Small Recliner Chairs

What are small recliner chairs?

Small recliner chairs are compact reclining armchairs — a single seat that tilts back so you can relax, in a smaller, more space-friendly size than a standard recliner. They're a great choice for a smaller living room, a snug, an apartment or a bedroom, and they suit anyone who finds a full-size recliner a little too big. You still get the comfort of a proper recliner, just in a neater frame. To see the wider choice of reclining chairs, our recliner chairs collection is a good place to start.

What makes a recliner chair “small”?

It comes down to the dimensions. A small recliner has a more compact footprint and a neater frame than a standard model — typically a narrower width and a slightly smaller seat — so it takes up less floor space and can suit a shorter or smaller-framed sitter more comfortably. Because “small” can mean slightly different measurements from one chair to another, the best approach is to check the width, depth, height and seat dimensions on each product page against your room and the person who'll use it most. For single seats more generally, our armchairs range shows the wider choice.

Are they manual or electric?

Both. A manual recliner tilts back using a side handle or lever — there's nothing to plug in, and it's simple and dependable. An electric recliner reclines at the touch of a button and needs a mains socket nearby, giving smooth, effortless, adjustable comfort. Each product page states which type a chair is, so you can pick the one that suits how you like to relax. To see powered chairs specifically, our electric recliner chairs collection shows the wider choice.

How does an electric recliner work?

An electric recliner is powered, so it's operated by a simple button or handset rather than a manual lever, and you can stop at any point to find the position that suits you. Because it runs on a motor, it needs to sit within reach of a mains socket, and it simply plugs in on delivery. It's an easy, effortless way to recline — no handle to pull. For powered reclining sofas to match, our electric recliner sofas collection is a good reference.

What material are they?

These small recliners come in three materials, and we keep them clearly distinct so you always know what you're buying. Some are genuine leather — a natural hide that's breathable, hard-wearing and ages to a soft patina. Some are Leather Aire, a leather-look material with a smooth, wipe-clean surface that isn't genuine leather and isn't faux. And some are fabric — warm and soft, kept distinct from velvet, corduroy and suede. The exact material of each chair is stated on its product page. For the wider genuine-hide range, our leather sofas collection is a good reference.

Genuine leather, Leather Aire or fabric — which should you choose?

It comes down to look, feel and care. Genuine leather is a natural, premium hide that ages beautifully and wipes clean, at a higher price. Leather Aire gives the leather look with an easy, wipe-clean surface at a lower price, without the conditioning a natural hide needs. Fabric is warm and soft to sit on and comes in the widest range of colours, cleaned by vacuuming and spot-cleaning. None is “better” in the abstract — it's about the look and feel you prefer and how you like to clean. To explore the fabric choice, our fabric sofas collection is a good place to look.

What colours are available?

There are eight colours to choose from. Black and grey are cool and forgiving of everyday marks; brown is warm and classic; tan is a warm, classic mid-brown, the quintessential leather shade; caramel is a golden toffee-brown; silver is a pale, cool grey with a subtle sheen; cream is a soft, light neutral that rewards a little more care; and shark is a deep, sophisticated grey — a genuine colourway rather than a typo. That gives you a spread from very forgiving through to light and characterful. To compare grey tones across the store, our grey sofas page shows the wider choice.

How to choose and measure a small recliner

With a compact recliner, a good fit matters, so start by measuring. Check the chair's width, depth and height, and its seat dimensions, against the person who'll use it most and the spot where it will sit — you want it to feel comfortable and easy to get in and out of. Leave clearance behind for the backrest and in front for the footrest when reclined, and for an electric model, position it within reach of a mains socket. Then measure your access route — doorways and hallways — before you buy. Our buying guide covers measuring up in detail.

How to care for your recliner

Care depends on the material, which is why we label it clearly on each product. For a genuine leather chair, dust and wipe with a slightly damp cloth and condition occasionally to keep the hide supple. For a Leather Aire chair, wipe clean with a damp cloth — it doesn't need conditioning. For a fabric chair, vacuum regularly with an upholstery tool and blot spills promptly. For all of them, avoid harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive sponges, keep the chair out of prolonged direct sunlight, and keep the mechanism and handset clear of crumbs and spills. Our guide to cleaning leather covers the leather options.

Are the chairs fire-safe?

Yes. Every small recliner chair in the range meets UK Fire Resistant (UKFR) standards, so the materials and construction comply with the fire-safety regulations required for upholstered furniture sold in the UK. This is a baseline legal requirement rather than an optional extra, and it applies across every material, colour and mechanism.

How long does delivery take?

Most in-stock small recliner chairs are delivered within 7–10 working days, with free delivery. Delivery is carried out by a two-person team who bring the chair into your chosen ground-floor room, access permitting, and set it in place; old furniture removal can be arranged if you'd like your existing chair taken away at the same time. An electric recliner simply plugs into a mains socket on arrival. Full timescales and coverage are on our delivery information page.

Can you spread the cost with finance?

Yes. You can spread the cost of any small recliner chair using one of our named finance providers, all subject to credit check. Simply select your preferred option at checkout; the exact terms for your order are shown before you confirm. Full details are on our finance options page.

Finance is provided by third parties and is subject to status and affordability checks. Missing payments may affect your credit rating.

Why choose Furniture Instore?

We specialise in upholstered furniture, and a small recliner chair is a comfortable, space-friendly way to add a proper reclining seat to a smaller room. We describe our materials honestly, keeping genuine leather, leather-look Leather Aire and fabric clearly distinct, so you always know exactly what you're buying, and we give the real dimensions on each product page so you can check the fit. You're welcome to visit our Coventry showroom to try the chairs and feel the materials before you decide. Every order comes with free delivery by our own two-person team and our 14-day change-of-mind returns, we hold a 4.8★ Excellent rating from over 4,800 genuine Trustpilot reviews, and you can spread the cost interest-free with Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal Pay in 3, or over a longer term with DivideBuy, all subject to credit check. To see reclining sofas to match, browse our recliner sofas, and call us on 02476 705 600 if you'd like a hand choosing.

Frequently Asked Questions