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.
Zone Arm Chair
Dimensions: 49"W x 43"D x 36"H
Frame: Kiln Dried Solid Hardwood and Engineered Wood Mixed
Upholstery Material: Fabric
Color Options: Green, Beiger
Best Features: Oversized - Comfortable armrests - Reversible cushions
Chances are, you’ve fantasized about sitting on a cloud and with our Zone oversized arm chair, your dream can be a reality. Reversible cushions are filled with a blend of foam and plush fiber to create the softest possible experience, so you can sink right in.
Zone 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
Kennedy Mocha Brown Swivel Chair
Dimensions: 41"W x 39.76"D x 43"H
Frame: Kiln Dried Solid Hardwood and Engineered Wood Mixed
Upholstery Material: Fabric
Color Options: Brown, Beige
Best Features: Swivel
Distinguished by loose, reversible cushions and a swivel mechanism, our Kennedy swivel chair features seating that boasts supportive foam encased in a fiber-filled bag for an ultra-soft cloud-like experience.
Kennedy Mocha Brown Swivel 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 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
Billie Boucle Swivel Fabric Barrel Accent Chair
Dimensions: 35"W x 35"D x 29.5"H
Frame: Kiln Dried 100% Solid Hard Wood
Upholstery Material: Fabric, Polyester
Color Options: White, Ivory
Best Features: Swivel base - Supportive back
On-trend design and seamless function make our Billie boucle swivel barrel accent chair the perfect addition to any space. With its embracing curves and faux shearling boucle fabric, the seat is a soft, stylish spot to read, watch television or be a part of the conversation.
Billie Boucle Swivel Fabric Barrel Accent Chair Review
“The Billie 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
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
"A good reading chair can be hard to find, but, like the others on this list, the Amala 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
Milan Green Velvet Fabric Chair
Dimensions: 41"W x 39"D x 33"H
Frame: Kiln Dried Solid Hardwood, Engineered Wood and MDF Mixed
Upholstery Material: Fabric, Polyurethane
Color Options: Green, Brown
Best Features: Modern lines - Track arms
Balancing clean modern lines with irresistibly plush seating, our Milan velvet chair offers the style you want with the comfort you desire. Track arms create a contemporary silhouette, while luxuriously thick cushions provide lasting support for lingering lounging sessions.
Milan 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
Common Questions About Choosing the Perfect Reading Chair
What makes a reading chair truly comfortable for extended periods?
The ideal reading chair offers a balance of plush cushioning and supportive structure, preventing discomfort during long reading sessions. Look for ample seat depth, a comfortable back height, and armrests that allow for relaxed posture. Consider chairs with features like lumbar support or reclining capabilities for ultimate coziness, such as those found in our curated selection of reading chairs at Living Spaces.
How can I ensure a reading chair fits well with my existing room decor?
Selecting a reading chair that complements your current style is key to a cohesive look. Consider the chair's silhouette, material, and color – a sleek, modern design might suit a minimalist space, while a plush, upholstered armchair could enhance a more traditional or bohemian aesthetic. Our diverse range at Living Spaces includes options in various fabrics and finishes to seamlessly integrate into any room.
Are there reading chairs specifically designed for smaller living spaces?
Absolutely! Compact reading chairs, like accent chairs with a smaller footprint or armless slipper chairs, are perfect for maximizing comfort in tighter areas. These designs provide a dedicated reading nook without overwhelming the room. Explore our collection at Living Spaces for stylish and space-saving reading chair solutions.
What materials are best for a reading chair if I have pets or young children?
For homes with pets or kids, durable and easy-to-clean materials are a must. Performance fabrics, microfiber, or even certain leather types can withstand spills and wear, making cleanup a breeze. Many of our reading chairs at Living Spaces are available in family-friendly upholstery options designed for longevity and ease of maintenance.
How do I determine the right size and scale for a reading chair in my space?
The right-sized reading chair should feel proportionate to the room and other furniture, allowing for comfortable movement around it. Measure your intended space and consider the chair's visual weight – a large, overstuffed chair might dominate a small room, while a delicate chair could get lost in a larger one. Our Living Spaces experts can help you find a reading chair that perfectly complements the scale of your room.