A recliner chair is a single-seat armchair — a personal comfort chair designed for one person — that features a reclining backrest and a built-in extendable footrest. Unlike a standard armchair that keeps you in a fixed upright position, a recliner allows you to move through a range of positions, from fully upright to a fully reclined rest position with your legs raised and your back supported at your chosen angle. This makes it one of the most genuinely comfortable seating options available for everyday use, particularly for anyone who spends long periods reading, watching television, or simply relaxing.
Recliner chairs are available in two mechanism types. A manual recliner uses a side-mounted lever that you pull to release the footrest and push the backrest back — simple, reliable, and requiring no power source. An electric recliner uses a quiet motor controlled by a button on the armrest, adjusting the position smoothly and precisely without any physical effort. Electric recliners are particularly well suited to older users, anyone with limited mobility, or simply anyone who prefers effortless, infinite adjustment. Our small recliner range includes both types, in fabric and leather, across a wide choice of colours.
A small recliner chair is defined primarily by its seat width and overall footprint. In standard terms, a small recliner has a seat width of 50–60cm and an overall width including arms of 75–85cm. Seat height typically sits at around 45–48cm from the floor, and the overall depth in the upright position is usually 85–95cm. This compares to a standard recliner with a seat width of 60–75cm and an overall width of 85–100cm. The difference is meaningful in practice — a small recliner fits comfortably in a room where a standard design would feel out of proportion, and it provides a more secure, better-supported seat for smaller-framed users.
The single most important dimension to check before ordering any recliner is the wall clearance required when reclined. A standard recliner mechanism reclines backward before the footrest extends forward, typically requiring 15–30cm of clearance between the back of the chair and the wall. A wall-hugger mechanism works differently — the seat slides forward as the back reclines, so the chair needs as little as 5cm of wall clearance. If your room requires the chair to sit close to a wall, confirming whether a design uses a wall-hugger mechanism is essential before you order.
Both manual and electric small recliners deliver the same core comfort experience — the difference is in how you operate them and where you can position them.
A manual recliner is operated by a pull lever on the side of the chair. Pulling the lever releases the footrest and allows the back to recline; pushing back with your body weight deepens the recline. Manual recliners require no power source, which means they can be positioned anywhere in a room without needing a nearby socket — an advantage in smaller rooms or bedrooms where power points are limited. They are also typically lighter and easier to move. The trade-off is that the mechanism requires a degree of physical effort to operate, which can be a consideration for older users or anyone with limited upper body strength.
An electric recliner uses a quiet motor controlled by a button on the armrest, adjusting the backrest and footrest smoothly to any position with no physical effort required. This makes electric recliners the preferred choice for older users, anyone with limited mobility, and anyone who simply values the ease and precision of button control. The requirement is a power socket within reach of the chair’s cable, typically around 1.5m, so cable routing and socket position should be factored in before deciding on placement. For anyone who struggles to rise from a seated position, our rise and recliner chair range adds a powered lift mechanism that tilts the chair forward to assist standing.
Small recliner chairs are built for daily use, and the right care will keep yours in excellent condition for many years. The maintenance requirements depend primarily on the upholstery material you choose.
Leather recliner chairs are the easiest to maintain. The surface wipes clean with a damp cloth for everyday marks and spills — no specialist products required for routine cleaning. For a more thorough clean, a purpose-made leather cleaner applied gently and buffed off will restore the surface. To keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying over time, apply a leather conditioner every 6–12 months. Keep the chair away from direct heat sources and prolonged sunlight, as both can cause leather to dry and fade.
Fabric recliner chairs require slightly more regular attention but are equally durable with the right care. Vacuum the seat, back, and arms regularly with a soft brush attachment to prevent dust and debris from working into the fibres. For spills, blot immediately with a clean dry cloth — do not rub, as this can spread the mark and work it deeper into the fabric. Use a purpose-made upholstery cleaner for stubborn marks, always testing on a hidden area first. The recliner mechanism itself requires no routine maintenance; if it becomes stiff or noisy over time, call us on 02476 705 600 and our team will advise.
We have been supplying recliner chairs and sofas to homes across the UK for years, and our small recliner range reflects the same commitment to quality, honest pricing, and genuine customer service that runs through everything we do. Our small recliners are built on sturdy frames with mechanisms designed to operate reliably day after day, upholstered in quality fabric and leather finishes that are made to last in real-world, everyday use.
We offer a full choice of manual and electric models across a range of colours and materials, so finding the right small recliner for your room, your style, and the person using it is straightforward. Whether you need a compact chair for a smaller living room, a bedroom reading chair, or a supportive seat for an older family member, our range covers every requirement. Every recliner we sell comes with a frame warranty as standard and a 14-day returns policy so you can order with confidence. Standard delivery is free of charge to England and Wales, with most in-stock orders arriving within 7–10 working days. Old chair removal is available at checkout. Spread the cost with 0% interest-free finance through Klarna, Clearpay, DivideBuy, and more — apply in minutes at checkout, subject to credit check. Call us on 02476 705 600 to speak to our team before you order.
