This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas
When shopping for a recliner, getting the right measurements is crucial to ensure it fits your space and meets your comfort needs. Whether you're buying a new recliner or trying to determine if an existing power leather recliner will fit in your home, following a simple measuring process can save you time, money, and frustration.
This article will walk you through a detailed guide on how to measure a recliner effectively.
Coming Up...
- How to Measure a Recliner
- Measure Reclined Dimensions of the Chair
- Measure the Seat Dimensions
- Armrest and Footrest Measurements
- Consider the Recliner's Mechanism and Functionality
- Additional Measurements to Consider
- Ready to Find the Right Recliner For You?
Key Takeaways
- Make sure you measure the dimensions of the chair while in the reclined position
- Getting the armrest and footrest measurements are important
- Consider measuring your walkways for room flow as well
How to Measure a Recliner
The first step in measuring a recliner is to determine its overall size. These measurements will help you assess whether the recliner chair will fit comfortably in your desired space, big or small.
To best understand the key dimensions to measure, let’s walk through each dimension step by step.
- Height: Measure from the floor to the highest point of the recliner. This will give you a sense of how tall the reclining chair is when it is in its upright position.
- Width: Measure across the widest part of the recliner, which is usually at the armrests. This gives you the total space the recliner will occupy when placed in a room.
- Depth: Measure from the front of the seat to the back of the recliner in its seated position. This will indicate how far the chair extends into the room when not reclined.
Measure Reclined Dimensions of the Chair
Recliners can take up significantly more space when they are in the fully reclined position. Whether you are looking at a power recliner or a wall recliner, both chairs will take up more space fully reclined than stationary.
To ensure that your new recliner will fit even when fully extended, you’ll need to measure the following:
- Reclined Depth: Recliners extend backward when they are reclined, so measure from the front of the seat to the furthest point when the chair is fully reclined. This measurement will help you determine how much space the chair needs when in its most extended position.
If you have a smaller space and prefer a space saving recliner, you’ll be best suited for a wall hugging recliner, such as the Trouper Wall Recliner at La-Z-Boy South Texas or the Nerviano Mocha Beige Wall Away Recliner at Living Spaces.
- Reclined Height: Measure from the floor to the highest point of the recliner when it is fully reclined. This is particularly important for low-ceilinged rooms or if the recliner has a tall backrest.
Make sure to account for any extra space needed for the recliner to move back smoothly without obstruction, such as walls or other furniture.
Measure the Seat Dimensions
The seat size is one of the most important factors when it comes to comfort. Not only do you need to find the right seat for your body type, but also one that will fit into your space.
When identifying your seat dimensions, it’s important to measure the following:
- Seat Width: Measure from the inside of one armrest to the inside of the other. This tells you how wide the seat area is for sitting comfortably.
- Seat Depth: Measure from the front of the seat cushion to the back of the chair. This will give you an idea of how much depth the seat offers and whether it's deep enough for your comfort.
- Seat Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. This will help determine how easy it is to get in and out of the chair, as well as whether it suits your body type.
Armrest and Footrest Measurements
As you start to narrow down your search for the perfect recliner for you, it’s important to know that every part of the recliner will fit you perfectly. This also includes getting the measurements of the armrests and footrest.
- Armrest Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the armrest. This measurement will give you an idea of how easy it is to rest your arms while sitting.
- Footrest Height: Measure the height of the footrest when the recliner is fully extended. This measurement will help you determine if the footrest is high enough to support your legs comfortably.
Consider the Recliner’s Mechanism and Functionality
Recliners can have various reclining mechanisms, such as manual, power, or lever-operated. When measuring the recliner, it’s important to consider how the mechanism works:
- Manual Recliners: These recliners often have a lever or a push-back feature. When measuring, ensure there's enough clearance behind the recliner for it to recline fully.
- Power Recliners: These recliners may need access to an electrical outlet. Measure the length of the power cord, as well as the space needed for the chair to recline and move smoothly.
Additional Measurements to Consider
Aside from measuring the actual recliner chair itself, other factors will be important to consider when trying to find the best recliner for you.
- Room Clearance: Make sure to measure the space around the recliner, not just the chair itself. Leave enough room for the chair to recline fully and for ease of movement.
- Doorways and Hallways: If you're buying a recliner for a particular room, measure the width of the doorways and hallways to ensure the chair can fit through easily.
- Weight Capacity: If you're concerned about the recliner's durability, check the weight capacity of the model you're considering. This information is typically found in the product details or owner's manual.
Ready to Find the Right Recliner For You?
When looking for the right recliner, sometimes you need to break it down to the basics. It’s fun to debate between a power recliner chair and a manual rocker recliner, but sometimes, measuring the chair first is the most important part.
Having the measurements of the chair can be achieved using a simple tape measure tool, and it can help you narrow down the search for the right recliner. Ultimately, the only way you’ll know which is right for you is to see how it fits you.
If you’re ready to take this step, come into your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store to sit on our recliners.
