10 Best Reading Chairs for Bookworms: The Official Buying Guide
A comprehensive guide to the best reading chairs of 2023, as rated and reviewed by customers and designers.
Parker Chair
Dimensions: 65"W x 40"H
Frame: Kiln dried solid hardwood and plywood
Upholstery Material: High durability fabric
Color Options: 70+, incl. indigo, rust and cobalt
Best Features: Oversized - Comfortable armrests
The high ratings and reviews for the Parker collection are not for nothing. Featuring soft fabrics, clean lines and chic color palettes, reading suddenly becomes a luxurious activity. The chair in particular has big armrests, big seating, a big backrest and big pillows; It’s the perfect design for readers who like to curl up – or sprawl out.
Parker Chair Review
“This is the absolute perfect reading nook chair! It’s oversize — a feature I like when reading so that I can stretch out or curl up to my comfort. It’s also a modern design with a deep seat that feels ergonomic when you’re in it.” - Pamela Oleson, Interior Designer
Twirl Swivel Accent Chair
Dimensions: 37"W x 29"H
Frame: Kiln dried 100% solid hardwood
Upholstery Material: Velvet, but can be customized
Color Options: 124 options, incl. black, brown and ivory
Best Features: Accent upholstery - Versatile size
While the Twirl brings statement style, the real reason it’s proven such a hit with customers has less to do with its looks and more to do with its size. Not too big, not too small, in fact, just right—and really, should have been named the “Goldilocks.” Perfect for the cozy reader in all of us.
Twirl Swivel Accent Chair Review
"The size of this makes it incredibly versatile. You can place one in a living room corner at the end of a sectional for a pop of color, or in a home office or other small space. It’s a comfy reading chair through and through, with a plush seat cushion perfect for long nights of page-turning." - Emilie Navarro, Interior Designer
Dale Rocker Recliner
Dimensions: 31"W x 39"H
Frame: Kiln dried solid hardwood and plywood
Upholstery Material: 100% polyester
Color Options: 29 options, incl. sapphire, blush and burgundy
Best Features: Recline - USB
A day spent with the Dale is a day well spent. Featuring reclining motion mechanisms, a durable adjustable headrest and inner foam cushions, the Dale truly does it all—in the most comfortable way imaginable. A personal favorite among the editors here at LS and a best-seller in stores.
Dale Rocker Recliner Review
"The Dale is everything you want out of a reading chair. Reclined back, it turns into a lounger with a built-in footrest. Get this one if your style is simple, minimalist and comfortable." - Pamela Oleson, Interior Designer
Twirl Swivel Accent Chair
Dimensions: 37"W x 29"H
Frame: Kiln dried 100% solid hardwood
Upholstery Material: Velvet, but can be customized
Color Options: 124 options, incl. black, brown and ivory
Best Features: Swivel base - Supportive back
Big-and-fierce, the Twirl scores perfect reviews, every time, thanks to a range of qualities designed to cater to the needs and wants of even the most serious of readers. Among the most notable of these qualities? Its extra-supportive backrest—and the soothing swivel base.
Twirl Swivel Accent Chair Review
“The Twirl is an interesting combination of being small space-friendly and oversize. The rounded back makes it easy to fit into virtually any furniture arrangement, while the overstuffed vibes of the round, deep seat feels like a proper throne once you’re seated in it.” - Emilie Navarro, Interior Designer
Lodge Chair
Dimensions: 58"W x 39"H
Frame: Kiln dried solid hardwood and plywood
Upholstery Material: 100% polyester
Color Options: 69 options, incl. white, pink and beige
Best Feature: Spacious seating - Lounge chair
In the midst of an epic page-turner? You’ll need epic seating—and the Lodge is sure to deliver. Featuring a ginormous seating area (think big arms and big cushions), the only downside to this design is that it’s so big and so comfy, you may find you have no real reason to return to the outside world ever again.
Lodge Chair Review
"The high back cushion of the Lodge sets it apart from every other reading chair I've seen; it's a delight of comfort! I also highly recommend the matching ottoman, as you can't go wrong with an ottoman set while diving into a good book." - Pamela Oleson, Interior Designer
Dale Rocker Recliner
Dimensions: 31"W x 39"H
Frame: Kiln dried solid hardwood and plywood
Upholstery Material: 100% polyester
Color Options: 29 options, incl. sapphire, blush and burgundy
Best Features: Rocker - USB - Fits into a corner If you and your reading chair are currently in a happy relationship, then don’t sit in the Dale—because it’ll surely break the two of you apart. Built with an inner foam cushion blend, soft tailored fabric and a gentle rocker mechanism, it’s everything you never knew you were missing. But don’t take our word for it—let the raving customer reviews speak for themselves!
Dale Rocker Recliner Review
"Even more so than watching TV, reading gets you into your own little world. A recliner makes a lot of sense for a reading chair, as you can customize the backrest as low as you prefer. Of all the recliners, I love the Dale because of its rocker motion and convenient USB charging station." - Pamela Oleson, Interior Designer
Amala Dark Grey Reclining Swivel Chair
Dimensions: 31"W x 41"H
Frame: 100% engineered wood
Upholstery Material: 100% leather
Color Options: Grey, brown, bone and white
Best Features: Recline - Top Grain Leather
A svelte silhouette, power reclining motions and an adjustable headrest have sealed the Amala’s reputation as a rock star of a reading chair—but what truly drives its stellar ratings has more to do with its upholstery: a 100% top grain leather that’s as buttery-soft as it is velvety-rich.
Amala Dark Grey Reclining Swivel Chair Review
"This is a mid century modern must-have. It's a recliner chair that feels like a chaise lounge chair. The swivel function and Eames lounge chair-inspired design will have your nose glued to your book for days. If you're looking for the perfect retro reading chair, get the Amala." - Emilie Navarro, Interior Designer
Bailey Flare Arm Wing Skirted Glider
Dimensions: 32.5"W x 40" H
Frame: Kiln dried solid hardwood and plywood
Upholstery Material: Customizable, incl. micro suede and velvet
Color Options: 28 options, incl. denim and stone
Best Features: Wingback - Linen color
Who knew reading could be so aesthetic? The Bailey, that’s who! Featuring a winged back, flared arms and skirted legs, every inch of this reading chair speaks to poise and grace. Plus, it features tight back foam cushions and roomy dimensions for added support and comfort—making it easy to see why customers continue to rank it as one of the best reading chairs, year after year.
Bailey Flare Arm Wing Skirted Glider Review
"A good reading chair can be hard to find, but, like the others on this list, the Bailey truly does make the shopping easy. I love the high-quality fabric and that it's customizable, so you can choose a color and pattern to target the style of your own space." - Emilie Navarro, Interior Designer
Allie Chair
Dimensions: 33.9"W x 33.1"H
Frame: Kiln dried solid hardwood and engineered wood
Upholstery Material: 100% polyester
Color Options: Jade and dark grey
Best Features: Tapered legs - Dark finish
There are a lot of things that make the Allie cool: tapered legs, tufted back, sleek color. But perhaps the coolest of all its features actually has more to do with what is not seen: its one-size-fits-all comfort! Readers, after all, shouldn’t have to choose between a style they love and one that actually ‘fits’ them. It’s a simple philosophy—and one that’s helped to cement the Allie’s status as a ‘customer favorite’ through the years.
Allie Chair Review
"This is the perfect shape for all modern styles, almost resembling a club chair, which is why I would personally recommend it to any client in need of a comfortable reading chair. Plus — the wood legs are to die for!" - Pamela Oleson, Interior Designer
Derick Accent Chair
Dimensions: 26"W x 30"H
Frame: Kiln dried solid hardwood and engineered wood
Upholstery Material: 100% polyester
Color Options: Slate and cocoa
Best Features: Low price - Mid-century modern
Sometimes, less is more. Similar to a papasan chair design, it contains sleek legs, a simple splash of color and a cozy backrest. Concerning less is more, the Derick lives up to the mantra. The price, too, is less than most other similarly-styled and comfy chairs you'll find out there, making it more for the value. Best enjoyed on the weekends with a mug of coffee or tea and a good book!
Derick Accent Chair Review
"Sleek, cozy and made of solid wood, this is what the perfect reading chair looks like. I can totally imagine myself in the Derick with my favorite book!" - Emilie Navarro, Inteiror Designer
Daniel Push Back Chair
Dimensions: 31.5"W x 40.9"H
Frame: 100% engineered wood
Upholstery Material: 100% leather match
Color Options: Nutmeg, smoke and chocolate
Best Features: Leather upholstery - 100% wood frame
Colorful, sleek, and stylish, the Daniel proves that reading is as aesthetic of an activity as any. And while it’s hardworking in style, the Daniel’s customer reviews paint a clear picture: it’s also comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, that sitting on the Daniel Push Back might as well be called floating on a cloud. What more could a reader want?
Daniel Push Back Chair Review
"A leather chair usually trumps everything else by the fact that it is leather, but the Daniel also has a lot of other great stuff, design-wise, going for it. Its handsome finish (which, by the way, is available in multiple upholstery options!) and reclining mechansism make it a great chair for reading, in my book!" - Pamela Oleson, Interior Designer
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
