Small Patio, Balcony or Lanai? 5 Rules for Fitting Outdoor Recliners
Small-space guide · Published by Outdoor Nook, which makes and sells the recliners shown
A recliner takes more room than a dining chair, but less than you might think, and a small patio, balcony or lanai can hold a pair. The trick is measuring the right things. Follow these five rules and you'll know whether it fits before you order.
“We have a small lanai and these big beautiful chairs are oddly a smaller profile than many others we have shopped.”
1. Measure three positions, not one
A recliner has three footprints. Tape them out on the floor before you order.
| Position | Depth front to back |
|---|---|
| Upright | About 30 in |
| Footrest out | 54–56 in |
| Fully reclined | 64.5–67 in (about 5½ ft) |
Height is about 43 inches on every model. Our recliners have a single, full-recline position, so plan for the longest footprint.
2. Do the width arithmetic, then add a gap
Two recliners side by side need the width of both, plus a gap between them and a gap to the wall or railing. Here is the width of each model:
| Model | Width, one chair | Two chairs, touching |
|---|---|---|
| Keywest | 27.55 in | 55.1 in |
| Huntington | 27.5 in | 55 in |
| Newport | 30.7 in | 61.4 in |
| Malibu II | 32.2 in | 64.4 in |
| Shoreline | See product page | See product page |
Allow a gap between the chairs; a side table (available in matching designs) turns that gap into something useful.
“The tables fit nicely in between each set of chairs.”
3. Start with the compact chair
If you're not sure, choose the Keywest or the Huntington, both about 27.5 inches wide. The Keywest is our most compact recliner. Owners say the size works:
“Fits perfectly on our deck … Very comfortable and luxurious!”
“I purchased 2 recliners with built in covers from Outdoor Nook and would have purchased additional products if my patio was bigger. … The assembly was super easy, the chairs were sooo comfortable and easy to clean.”
4. Keep a walkway (our rule of thumb: about 3 feet)
This one is our suggestion rather than a product spec: keep about 3 feet clear where you walk, such as to a door or the steps.
Also check what's outside the chair's footprint: door swings, railings, planters and the hose bib. On a balcony, check your building or HOA rules on furniture and weather covers.
“Know that they are big.”
5. Let the swivel do the work
A fixed chair needs a spot facing the view. These swivel and glide, so a single pair serves the view, the conversation and the television by turning, not by moving. That is what lets two recliners do the work of a sofa in a small space.
“We absolutely love these swivel rocker recliner chairs. … Would buy more if I had the room.”
Dimensions at a glance
| Model | Width | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Keywest (wicker) | 27.55 in | Balconies, tight decks |
| Huntington (aluminum) | 27.5 in | Compact, modern spaces |
| Newport (wicker) | 30.7 in | Mid-sized patios |
| Malibu II (wicker) | 32.2 in | Larger patios, more room to spread |
| Shoreline (aluminum) | See product page | Larger patios, coastal look |
Every model is about 43 in tall and about 30 in deep upright, 54–56 in with the footrest out, 64.5–67 in fully reclined.
Good to know before you order
- Delivery is free. We ship by FedEx to the 48 contiguous states, typically within 7 to 10 working days. Assembly is minimal and needs no tools.
- You get a 14-day return window. Return an undamaged item in its original condition within 14 days of delivery for a full refund. After that, returns are accepted up to 90 days with a 20% restocking fee. See our returns policy.
- The frame carries a 5-year limited warranty and the cushions 2 years, against defects in materials and workmanship, for the original buyer. Read the full warranty.
Choose your recliner
Measure first, then choose the size that fits.
Questions before you order? Call 1-800-296-0232 or email cs@outdoornook.com.
Quick answers
What's the smallest recliner you make?
How much room does it need when reclined?
Can I return one if it doesn't fit?
Can you help me check my measurements?
Sources. Reviews: Outdoor Nook customer reviews on Reviews.io (102 reviews, 4.87 average), retrieved September 2026, quoted as written; excerpts are marked. Prices and specifications are from our product pages as of September 2026.
