I’m not sure if it’s suppose to recline but since mine does, it was a nice surprise and pretty comfortable. If the back of the seat were straight up, it wouldn’t be as comfortable and more of a statement piece. The gold colored legs are a bit of a cheesy colored gold but can’t see much of them since the chair is pretty low to the ground. It was super easy to put together. The throw pillow is lacking stuffing making it look a little cheaper but it’s and easy fix.