How Much Space Does a Recliner Need?
A recliner takes up far more room reclined than it does upright. Here is how to count it before you buy.
A recliner needs its reclined size, not its upright size. A wall-hugger (wall-saver) model needs a few centimetres from the wall, about 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in), and a standard one needs about 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) or more. Fully reclined, a chair can stretch to 150 cm (60 in) or more front to back. Check the listing for the recline clearance, and keep a walkway of 60 cm (24 in) beyond the footrest.
What to Measure
- Upright size. Width, depth and height as listed, arms included.
- Reclined depth. The listing's length with the footrest and back fully out. This is the number that decides if it fits.
- Distance to the wall. The gap the back needs to lean without touching. Wall-hugger models are designed to need very little, and standard ones need more. The listing usually says.
- Swivel or rocker base. These sweep an arc, so the whole circle counts as floor space, not just the footprint at rest.
The Space Around It
Keep 60 cm (24 in) clear beyond the extended footrest if people walk past, and 45 cm (18 in) to a coffee table in front. If the recliner sits beside a sofa, leave room for the arm of each to stay clear of the other when the chair is open.
Count the side table too. Many people place a small table beside the chair and then find the arm cannot move.
In a Small Room
In a small living room a wall-hugger is usually the better choice, since it needs the least floor. A power recliner is also easier to fit than a manual one, because it can stop part of the way.
Check Your Actual Recliner
Paste the link to your recliner into Nooked and place it in your room at real size. Then enter the reclined length from the listing to see the space it takes when it is open.
Common questions
- How far from the wall should a recliner be?
- A wall-hugger model needs about 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6 in), a standard recliner about 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) or more. Check the listing for the exact figure.
- How much room does a recliner need when fully reclined?
- It depends on the chair, but many reach 150 cm (60 in) or more front to back. Use the reclined depth from the listing.
- Can a recliner fit in a small living room?
- Often yes, with a wall-hugger model. Count its reclined depth and keep a walkway of 60 cm (24 in) past the footrest.
Check the actual recliner in Nooked
Nooked is a furniture fit checker and decision tool that lets shoppers place real furniture at real scale before buying. Compare finds from different stores and build a moodboard of pieces that fit together in size and style.