The economic recession took a toll on a lot of major companies. One of those companies that felt the wrath of the economic downfall was Berkline. In May of 2011, Berkline decided to cease all operations and to permanently close their doors. Berkline transformed home furniture with innovative technology and precedent ideas and was a leader in home theater seating for several reasons: comfort (of course); style; quality, and customization ability. In this article we review our favorite Berkline sofa�۪s, and if you are lucky enough to find one we strongly recommend you keeping it. The most popular Berkline Sofas models ��� Styles 496, 491, 389, 40040, and 40008 ��� are perfect examples of the manufacturer�۪s ability to cater to individual needs, especially when it comes to beautiful leather sofas, sectionals, and recliners.

The Berkline Design

All of Berkli Top 5 leather sofa groupings are constructed with the manufacturer�۪s ���EasyOff�۝ back system, which allows you to remove the back from the seat to more easily move the furniture into and around your home with less space and weight. The sizes of the individual pieces also are comparable between groups ��� all are within 2-3 inches of the other groups. In addition to beautiful leather options, you also can customize your Berkline sofa from our vast collection of microfibers and fabrics.

Some of the options that Berkline offers also are the same for both groups. These include:

• PowerRecline: Automatically recline to just the right spot! You can start and stop the recliner in exactly the right position for your ultimate comfort ��� the silent electric motor allows you to effortlessly recline to your favorite position and does not limit you to the angles allowed by a manual reclining mechanism.
• TouchMotion: One button allows you to fully recline.
• Wallaway: Berkline�۪s patented mechanism allows your chair or sectional to be placed three inches from a wall and still fully recline. It�۪s a brilliant solution to small-space concerns of many homeowners.
• Queen-size sleeper: Hidden functionality that�۪s packed with comfort for sleeping.

#1. Style 496

Berkline�۪s 496 collection offers a wealth of options in a clean, straightforward design. It features Berkline�۪s innovative ���CMAX�۝ pillow-top seat construction, which includes two layers of foam to create a cushion that is both soft and supportive. It also boasts the luxury of full, pillow-style arms.

Here are the Top 5 Berkline sofas and some of the outstanding features of each group:

The optional features for this group include:

• PowerRecline
• TouchMotion
• Wallaway
• Pressback reclining chaise: This design lets you recline gently with just a push on the arms.
• Swivel glider recliner: Multifunctional base provides full recline, glider action and 360-degree swivel.
• Rock-A-Lounger: Rock or recline ��� whatever you�۪re in the mood for!

This collection offers the following pieces:

• Reclining 2-seat sofa ��� 90�۝(L) x 41.5�۝(D) x 40�۝(H)Reclining loveseat ��� 67�۝(L) x 41.5�۝(D) x 40�۝(H)
• Rocker recliner ��� 45�۝(L) x 41.5�۝(D) x 40�۝(H)
• Glider swivel recliner ��� 45�۝(L) x 41.5�۝(D) x 40�۝(H)
• Recliner ��� 45�۝(L) x 41.5�۝(D) x 40�۝(H)
• Two-arm chaise ��� 46�۝(L) x 67.25�۝(OD) x 40�۝(H)
• Sofa with queen-sized sleeper ��� 91.5�۝(L) x 41.5�۝(D) x 40�۝(H)

#2. Style 491

Delightfully uncomplicated in its design, this grouping would be a welcome addition to any room. It seats and backs are deeply padded and handsomely stitched, while petite, pillow-style arms provide soft, unobtrusive support.

Some of the optional features for this group include:

• PowerRecline
• TouchMotion
• Wallaway
• Pressback reclining chaise: This design lets you recline gently with just a push on the arms.
• Accent pillows: Add a touch of flair with a few extra throw pillows!

This collection is made up of the following pieces:

• Reclining two-seat sofa ��� 87.5�۝(L) x 42�۝(D) x 39.5�۝(H)
• Reclining loveseat ��� 67�۝(L) x 42�۝(D) x 39.5�۝(H)
• Rocker recliner ��� 44.5�۝(L) x 42�۝(D) x 39.5�۝(H)
• Recliner ��� 44.5�۝(L) x 42�۝(D) x 39.5�۝(H)
• Reclining two-arm chaise ��� 43.5�۝(L) x 65.5�۝(OD) x 39.5�۝(H)
• Sofa with queen-sized sleeper ��� 90.5�۝(L) x 42�۝(D) x 39.5�۝(H)

#3. Style 389

A simple, clean design with all the luxury and customizability you�۪d expect for one of the Top 5. This style features Berkline�۪s ComfortRest design, which offers additional leg support when the seat is in the reclined position.

Some of the optional features for this group include:

• PowerRecline
• TouchMotion
• Wallaway
• Pressback reclining chaise: This design lets you recline gently with just a push on the arms.
• Swivel glider recliner: Multifunctional base provides full recline, glider action and 360-degree swivel.
• Rock-A-Lounger: Rock or recline:< whatever you�۪re in the mood for!
• Additional configuration options: This Berkline sofa can be designed in a three- or two-seat option.

This collection offers the following pieces:

• Reclining 3-seat sofa ��� 95�۝(L) x 38.25�۝(D) x 39�۝(H)
• Reclining 2-seat sofa ��� 93.5�۝(L) x 38.25�۝(D) x 39�۝(H)
• Reclining loveseat ��� 71.5�۝(L) x 38.5�۝(D) x 39�۝(H)
• Recliner ��� 44.5�۝(L) x 38.5�۝(D) x 39�۝(H)
• Rocker recliner ��� 44.5�۝(L) x 38.5�۝(D) x 39�۝(H)
• Glider swivel recliner ��� 44.5�۝(L) x 38.5�۝(D) x 39�۝(H)
• Reclining two-arm chaise ��� 46.5�۝(L) x 66�۝(OD) x 39�۝(H)
• Sofa with queen-sized sleeper ��� 94�۝(L) x 38.25�۝(D) x 39�۝(H)

#4. Style 40040

The 40040 collection is part of Berkline�۪s ���Luxury Collection Series,�۝ and for good reason ��� it is certainly one of the most luxurious options in leather sofas! Its frame is slightly larger than the other styles, and it features overstuffed backs, pillow-style arms and extra layers of cushioning for the ultimate in comfort. The 40040 Berkline�۪s innovative ���CMAX�۝ pillow-top seat construction, which includes two layers of foam to create a cushion that is both soft and supportive, but the 40040 seats have an added level of extravagance and support with a soft pillow-top cushion.It also features semi-attached zippered backs, which let you customize the fit by moving the cushion up or down, or by adjusting the amount of fill in the cushion. Another benefit of this luxurious collection is the ComfortRest feature, which offers additional leg support when the seat is in the reclined position.

Some of the optional features for this group include:

• PowerRecline
• TouchMotion
• Wallaway
• Rock-A-Lounger: Rock or recline ��� whatever you�۪re in the mood for!
• Accent pillows: Add a touch of flair with a few extra throw pillows!
• Press-back chaise: The advanced design of this chaise lounge reclines the seat with a gentle push on the arms.
• Additional configuration options: The sofa can be designed in a three- or two-seat option.

#5. Style 40008

Berkline�۪s 40008 grouping is a master of casual comfort, and its clean lines and unfussy appearance don�۪t take away anything from its luxurious feel. The collection is a part of Berkline�۪s ���Comfort Series,�۝ which includes the manufacturer�۪s CMAX pillow-top seat construction.

Some of the optional features for this group include:

• PowerRecline
• TouchMotion
• Wallaway
• Rock-A-Lounger: Rock or recline ��� whatever you�۪re in the mood for!
• Accent pillows: Add a touch of flair with a few extra throw pillows!

This collection offers the following pieces:

• Reclining three-seat sofa ��� 89.75�۝(L) x 36.5�۝(D) x 39.75�۝(H)
• Reclining loveseat ��� 66�۝(L) x 36.5�۝(D) x 39.75�۝(H)
• Recliner ��� 40.5�۝(L) x 36.5�۝(D) x 39.75�۝(H)
• Rocker recliner ��� 40.5�۝(L) x 36.5�۝(D) x 39.75�۝(H)
• Reclining two-arm chaise ��� 42�۝(L) x 62.5�۝(D) x 40�۝(H)
• Sofa with queen-sized sleeper ��� 88.75�۝(L) x 36.5�۝(D) x 39.75�۝(H)