One of the features of a reclining sofa which adds the style is the frame. This is the skeleton of the sofa and holds it all together. While most of the sofa frame is hidden by the cushions and padding, there are elements that you are still able to see, such as the sides and the bottom.
Rounded sides: This modern style of reclining sectional features circular detail on either side of the sofa. This not only allows you to store things within the hollow of the circles, but also adds a modern feature.
Chrome posts: These don't get in the way of your sofa when sitting down on it, but chrome posts on either side of the sofa give a modern look while also providing durability and sturdiness. Most commonly seen with leather sofas, on either side of the furniture you will see chrome posts around two feet in height.
Affixed side table: Rather than having to buy different pieces of furniture to get the same effect in your living room, you can consider a modern reclining sectional which already has side tables included. These are built into the frame of the sofa so that you have two matching side tables at either end.