Articles: Massage chair: how much space it really needs
Related products and services for massage chairs - guide & useful information
In short: A massage chair stands upright on a surface approximately 87 to 170 centimeters deep and 62 to 84 centimeters wide. In a reclining position, it extends to 149 to 195 centimeters in length. This difference is often overlooked when purchasing one, as the chair only needs the extra space when in use.
Two masses, not one
Every massage chair has two basic dimensions. The upright dimension is what it stands in the room when no one is sitting in it. The reclined dimension is what it occupies as soon as the backrest is reclined and the leg rest is unfolded.
The models in the NAIPO range have an upright depth of 87 to 170 centimeters, a width of 62 to 84 centimeters, and a height of 92 to 120 centimeters. In a reclined position, the dimensions are 149 to 195 centimeters in length, 70 to 84 centimeters in width, and 71 to 97 centimeters in height.
The range is wide because the designs differ. A compact model for the living room has a different purpose than an armchair with a long rail and extendable leg rest. The exact figures for each model can be found in the respective data sheet.
The distance to the wall
Older armchairs had to stand freely in the room because the entire seat would tip backward. Modern models with a wall-adjustable function move forward when reclined, so the backrest has enough space without the chair needing the space at the back.
However, leave a hand's width of space behind the chair. Not for the mechanism, but for the power cord. A plug being pressed against the wall is the most common cause of a damaged connection.
Related products and services for massage chairs - guide & useful information
How to measure the space correctly
Measure the dimensions of your desired sofa bed and mark it on the floor with masking tape. Sit on it and stretch your legs out. This way you'll immediately see whether the coffee table needs to be moved or if the path to the window remains clear.
Consider the doors. A room door that opens inwards needs its radius, and in small rooms this often overlaps with the extended leg rest.
How the armchair gets into the apartment
The delivery arrives in two to three boxes. This is where the space requirement diverges from the installation area: the crucial factor is not whether the armchair fits in the room, but whether the boxes can get through the stairwell, elevator, and apartment door.
Measure the narrowest point of the passageway, usually a landing or door frame. If you are unsure, ask about the packed dimensions of the specific model before ordering. Returning a product because of a narrow stairwell is frustrating and avoidable.
The larger models are heavy. Two people are the minimum for transporting them into the apartment, and three are more likely needed for the top-of-the-line models.
When space is limited
There are two options. The first is a compact model that, when upright, takes up little space yet still has a fully functional rail. The second is the conscious decision not to place the chair in the living room, but rather in the bedroom or study, where the furniture is generally more spacious anyway.
What rarely works is compromising on seat width. Usable shoulder width varies between 42 and 64 centimeters depending on the model. Someone with broad shoulders who chooses a narrow model saves space but loses comfort. This isn't a sustainable solution in the long run.
Frequently asked questions
How much distance from the wall does a massage chair need?
For models with a wall-adjacent reclining function, a hand's width is sufficient for the cable. Without this function, the full tilting range of the backrest must remain unobstructed behind the chair, which, depending on the design, can be several dozen centimeters.
Can a massage chair fit in a small living room?
Often yes, if you're planning for the lying dimensions rather than the standing dimensions. The compact models remain significantly shallower when upright than the larger ones. A comparison can be found in the Massage chair comparison.
Does the chair need to be assembled?
The delivery arrives in two to three boxes; usually the backrest and leg rest are packaged separately. Assembly is straightforward but requires two people.
Can I try it on beforehand to see if the size fits?
That's the most reliable way. In the NAIPO Relax Lounge And you can try out the seats at over forty other locations; the addresses are listed in the Store searchYou can find the models with all dimensions at massage chair.
Related products and services for massage chairs - guide & useful information
By the NAIPO editorial team Massage and product experts from Hamburg
Product experts, service technicians and massage enthusiasts from Alsterwell GmbH — specializing in massage technology for over a decade, with its own workshop and showrooms for test sitting.
Reviewed by David Eberst, co-founder of NAIPO
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