Recliner Dimensions: How To Choose The Right Size Recliner?

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So, you want to buy a new recliner? You have zeroed in on one, and you’re pretty sure it’s the “one” because you’ve done in-depth research online and read enough good reviews about it. It’s also in the perfect color and will blend right in with your décor.

But is it the right size?

Before you place the order, you should know your body, space, and recliner dimensions. They will help you choose the right recliner size.

Table of Contents

How To Choose The Right Size of Recliner

If you are shopping for a recliner in a local store, you should test the seat first to ensure it’s the right recliner size for you. Here are some tips that will guide you.

Lumbar Support

A chair that doesn’t provide proper lumbar support is not only uncomfortable but can result in long-lasting backaches. That’s why a chair’s lumbar support is a critical deciding factor. Proper lumbar support helps maintain a healthy back curvature.

So, how do you tell if your recliner provides the proper lumbar support?

This is pretty easy! While seated against the back and cushions, there should be no space from your lower back or tailbone. In other words, the length of the cushion of the recliner should be equal to the length of your tailbone to your knees.

Feet

Ensure that your feet rest flat on the floor when seated (not reclined). They shouldn’t dandle on the air or outshoot to where the heels are resting. Proper position of the feet creates good support for your back and knees and enhances blood circulation on your legs.

Armrest

Most recliner chairs come with an armrest that’s smaller than your arm. The right recliner size armrest should accommodate your arm, but the fingers are likely to hang over. The armrest length should be equal to your arm length from the elbow to hand.

Recliner Width

A recliner chair shouldn’t be snug. Your recliner should have a gap- about 1 inch- between the armrest and your hips, depending on your size. look at this 8 best extra-wide recliner.

What About When the Chair Is Fully Reclined?

When the recliner chair is fully reclined, your heels should rest comfortably at the footrest. They shouldn’t dangle at the edge or stop in the middle. Otherwise, the chair will not offer proper lumbar and leg support.

More? Learn the Best Way to Adjust Your Recliner

Measuring Your Body to Match Recliner Chair Dimensions

This guide will come in handy for people who want to shop for a recliner in an online store. Before you place an order yourself to ensure you choose the right recliner size.

Don’t worry; you will not have to measure every part of your body. Also, the only thing you need is a tape measure, a piece of paper and a pen.

With your tape measure, measure the length between the knee and your heel and write it down.
Measure the distance between your tailbone and your heel.
Measure the length of your torso-This depends on how much backing you want. If you want a chair where your head shoots over the backrest, measure the distance between your shoulders and your tailbone. If, on the other hand, you want a chair that has a larger back, measure the distance between the tailbone to the top of your head.
Measure the widths of your body. Measure the width of the hips and shoulders.

Measuring Your Space

A recliner chair can take a lot of space, especially when it’s fully reclined. That’s why it’s always wise to measure the space you intend to put the recliner in before you make a purchase. The measurements will help you know if you have enough space to accommodate the chair.

Here are the recliner chair dimensions you should consider when measuring your space.

The recliners width- from the outer edge of the armrest to the other armrest.
The reclining length- from the top edge of the backrest to the bottom edge of the footrest. (the chair should be fully reclined.

Once you get these recliner measurements, now measure the length and width of the space you intend to place your recliner chair. This will ensure the ease of entry for your new recliner.

Pro tip: Measure each doorway leading to space where you intend to place your recliner

If your recliner of choice is a wall hugger, you need about 3-6 inches more space between the back of the chair and the wall. If your chair is not a hugger, you will need to add more than 6 inches when you want to recline the chair fully.

Average Recliner Dimensions

Let me illustrate the above instructions with a real example:

Let’s assume you’ve settled for the IKEA Muren recliner. According to Dimensions.com, this standard size recliner has an overall height of 38.25″, width of 33.5″ and depth of 37″. The chair has a length of 64″ while fully reclined to ensure the headrest and footrest are at least 5 inches from the wall or furniture.

Therefore, your space should be at least 40 inches wide and 70″ long. When fully reclined, the headrest should be over 5″ away from the wall or nearby furniture.

Parting Shot

Your choice of recliner may look very inviting, but is it the right size? Use the above guide to measure your body, space, and recliner dimensions to help you choose the right size for you. You will thank yourself later.

Author

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith is the founder of CozySeating, is a father of 2, and an engineer from one of the leading furniture stores in the country. Due to his 10 years of experience, he has proved to be the best person to offer advice to clients regarding different seating furniture based on their needs and performance. Besides, he is a specialist in product reviews and always keeps up with the current trends in the market.

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