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Last updated: March 2026

What Door Width Do I Need for a Recliner?

Recliners are 34–40" wide and 36–40" deep. Many have removable backs that reduce the size significantly for doorway clearance.

DOOR WIDTHRECLINERREMOVABLE BACK

Whether it fits depends on measurements most people get wrong.

Key Measurement

Recliner with back removed: ~36"W × 24"D. Without removal: 36"W × 38"D tilted on side.

Standard Dimensions

Item: Standard recliner: 36"W × 38"D × 42"H. Back removed: 36"W × 24"D × 24"H.

Space: 28" door = ~26.5" clear (back removed). 32" door = ~30.5" (full recliner tilted).

Actual clear openings are usually 1–2″ smaller than the labeled size.

Your exact dimensions probably aren't "standard." Small measurement errors cause big problems — 1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.

Verdicts are calculated by comparing all 6 item orientations against the space dimensions using verified building code standards. See our methodology

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What to Measure

1Recliner width — 34–40" standard; oversized recliners can be 42–48"
2Recliner depth with footrest closed — 36–40" standard
3Whether the back removes — most recliners have a lever or locking tab under the back that releases it
4Door clear opening — measure at the narrowest point including any storm door hardware

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not removing the back — most recliner backs lift off with a simple lever, reducing the overall size by 30–40%
Moving with the footrest extended — secure the footrest in the closed position with a strap; an open footrest catches on everything
Forgetting power recliner cables — power recliners have a cord that must be disconnected and tucked before moving

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum door width for a recliner?

A standard recliner (36"W × 38"D) fits through a 32" door tilted on its side. With the back removed, it reduces to about 36"×24" — easily clearing a 28" door. Always check if the back removes first.

How do I remove a recliner back?

Most recliners have a locking lever or tab on each side where the back meets the seat. Reach underneath, flip the lever, and lift the back straight up. It takes 30 seconds and makes the recliner 50% easier to move.

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