The Top 10 Best Reading Chairs

Last updated on September 30, 2023

Looking for the best reading chair for a cozy nook in the living room or the bedroom? Our top-rated picks will help you choose. Read on!

In a hurry? Here’s our top pick:

A reading chair is that accent chair standing somewhere in the corner of a room accompanied by a floor lamp, a side desk, and a well-decorated wall. At least it should be. We will not go into how you should decorate around the chair and where to put it for the moment. But we will offer you some classy and comfy reading chairs for your reading pleasure.

Indeed, any mid to large living room or bedroom has an extra chair. Even some smaller rooms can fit one. That chair works as a reading nook for many people who love to take a moment out of their day for a good book. We understand that and anyone who likes reading, so we’ve made a great list with top reading chairs.

How do you choose the best reading chair?

We suggest thinking through these things:

  • How much room do you have for the chair? Oversized and comfy chairs will take more space.
  • Do you want the classic look that an armchair can provide?
  • Make sure you think about the ergonomics – it has to be comfortable and good for your body to spend a prolonged period of time in it.
  • Leather or fabric upholstered?
  • How it will work with your decor?

These are all great points that will help you look around for a good reading chair. Some will set you on the right track. And we want to make it even easier for you with our top 10 picks. These are the chairs that tick all the boxes, so to speak. We know what makes a good chair, and we’ve found the products that meet the criteria.

As a disclaimer, note that we might be compensated for qualified purchases by Amazon (links tagged #ad) at no expense to you. This motivates us to do the best job we can.

What’s your favorite?

Oversized Chair

Oversized Chair
Stone & Beam Lauren Oversized Armchair with Hardwood Frame

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We liked this oversize chair so much that we’ve picked it as our editor’s choice.

An oversized armchair makes one of the most comfortable nooks you can have. It’s roomy so that you can curl up under a blanket with a cup of tea and a good book.

Pros: made from solid hardwood frame with moisture-repellent; removable and reversible seat cushion; very comfortable; does not hold pet hairs; a huge comfortable chair in a great neutral color; cozy and durable.

Cons: some units may have creases; measurements are a bit off.

Arm Chair

Arm Chair
Christopher Knight Home Alisa Mid-century Modern Arm Chair

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An armchair is a classic chair for reading. It’s both comfortable and visually attractive. You can put it in any room. This mid-century modern piece will do wonders for your decor too.

Pros: straightforward to assemble; very firm and comfortable to sit; modern design; good accent chair for home office; a durable modern fabric chair.

Cons: no assembly instruction manual included.

Most Comfortable Chair

Most Comfortable Chair
Homall Recliner Chair with Padded Seat in PU Leather

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We’ve been wondering long and thorough about what would make the most comfortable reading chair. Finally, we’ve decided it had to be a recliner. But one that’s subtle and classy in its design.

Pros: high-quality PU leather; highly durable steel frame with thicker foam padding; adjustable footrest; highly durable steel frame with thicker foam padding; thicker recliner back; comfortable to use.

Cons: the chair tends to tip over backward, and the armrests are very low.

Living Room Chair

Living Room Chair
Urban Shop Faux Fur Saucer Chair with Metal Frame

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A living room reading chair has to be a piece that can double as an accent chair when not used. This modern chair will do its job on both accounts.

Pros: opens and folds in seconds for easy storage; made from 100% micro mink fabrication with durable metal frame; no assembly needed; it has a safety locking mechanism; perfect decorative addition to update any room because of its modern look.

Cons: it would definitely be small for a larger adult; the back is not tall enough to support your neck/head.

IKEA Lounge Chair

Ikea Lounge Chair
PELLO Chair

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We like what IKEA has to offer for a reading chair. The PELLO is a typical minimalist Scandinavian piece that looks good and comfortable.

Pros: doesn’t take up a ton of space; very comfortable; easy to assemble, and very sturdy.

Cons: the cushion moves every time someone sits down.

Lounge Chair with Ottoman

Lounge Chair With Ottoman
Alfred Tufted Fabric Club Chair with Ottoman

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Want an extra feature for your chair? Get one with an ottoman. So you can use it as a footrest while you’re reading, and it can double as seating or a coffee table if needed.

Pros: the cream color will complement most furniture sets; it has a firm padded cushion and soft; it has a wide back that provides support for your back; convenient armrest; has a classy look

Cons: legs are quite short for a chair, so it’s pretty low to the ground.

Reading Chair for Bedroom

bedroom reading chair
OSP Designs Papasan Chair with 360-degree Swivel

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A piece for the bedroom has to be compact as most bedrooms tend to be smaller. It also has to be ergonomic to accommodate comfortable reading or lounging time. This modern seat will do it.

Pros: made of sturdy metal frame wrapped in wicker; thick cushions; the chair is visually very nice; easy to put together; has a 360-degree swivel mechanism; plenty of colors to choose from.

Cons: It might be too small for some people.

Leather Chair and a Half

Leather Chair And A Half
Rivet Aiden Tufted Mid-Century Modern Leather Chair

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A chair and a half is a term for a wider piece than your regular chair. It gives plenty of room for anyone seated. That’s exactly what you need for a good read.

Pros: perfect mid-century chair; durable upholstery materials; removable and reversible back cushions for easy cleaning; comfortable and firm at the same time; leather is excellent quality.

Cons: the chair is really short and is more formal.

Small Armchair

Small Armchair
Christopher Knight Home Felicity Arm Chair

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Most reading chairs take up some extra space in a room. If your space is smaller, you may need a chair to fit your premises. But it still has to be classy.

Pros: the material is made from 100% Polyester; cushion has extra padded to ensure maximum comfort; easy to assemble; it is charming, elegant, and nicely-crafted armchair; good quality.

Cons: The legs are a little shorter; they slide around easily on a hardwood floor.

Leather Reading Chair

leather reading chair
Great Deal Furniture Waldo Leather Club Chair

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Anyone will love a quality real leather club chair. And it’s a recliner too. Its classic look will make an accent in any room, and it’s quite comfortable too.

Pros: real leather; recliner function; classical look perfect for a club chair.

Cons: just for a smaller setting that’s just right for a library, den, or small living room.

FAQ

What type of chair is best for reading?

Reading is all about comfort. That’s why an oversize armchair, a club chair, or even a recliner would be best for reading. It is always a good idea to have a comfortable chair — one that will allow you to sit for long periods of time. When you are reading, you need to be able to move around. Having a perfect chair for reading will help you find new positions to keep your body comfortable.

What makes a comfortable reading chair?

When choosing a reading chair, comfort is king. You’ll want to look for a chair that comes with a large and supportive seat that can hold your whole body weight. A backrest that is wide enough to support your shoulders is also a plus. The arms of the chair are another important aspect. Without armrests, the chair will feel less like a chair and more like a bench, uncomfortable.

Recap


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