This recliner is much nicer than the photo allows. The seat cushion is a bit stiff, but one has to assume some stiffness in new furniture. I wouldn't want to feel as though I was sitting on the floor in six months! The assembly was much easier than I had expected from other recliner reviews/horror stories. I bought two and had them unboxed, assembled and the packaging in the recycling all within an hour. The unboxing was the hardest part. The instructions recommended two people for assembly but I decided to "fiddle around" with the parts and it went together so easily that I unboxed and assembled the second one. I recommend this recliner, but do plan on some break-in time for the seat.