The Best Small Recliner Chair

Whether you’re catching a quick nap or settling in for a Netflix binge, a small recliner chair that can hold you upright or make you comfortable on your back can quickly become the favorite seat in the house. This might be the best furniture purchase you make all year, so here’s how to do it right.

Comfort is a big part of the package, but you’ll want to consider size as part of this calculation. Your recliner should suit your body type, but it also needs to fit appropriately into the space. It helps to do a quick measurement of your living room or den, and determine exactly where you want that recliner to go. Pay close attention to the dimensions of your recliner — and don’t forget to take into account how long it will be when fully reclined.

Now that you’ve fit your chair into the room, make sure you fit into the chair. Standard size recliners are 40 to 50 inches wide. Smaller recliner chairs are available, and anything larger will be labeled as oversized. Obviously, you don’t want something you need to squeeze your hips into, but don’t overlook the height of the back or the length of the footrest. If your heels hang off the edge, this can put pressure on your Achilles’ tendon. You’ll also want your head in a natural position when you lean back, with no cushion pushing it upward. (If you plan on doing a lot of recliner napping, you can always get a couch pillow.)

You’ll find many different materials can be used in the recliner’s outer covering, but your options generally fall into one of two categories: Leather or upholstery. If you’re going for something that will last, it’s hard to beat leather. Leather’s moisture-absorbing properties will stand up to those inevitable spills and the surface is a lot harder to scuff. Of course, there are those that don’t like the feel of a leather chair (especially in summer). Upholstered chairs might require a little more care and caution when it comes to spills, but you can spend a little extra on performance fabrics that can handle the rough treatment of kids or pets.

Obviously, you’ll want a recliner that actually puts you in a more horizontal position with sufficient back support. But different models do it in different ways, so choose the one that fits your physical capabilities. Lever-operated recliners are common, but you’ll want to make sure that you can reach the lever — and that it isn’t blocked by a wall or end table. There are also push-back models that recline with a simple shift of your weight, but that might be difficult for those who aren’t so mobile. In that case, consider shelling out extra for a power recliner that kicks back with the push of a button.

While you’re testing out your recliner for comfort, don’t forget to consider the way it looks and how it fits into your space. Warm, earth-toned interiors call for a more traditional design, while a more modern, angular chair might complement bright or white-colored living rooms.

You may wish to pick colors that complement the background, but don’t feel like you need the chair to blend into the walls. If you would prefer the chair to be a focal point for the room, simple patterns can help draw the eye to it.