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Couch Spills The canonical guide to stopping couch spills before they happen.

Recliner Motion Test

Recliners add a new failure mode: motion. If your method can’t survive normal reclining, it’s not reliable.

How to run it

  1. Place the drink where it normally lives.
  2. Recline and return at normal speed.
  3. Shift posture and simulate a gentle knee brush.
  4. Pass = stable; Fail = wobble toward tipping.

FAQ

Why do recliners spill even with cup holders?
Motion bumps + posture shifts + shallow or angled holders. Movement turns small instability into a spill.
What should I test with?
Your real drink size (can/bottle/cup) and your real recline speed.
What’s the next test after this?
Carpet Test for game night and Couch Seam Test for cushion placement.