How Do I Measure the Space for a Recliner?

What is the best way to measure the space for a recliner?

Measuring the space for a recliner is essential to ensure it fits comfortably in your room without crowding the space or affecting its functionality. The process involves considering the recliner’s dimensions, including width, depth, and the amount of space required for the recliner to recline fully.

Step 1: Measure the Room’s Available Space

• Width: Measure the width of the area where you want the recliner to be placed.
• Depth: Measure the depth of the space to ensure the recliner fits when fully reclined.

Step 2: Recliner Dimensions

Recliners come in various sizes, so you’ll need to get the specific measurements from the manufacturer or retailer.

• Width: Typically ranges from 30 to 40 inches.
• Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the backrest.
• Depth: The depth can increase significantly when the recliner is fully extended. Standard recliner extend between 60 to 70 inches in depth.

Step 3: Reclining Space

You’ll need to account for the space the recliner requires when in the fully reclined position. Measure from the back of the recliner to where the chair will rest in its extended position.

Step 4: Allow Extra Space for Comfort

To move around the recliner, ensure there is extra space around the chair. This will help in avoiding any obstruction and allows for ease of movement.

Step 5: Consider Room Layout

Evaluate the room’s layout and how the recliner will fit with other furniture pieces. Ideally, leave about 2-3 feet of space on either side of the recliner for easy movement.

Step 6: Testing the Space with Tape

Using painter’s tape, mark the dimensions of the recliner on the floor to get a visual sense of how the chair will fit in the room. This will give you a clear picture of whether the recliner will fit without overpowering the space.

Step 7: Check for Clearance

Ensure there are no obstructions, such as walls, furniture, or drapes, that could interfere with the recliner’s movement. Pay attention to any other items that may restrict its full recline.

Step 8: Measure for Electrical Connections

If the recliner is electric, check the location of power outlets. You’ll need to ensure that the recliner can be plugged in without stretching cords across the room.

Step 9: Consider Aesthetic Fit

After measuring, visualize how the recliner will fit within the overall decor. Its size, color, and style should complement the room’s design and not feel out of place.

Step 10: Account for Future Needs

If you plan to change the layout or add furniture later, leave some flexibility in your measurements. This allows you to rearrange the room in the future without problems.

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How do I measure a recliner for its full reclining position?

When measuring a recliner for its full reclining position, it is essential to focus on both the chair’s length and the space it requires to recline comfortably. Here’s how to measure for that:

Step 1: Recliner Length in Upright Position

Start by measuring the recliner in its upright position from the back of the chair to the front. This is the basic length of the chair without extending the footrest.

Step 2: Recliner Length When Fully Reclined

Next, recline the chair to its furthest position and measure the distance from the back of the recliner to the extended footrest. This extended length is essential to determine how much space you need when the chair is in use.

Recliner Type	Length When Upright	Length When Reclined
Standard Recliner	30-40 inches	60-70 inches
Power Recliner	30-40 inches	65-75 inches

Step 3: Measure the Back Clearance

When the recliner is fully reclined, ensure there’s enough space for the back of the chair to move freely. This clearance is important, especially in smaller spaces.

Step 4: Determine the Reclining Angle

Most recliners have an adjustable reclining angle. Check how far back the chair can go, and measure the required space behind the chair for its full range of motion.

Step 5: Account for Wall Proximity

If you plan to place the recliner near a wall, leave enough space behind the chair to ensure the recliner can fully extend without hitting the wall.

Step 6: Measure the Footrest Extension

Measure how far the footrest extends when the chair is fully reclined. Some recliners allow for an extended footrest beyond the length of the chair itself.

Step 7: Consider Other Furniture Around

Ensure there is enough space between the recliner and other furniture for the chair to recline fully without bumping into nearby pieces. Ideally, leave at least 2 feet of space between the recliner and surrounding furniture.

Step 8: Floor Protection

Reclining chairs can sometimes scratch the floor if they’re moved back frequently. Consider placing a rug or protective mat beneath the recliner to prevent damage.

Step 9: Height Adjustments

Some recliners have adjustable heights when reclining. Measure the chair from the floor to the top of the backrest in its fully reclined position to ensure it doesn’t block any line of sight or obstruct movement in the room.

Step 10: Evaluate Room Dimensions

Lastly, ensure the room is large enough for the recliner to fully extend. Take into account the furniture arrangement and any architectural limitations in the space.

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Should I measure for a recliner before or after buying it?

Before buying a recliner, it’s crucial to measure the space where you intend to place it. Purchasing without measuring can result in the recliner not fitting properly, leading to unnecessary returns or adjustments.

Step 1: Room Preparation

Before even considering which recliner to purchase, measure the available space in your room. You should have a clear idea of how much space you have for a recliner before shopping.

Step 2: Knowing the Recliner’s Dimensions

Most recliners will provide their dimensions in product listings, but these are typically the recliner’s size in the upright position. Be sure to inquire about the recliner’s full reclining measurements.

Step 3: Consider Different Recliner Types

Different types of recliners (manual, power, wall-hugger) require different amounts of space. Make sure you are selecting the right type of recliner for your room’s size.

Step 4: Visualize the Space

Use painter’s tape to outline where the recliner would go. This visual reference can help you understand how much space the recliner will occupy when it’s both upright and reclined.

Step 5: Accessorize with Flexibility

Consider whether the recliner will need additional space for a table, lamp, or other accessories. Measuring before purchasing allows you to plan ahead for any added items.

Step 6: Take Clearance into Account

Measure the clearance around the space where the recliner will sit. Many recliners need extra space for their mechanisms to work smoothly.

Step 7: Consider Movement Patterns

Once you place the recliner, will it obstruct the movement or flow of the room? Measure to ensure that the recliner’s size doesn’t impede the room’s functionality.

Step 8: Factor in Seating Comfort

A recliner’s comfort level may be influenced by the amount of space you have. For example, too tight a space may make a larger recliner feel cramped. Ensure the recliner will fit comfortably in its designated spot.

Step 9: Plan for Delivery

Confirm the recliner’s dimensions, but also the door width and hallway space to ensure it can fit through the doorways during delivery.

Step 10: Future Needs

Consider how you may want to rearrange the room in the future. Measuring before purchasing gives you flexibility for future changes.