Ready to Recline? These 10 Comfy Recliner Chairs are Perfect for Small Spaces
Apartment dwellers, this one's for you.
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2024′s Best Recliners for Small Spaces
In eras past, reclining chairs had a reputation. They're known as the choice furniture for irritable old men—ones who spend their reclining time screaming at the evening news. But after a bit of research, I've shed those dated notions, and hopefully, you have too. We live in the present, people! And in today’s market, these multifunctional chairs are *so* more than your great uncle’s man cave seat. They’re available in a wide range of chic styles, offer cool functions, and even come in a variety of sizes!
This brings me to today’s subject—recliners that’ll work in your small apartment/room/office space. Because these comfy chairs are retractable (see: the reclining backs and the pop-out footrests) they’re innately space-saving! But, we rounded up a few finds (for every budget) that are especially space-efficient for your fun-sized interior. Whether you’re looking for a leather chair or a linen one—something that rocks or something that swivels, we’ve ID'd a seat for you right down below. They've also been ranked from best to better than best, so feel free to check out which took home the top spot and pick your new throne, you future relaxed recliner.
10. Homall Homall Recliner Chair
Pros
- Hard-to-beat price
- Easy to clean
- Fast delivery
Cons
- Only one reclining position available
I invite leather haters to dismiss any reservations you have about the fabric—this statement seat is super soft and comfy! The recliner's back is contoured to provide prime neck protection, and the hand rests are ergonomic—it's the perfect comfy base for your evening wind-down/binge-watch/doomscrolling.
- Dimensions: 29.1" x 20.6" x 38.6"
- Colorways: 10
9. Harkawon Recliner Chair
Pros
- Affordable price
- Can also be used as a rocking chair
Cons
- The footrest has to be popped up for the back to recline
The breathable linen material makes this seat particularly great for sun-drenched living spaces. The solid plywood interior build will also ensure this chair stays with you for the long haul. It's durable and cute as hell.
- Dimensions: 39.37" x 32.7" x 39.37"
- Colorways: 5
8. CHITA Power Recliner
Pros
- Unique color options
- Smooth movement
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Not the best for taller folks, according to reviewers
With a 270-degree swivel, built-in USB ports, and some clutch extra lower back support, you might find that there's little reason to ever leave this chair. Plus, this recliner doubles as a rocking chair when the footrest is folded in. Who says you can't have it all?
- Dimensions: 35.8" x 32.3" x 39.8"
- Colorways: 9
7. Consofa Reclining Sofa
Pros
- Drop-down table with cupholders
- Extra-padded armrests
- Chairs can recline independently of each other
Cons
- Obviously takes up a little more space
- If you've got a leeeetle more space in your home and a roommate that also likes to lounge, consider getting a reclining sofa. This one here is fab for many reasons: it's upholstered in a soft fabric, the chairs recline independently of each other (in case you're down to snooze and your partner isn't), and there's a fold-down table in the middle with not one, but TWO cupholders.
- Dimensions: 36" x 78" x 40"
- Colorways: 2
6. DaVinci Upholstered Swivel Glider With Bonus Ottoman
Pros
- Slim design fits in most spaces
- 360-degree swivel and back-and-forth gliding function
- Comes with ottoman
Cons
- A few reviewers mentioned creaking after frequent use
The mamas in the room know that parenthood isn't always easy, and anything you can buy that gets your baby to relax (and gives you a second to breathe as a result) is a worthwhile investment. This chair right here is one of those must-have pieces, perfect for lulling your little one to sleep (the metal base is equipped with a smooth back-and-forth glider) while taking up next to no space in the nursery.
- Dimensions: 31.5" x 17.5" x 39.25"
- Colorways: 3
5. Crate and Barrel Leisure Power Recliner Accent Chair
Pros
- Power recliner (but the controls are completely hidden!)
- High-quality materials
- Super-soft upholstery
- Back and footrest operate independently
Cons
- Only one colorway
It's true that you often get what you pay for, and such is the case with this plush piece. First off...the upholstery. I can practically feel the soft, nubby sherpa, I've been staring at it for so long. It's safe to say this cutie is c-o-m-f-y, and will look oh-so-good in any mid-century modern-inspired space. It's also a power recliner, so you can hit dozens of different angles with the (hidden!) button on the side.
- Dimensions: 37.75" x 46" x 27.5"
- Colorways: 1
4. Trent Austin Design Jelissa Wide Power Recliner
Pros
- Fast delivery
- Free fabric samples available
- White glove delivery and assembly available (for an extra cost)
Cons
- One reviewer mentioned it had a chemical smell upon arrival
It's okay to be a blob sometimes. Life can be rough. This recliner was made for the folks that come home at the end of the day with absolutely zero left in the tank—all you have to do is press a button and you'll go from a seated position to a napping position in a snap. That's right, it's a power recliner! And there is a 100-percent chance it will change your lazy life!
- Dimensions: 41'' x 40'' x 38.5''
- Colorways: 9
3. Pottery Barn Ayden Square Arm Upholstered Swivel Recliner
Pros
- 53(!) colorways and upholstery options to choose from
- White glove delivery available (for an extra cost)
- Sturdy frame is made from solid hardwood and engineered wood
- Swivels 360 degrees and tilts
Cons
- Slower to ship
Interior design aficionados, listen up. I know you're probably meticulous when it comes to picking furniture that suits your space, and this square-armed seat comes with options, baby, options. There are 53 made-to-order upholsteries, each in a variety of colors and textures. They take a little longer to ship—approximately 12 weeks, to be exact—but for a space as beautiful as yours, perfection is worth the wait.
- Dimensions: 29.5" x 36.5" x 40.5"
- Colorways: 53
2. Red Barrel Studio Wide Swivel Rocker Recliner
Pros
- Stain-resistant fabric
- Comes with a remote control
- Frame is made of kiln-dried wood
- Massage function also includes heat
Cons
- Some colorways go in and out of stock
Massages can be expensive (unless you convince your S.O. to give you one for free...but that can be a challenge too). Luckily, you can snag this massaging recliner—which also has a heat function!—for about the same price as two massages at a spa. The chair itself is also super supportive thanks to the kiln-dried-wood frame and durable, breathable fabric.
- Dimensions: 41.34'' x 37.40'' x 35.04''
- Colorways: 3
1. Article Ellow Ashford Gray Recliner
Pros
- Can recline at three different angles
- Soft, high-quality fabric
- Also available in leather
Let's be honest: some recliners can be tacky. Obviously none of the ones on this list, but, you know, people don't always think "high design" when they think "recliner." However, this mid-century modern chair from Article defies all expectations. It's incredibly stylish and can push back to recline at three different angles. The fabric is also sooooo soft your butt won't ever want to part with it.
- Dimensions: 42.5" x 28.5" x 33.5"
- Colorways: 3
What to think about when buying a recliner for a small space:
Dimensions
If you're reading this article, chances are you've got a small space. That means it's essential you measure the area in which you're hoping to put your recliner and check the dimensions of any chair you love before you buy it. Even if a brand has free returns, it's never easy getting a whole chair in the mail. Trust. Lucky for you, I shared the dimensions for all my picks above, so you don't have to go searching for them. (Not all heroes wear capes!)
Upholstery
Think about your lifestyle when you're looking for a recliner, and shop accordingly. If you've got kids or pets (or you just happen to be hella clumsy), you're going to want to make sure that the material is easy to clean. You also might want to avoid white upholstery, but I'll leave that risk up to you.
Price
As you can see from the picks on this list, you'll find a recliner for you no matter your budget. If you recently started living on your own, you might want to pick a chair that's on the cheaper side just to get your home started. If you're more established and have a little more moolah to throw around, then you can consider a more $$ pick, like our Best Splurge Recliner.
How to arrange a recliner in a small living space:
Recliners can take up a lot of space—but that doesn't mean you can't make one work in a tiny room. You just have to be smart about placement!
First and foremost, you're going to want to make sure your chair is arranged in a way that will maximize comfort. Think about things like where your TV is located, what window gets the most light, if you have a fireplace, where your outlets are, etc.
You'll also want to think about where your other couches and chairs are placed throughout the room, in order to create a layout that promotes socialization. That means ensuring all seats are facing (a) each other, and/or (b) the TV. Warning: you may become the go-to hangout spot.
Lastly, you're going to want to play around with things to make sure you can actually use the recliner properly...you know, to recline. Make sure you have at least a few inches between the back of the chair and the wall behind it, and no tables or furniture in front that might get knocked over by the footrest.
How we chose the best recliners for small spaces
Our lifestyle team includes Lifestyle Director Rachel Torgerson, Lifestyle Editors Christen Johnson and Hannah Chubb, and Assistant Editor Annabel Iwegbue—collectively we have decades of experience researching and selecting the best buys for you.
As you may know, we spend all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews for highly sought-after items so that we can bring you the type of high-quality content we'd want for ourselves.
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