, buy-it-for-a-decade. What brands should I be looking at besides the obvious ones? Leather vs fabric? Appreciate any real world advice you can offer.

I am redoing our living room and aiming for a modern transitional vibe. My husband is set on having a recliner, but all that I am finding are bulky and not attractive. Any advice on stylish but comfortable recliner chairs?

Thanks in advance!