How Do You Measure a Recliner – A Complete Guide for Perfect Fit
Key Takeaways
- Measuring a recliner correctly ensures it fits your room, doorways, and lifestyle needs.
- Key measurements include overall dimensions, seat width and depth, back height, and reclined footprint.
- Don’t forget to measure clearance for reclining and movement.
- Accurate measurements help prevent tight fits, blocked walkways, and assembly issues.
To measure a recliner, start with its overall width, depth, and height. Measure the seat width and depth, back height, and fully reclined length to ensure proper clearance. Include armrests and check doorway dimensions for moving and placement.
Introduction
Recliners are a comfortable and stylish addition to any living room, but a poorly sized chair can overcrowd a space or block pathways.
Whether buying new or moving an existing recliner, knowing how to measure it ensures optimal comfort and functionality.
This guide covers all measurements you need, tips for clearance, and tricks for proper placement.
Read Also: How To Clean Your Recliner
Step 1: Measure Overall Dimensions
- Width: Measure the recliner from arm to arm.
- Depth: Measure from the front of the seat to the back (upright).
- Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the backrest.
Tip: Record these dimensions before comparing options online or moving the sofa.
Step 2: Measure Seat Dimensions
- Seat Width: Distance between the inside of the armrests.
- Seat Depth: From the front edge of the seat to where the backrest starts.
- Seat Height: From the floor to the top of the seat cushion.
These measurements ensure comfort and proper fit for your body size.
Step 3: Measure Reclined Footprint
- Extend the footrest and measure the full depth of the recliner when fully reclined.
- Measure from the front of the footrest to the back of the recliner.
- Consider space behind the recliner if it has a wall-hugger or traditional reclining mechanism.
Tip: Allow at least 12–18 inches behind the chair for wall-hugger clearance or 24 inches for standard recliners.
Step 4: Measure Doorways and Hallways
- Measure all doorways, hallways, and staircases the recliner must pass through.
- Check width, height, and diagonal clearance to prevent damage during delivery.
- Measure corners and tight spaces if maneuvering a recliner through narrow areas.
Step 5: Measure Armrests and Headrests
- Armrest height: Floor to top of armrest.
- Headrest height: From seat cushion to top of backrest or headrest.
- These measurements help ensure comfort for lounging, watching TV, or napping.
Step 6: Consider Recliner Type
- Manual vs. Power: Power recliners may need extra space for motor operation.
- Glider or Rocker Recliners: Add extra front-to-back clearance for gliding or rocking motion.
- Wall-Hugger Recliners: Measure the minimum distance from wall required for full recline.
Tips for Accurate Measuring
- Use a flexible measuring tape for curved surfaces.
- Measure twice to ensure accuracy.
- Record all dimensions clearly, including upright and reclined positions.
- Check manufacturer specs for added clearance requirements.
Soft Persuasive Insight
Taking the time to measure your recliner accurately ensures comfort, proper room placement, and safe delivery.
By knowing seat size, reclined depth, and clearance, you can select a recliner that fits your space perfectly and enhances your living room’s style and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure it fits your space, moves through doorways, and reclines without obstruction.
Seat depth is for sitting upright; reclined depth is the total space needed when fully reclined.
Yes. Gliders need forward/backward clearance, rockers need curved base room for rocking.
Check the manufacturer’s minimum wall clearance and measure from the wall to the recliner back.
Absolutely. Measuring ensures the recliner can be delivered and moved safely into your room.
Summary
Measuring a recliner involves overall dimensions, seat size, reclined footprint, armrest and headrest heights, and doorway clearance.
Accurate measurement ensures your recliner fits your space, provides comfort, and allows safe installation.
