If you’re an avid reader, choosing the best reading chair will ensure you enjoy every minute of your latest book. These chairs are not only comfortable for long reading sessions but also provide ample support and space to sit in multiple positions. Some of our top recommendations for your reading nook include theAlbany Park Park Armchair, West Elm Leroy Chair and Raymour & Flanigan Soletren Chair And A Half, all of which are well-made and offer the right balance of comfort and style.
The roomy, comfortable Albany Park Park Armchair comes in plenty of colors and materials, from rich ... [+] hues in plush velvet to a neutral tan in stately vegan leather.
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Choosing the best reading chair for your home depends largely on your personal preferences: whether you prefer curling up with lots of pillows, sitting upright with ample back support or reclining back with your feet elevated. It's also essential to consider your home's aesthetic and ensure the chair complements your existing decor and fits well in your preferred reading space. We've curated a selection of the best reading chairs, guaranteed to keep you comfortable as you dive into your latest book.
Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 35 inches | Upholstery material: Polyester fiber, velvet or vegan leather | Frame material: Kiln-dried hardwood | Color options: 7 total, including Olive Velvet and Distressed Vegan Leather
Featuring a timeless silhouette that will fit in most homes and enough room to really lounge, it’s no surprise that the Park Armchair is so popular. The roomy, comfortable reading chair comes in plenty of colors and materials, from rich hues in plush velvet to a neutral tan in stately vegan leather (you can also opt for gold or black legs). To make things even better, no tools are required for assembly, and there’s a 30-day home trial.
A Contemporary Design That You Can Curl Up In
West Elm
West Elm Leroy Chair
Dimensions: 38 x 38 x 32 inches | Upholstery material: Velvet, linen, chenille, boucle, twill, canvas or basketweave | Frame material: Solid and engineered wood | Color options: 50+ options
The Leroy Chair has a contemporary silhouette with curved armrests and thick circular legs, making its large padded seat ideal for curling up with a good book. Its contract-grade design includes thick foam cushions that provide the perfect balance of support and comfort. Additionally, you can customize the look of the chair with dozens of upholstery options.
An Oversized Chair That’s Reasonably Priced
Raymour & Flanigan
Raymour & Flanigan Soletren Chair And A Half
Dimensions: 40 x 52 x 39 inches | Upholstery material: Polyester | Frame material: Wood | Color options: Stone
This "chair and a half" features an extra-wide seat that's perfect for reading, lounging and more. Covered in soft chenille fabric, it boasts a timeless style, while the chair's platform foundation helps prevent sagging, even with daily use. It’s well-priced for its size, and there’s even a matching ottoman available if you want to be able to kick up your feet as you dive into your latest book.
Best Value Reading Chair
A Small, Space-Friendly Pick With Adequate Lumbar Support
Amazon
Homall Recliner Chair
Dimensions: 29.1 x 20.6 x 38.6 inches | Upholstery material: Synthetic leather or fabric | Color options: 8 total, including Khaki leather and Beige fabric
This affordable reclining chair has thousands of positive ratings and reviews on Amazon and is a bestseller at Walmart, thanks to its small footprint, coziness and ease of assembly. The seat offers two reclining positions, including one that lets you lay back up to 120 degrees, along with an adjustable footrest and contoured back. Thick cushioning and water-resistant synthetic leather further enhance this chair’s appeal.
A Cute, Cozy Option From Drew Barrymore’s Furniture Line
Walmart
Drew Barrymore Beautiful Drew Chair
Dimensions: 40.5 x 36.5 x 31 inches | Upholstery material: Boucle | Frame material: Wood | Color options: Charcoal, cream or sage
The Drew Chair, part of Drew Barrymore's furniture line, is beloved on social media for its affordable price and stylish design. This barrel-shaped chair features a swiveling base and comes with three plush accent pillows for added comfort. Covered in stain-resistant boucle fabric, the seat is generously padded and includes a layer of metal springs for enhanced support and sag resistance.
A Padded Chair That Comes In Dozens Of Colors
Amazon
HollyHome Modern Chair
Dimensions: 31.5 x 12.6 x 37.4 inches | Upholstery material: Cotton | Frame material: Powder-coated metal | Color options: 30+ colors and patterns
If you want to set up a small, budget-friendly reading area in your home, this affordable chair is cozy and durable. It features a metal frame covered with thick padding and cotton upholstery. With over 30 color and pattern options to choose from, including vibrant faux fur perfect for kids, there's a style for everyone.
Best Leather Reading Chair
A Classic And Comfortable Option For Any Space
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Irving Roll Arm Leather Recliner
Dimensions: 33 x 35 x 38 inches | Upholstery material: Leather | Color options: 44 total, including Caramel Vintage and Maple Signature
This classic chair is versatile enough to complement nearly any home and is perfectly sized for smaller spaces. With 40 color options, you're almost certain to find a hue that blends seamlessly with your decor. Plus, it features a range of useful features, including a reclining back and adjustable footrest, make this comfortable reading chair worth considering. The leather will soften over time, adding to its charm, but it does require some maintenance: avoid direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and be mindful of which cleaners or polishes you use.
A Sophisticated Chair That's Designed To Last
Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel Cigar Accent Chair
Dimensions: 34 x 37 x 37 inches | Upholstery material: Buffalo leather | Frame material: Solid and engineered wood | Color options: Chimney, onyx, tide or sandstone
This leather accent chair has a sophisticated design that’s both elegant and comfortable. It has an attractive oak frame and well-padded seat with button tufted details, and its cushions wrap up and over the armrests for added comfort as you dive into your reading material. It’s upholstered with genuine buffalo leather, and there are four fabric colors to choose between, including shades of black and brown.
A Timeless Design Available In Several Types Of Leather
Maiden Home
Maiden Home The Chrystie Chair
Dimensions: 29 x 36 x 38 inches | Upholstery material: Pebbled, Tuscan or nubuck leather | Frame material: Kiln-dried hardwood | Color options: 16 leather finishes
The Chrystie Chair features a classic silhouette that will look great in your home for years to come. It has sloped armrests, pleat details and welt seaming for a tailored appearance. You can customize the design with 16 leather upholstery options, including various colors and textures, and you can choose the leg color to match your decor perfectly. Additionally, you can add a matching ottoman to complete your reading nook.
Best Velvet Reading Chair
A Plush Seat With A Luxurious Feel
Wayfair
Etta Avenue Isabel Velvet Armchair
Dimensions: 35.5 x 33.5 x 29 inches | Upholstery material: Velvet | Frame material: Metal | Color options: 6 total, including Maroon and Gray
This upscale, retro-inspired chair is certainly chic, but it doesn’t feel over-the- top. Made of plush velvet, it sits on stylish gold legs and comes in a variety of jewel tones. It’s a showpiece for sure, but the foam-filled cushions are comfortable enough to sit in for hours—and removable, reversible seat covers make it easy to clean.
A Contemporary Design That You Can Customize
Interior Define
Interior Define Maxwell Accent Chair
Dimensions: 37 x 31 x 37 inches | Upholstery material: Velvet, chenille, linen, woven or tweed | Color options: 100+ colors and patterns
This charming velvet chair will make a statement in any room while providing exceptional comfort for sitting or lounging. Available in dozens of velvet fabrics and trendy colors, there are numerous ways to customize the design to suit your style. Plus, you can choose the leg style, seat height, seat width and cushion fill, allowing you to create the perfect reading chair for your living space.
Best Oversized Reading Chair
A Barrel-Shaped Lounger With Ample Throw Pillows
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Balboa Media Lounger
Dimensions: 58 x 68.5 x 38 inches | Upholstery material: Basketweave, boucle, suede, linen, velvet, twill or chenille | Frame material: Engineered wood | Color options: 100+ colors and patterns
This barrel-shaped chair is spacious enough to share with a loved one or pet, and you can get comfortable while reading with the help of its four large throw pillows. Known as a "media lounger," it's perfect for watching TV or lounging, and its extra-deep seat allows you to prop up your feet as you relax. With a sleek silhouette versatile enough to blend into any decor, there are hundreds of upholstery options available to suit your style.
An Extra-Large Chair With Sink-In Cushions
West Elm
West Elm Harmony Modular Chair And A Half
Dimensions: 56 x 43 x 37 inches | Upholstery material: Basketweave, velvet, linen, chenille, twill, canvas or boucle | Frame material: Kiln-dried wood | Color options: 100+ options
The Harmony Chair and a Half is covered with plush down-filled cushions that create a pillowy soft space to sit and read. The chair comes with three extra pillows—including a lumbar pillow—that you can use to support your back or arm as you hold your book, and the wide armrests double as a convenient spot to rest your phone or snacks while you lounge.
Best Reading Chair For Small Spaces
A Stylish Chair That Tucks Perfectly In A Corner
MOST POPULAR
West Elm
West Elm Carlo Mid-Century Chair
Dimensions: 28 x 34 x 36 inches | Upholstery material: Basketweave, Velvet, Linen, Chenille, Twill, Canvas and Boucle | Frame material: Pine and hardwood | Color options: 89 colors
More compact than many other options out there, this West Elm chair is ideal for small spaces. It looks chic and stylish, but it’s also comfy and doesn’t take up a lot of room. Plus, design lovers will appreciate that it balances classic and modern styles. There are nearly 100 different mixes of colors and fabrics to choose from, including plush velvet and soft linen.
A Small Yet Cozy Armchair
Interior Define
Interior Define Sloan Petite Chair
Dimensions: 32 x 31 x 34 inches | Upholstery material: Velvet, chenille, linen, woven or tweed | Color options: 100+ colors and patterns
The Sloan Petite Chair is perfectly sized for apartments or small spaces, offering a comfortable seat ideal for long reading sessions. Its timeless design suits most homes, and you can personalize it with over 100 upholstery options, various leg styles and three cushion fill choices. Many of the fabrics available are performance options, resistant to stains, making them ideal for households with children and pets.
Best Reading Chair With Ottoman
A Customizable Chair With Some Convenient Features
Burrow
Burrow Arch Nomad Armchair With Ottoman
Dimensions: 34 x 35 x 33 inches | Upholstery material: Olefin | Frame material: Baltic birch | Color options: 5 total, including Crushed Gravel and Navy Blue
When it comes to reading chairs that don’t recline, adding an ottoman is a great idea. This classic chair includes one, and you can customize the fabric color, leg finish and arm style to personalize the piece. The back cushion is reversible: one side is smooth and the other is tufted for added texture. This comfortable reading chair-and-ottoman combo also features a built-in USB charger and power cord for added convenience.
A Colorful Set With An Adjustable Back
Wayfair
Corrigan Studio Deeda Accent Chair
Dimensions: 37.5 x 26 x 23 inches | Upholstery material: Linen or polyester microsuede | Frame material: Solid and engineered wood | Color options: Blue, beige, gray or pink
This budget-friendly reading chair comes with a matching ottoman, in case you like to prop up your feet as you relax at the end of the day. It’s available in several colors, including vibrant options like blue and pink, and the chair has an adjustable back that lets you recline, if desired. You can choose between linen or microsuede upholstery, and the purchase qualifies for free shipping, as well.
An Affordable Swivel Glider And Ottoman
Bob's Furniture
Bob's Furniture Cottage Chic Swivel Glider And Ottoman
Dimensions: 35 x 34.6 x 37.8 inches | Upholstery material: Polyester | Color options: Beige or gray
You can rock and swivel in this reasonably priced glider chair, which comes with a matching ottoman. It has a cottage chic aesthetic that’s available in two neutral colors, and the seat is lined with the brand’s signature memory foam for a cushy yet supportive feel. In addition to providing a spot to elevate your feet, the ottoman also does double duty as a hidden storage spot—its lift-top opens to reveal a small compartment where you can store throw pillows, blankets and other essentials.
Best Reclining Reading Chair
A Spacious Recliner Made From Soft Genuine Leather
Wayfair
Birch Lane Westmere Genuine Leather Recliner
Dimensions: 42 x 28.8 x 37 inches | Upholstery material: Genuine top-grain leather | Color options: 18 total, including Brick and Camel
Priced just over $600, this full recliner crafted from genuine top-grain leather and a sturdy hardwood frame is a high-quality steal. Its mid-century-inspired design blends modern aesthetics with a touch of retro charm, accentuated by nailhead trim that adds a unique flair to any space. The upholstery is filled with high-density foam, ensuring ergonomic support, especially with the contoured padding on the seat and back. Moreover, reclining is effortless—simply push back to lay back up to 140 degrees, no levers or buttons needed.
A Mid-Century Design With An Adjustable Backrest
Castlery
Castlery Dean Leather Recliner Armchair
Dimensions: 32.7 x 37.8 x 40.2 inches | Upholstery material: Top-grain leather | Frame material: Solid wood and metal | Color options: Caramel
This beautiful leather recliner embodies a distinct mid-century aesthetic with its caramel-colored upholstery and sleek wooden frame. Crafted from genuine top-grain leather (also available in white fabric), it includes cushioned armrests for enhanced reading comfort. The chair's back can be adjusted to three different angles, while the footrest effortlessly kicks up to elevate your feet for added relaxation.
An Oversized Seat With Power Reclining
Arhaus
Arhaus Kipton Wide Arm Motion Recliner
Dimensions: 49 x 41 x 37 inches | Upholstery material: Polyester | Frame material: Wood and metal | Color options: Nomad Snow or Promise Ecru
While it resembles a standard armchair, the Kipton is actually a power recliner, allowing you to lift up the footrest and lean back into a more comfortable reading position. This reclining chair is exceptionally cozy, making it easy to doze off while reading. It features a deep seat with generous cushioning, and its wide armrests provide convenient spots to rest your book, cell phone or the TV remote.
This story is regularly updated to ensure our selections are still in stock and represent the best of the latest offerings on the market. It was last updated in June 2024 by Camryn Rabideau, who has extensive experience writing about lifestyle topics.
To find the best reading chairs for your home, we took factors like comfort, style preferences and living spaces into consideration, looking at all the facets that make these furniture pieces ideal for relaxing with a good book.
We confined our selection of reading chairs to reputable brands such as West Elm, Burrow and Pottery Barn, as well as options that have garnered an average rating of 4.3 stars or higher after thousands of customer reviews.
We relied on our collective expertise as long-time reporters and editors in the home furniture space.
We selected reading chairs that encompass a diverse array of styles and are accessible at various budgets, including recliners, leather and velvet options, oversized designs and more.
What To Consider When Choosing A Reading Chair
A reading chair can take up considerable space in your home, which is why it’s crucial to consider certain factors as you shop.
Size
Start by considering the size of the space in which the chair will reside. A reading chair shouldn’t be significantly larger than every other piece of furniture in the room, after all, so you’ll want to measure the space carefully and play close attention to the dimensions of the chairs you’re considering.
Oversized chairs are great for larger rooms while compact chairs are better suited to smaller spaces. Consider the size of the back of the chair, too: A tall back offers more room to recline, but it does add some bulk.
Material
Comfort is key when it comes to finding a chair that’s ideal for reading. Look for a reading chair made of something soft and plush, like under-stuffed velvet, washed linen or versatile polyester. If you want a more classic and timeless look, opt for leather (just be aware that it’s a little harder to maintain) or vegan leather. Stain-resistant materials are a big plus, especially if you expect to eat or drink in the chair.
Style
There are many styles of reading chairs to choose from: recliners, accent chairs, swivel chairs and others. Decide which fits best within your preferred décor style, then check out all of the options within that category.
If comfort is most important to you, consider a recliner, which gives you more of a customized sitting experience. If, on the other hand, you really want the chair to double as a statement piece, try a sturdier accent chair.
