The 11 Best Reading Chairs of 2023

Best with Ottoman

Castlery Madison Armchair with Ottoman

 

Settle in, and stretch your legs out on the Madison Armchair with Ottoman. We love the Mid-century modern styling of this set, with its round bolsters, slim, supportive armrests, and tapered legs. The upholstery features classic biscuit tufting, which is a method of stitching that forms squares instead of diamonds, and it doesn’t rely on buttons to tuft. The result is a linear look that’s commonly used in a mid-century aesthetic. The back cushion and bolster covers are removable so you can blot spills easily.

The seat and headrest are filled with foam and the cushion is filled with fiber, and the seat is fairly relaxed and deep, which all allow you to get comfortable and settle in for a while. This set is offered in both fabric and leather options, and you can order it without the ottoman if you don’t need it.

Best Chaise Lounge

Kelly Clarkson Home Trudie Upholstered Chaise Lounge

When you want to relax and read, this traditional chaise lounge is an ideal pick. Made from a solid and engineered wood frame, and wrapped in neutral upholstery, this chaise blends perfectly with both modern and classic furniture. The reversible cushions are thick and firm but comfortable, and the square back and rolled arms round out the classic style, while the short tapered feet offer a rich brown finish. This chair also provides the perfect perch to stretch out your feet.

With more than 55 water-resistant fabric options to choose from, this chair could easily fit in a family room, den, or nursery. Buyers suggest taking advantage of the free fabric samples to ensure that you’ll be happy with your final choice.

Best Leather

Pottery Barn Westan Leather Armchair

This leather reading chair is both rustic and refined and versatile enough to blend into any setting from contemporary to country. The solid wood frame features rounded arms and legs that provide great support and stability, withstanding a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds. Its plush padded seat is filled with foam and fiber batting, and it’s wrapped in top-grain leather for a luxe, natural feel. The leather will soften with use and develop a rich patina.

While the chair doesn’t recline or come with an ottoman, the seat is wide and deep, making it a roomy place to cuddle with a good book. The only thing we don’t like is that the back frame is only 13 inches high, which doesn’t give us enough head support.

Best for Small Spaces

Baysitone Accent Chair with Ottoman

This overstuffed chair will cradle you in exceptional comfort while you relax, read, or just watch TV. The velvet fabric adds a touch of luxury, and the button tufting on the upholstery gives this chair a classic look. The back has an ergonomic curved design, and the ottoman is plush enough to relieve your tired legs. The low-slung arms keep things roomy, and the 360-degree swivel base allows you to simply turn to grab a remote or another book.

The chair is easy to assemble, and the steel frame is sturdy and durable. It’s available in 10 colors, from gray to beige to green. The small profile makes it an ideal addition to smaller spaces, but we wish the back of the chair were a little taller; it might not be a good choice for taller people.

Best Classic Armchair

Christopher Knight Home Boaz Floral Fabric Armchair

This striking traditional-style armchair features a bright, mood-boosting, statement-making floral pattern. The smooth upholstery, elegantly turned dark brown birch wood legs, and stunning nailhead trim all fuse together to create a custom look. This chair has a seat depth of 32 inches, which makes it an excellent option for taller people, but it gives others plenty of space to sink back and settle in. The 100% polyester cushion is semi-firm, and the padded arms provide plenty of plush comfort.

The cover is removable and hand-washable so you can keep your chair looking new. Each leg features a plastic pad, which is designed to protect delicate floors. The chair arrives in three pieces, but assembly is quick and easy.

Best Oversized

La-Z Boy Paxton Chair & A Half

The La-Z Boy Paxton Chair and a Half invites you to kick back and get cozy. It has clean, crisp lines and a structured silhouette that will blend with most spaces. The Paxton features a generously deep and wide, T-shaped cushion, low-profile wood legs, and a blown-fiber-filled cushion for fullness and shape retention. This chair is wide enough to stretch out in, and there’s even enough room for two to snuggle. It’s also an “extra tall scale,” so it will be comfortable for those who are 6’3” and taller. No matter what your color scheme is, there are over 350 fabric and pattern combinations to choose from. If you’re not sure, you can order free swatches. A matching ottoman is sold separately.

While this chair is more expensive than other options, the high-quality fabric and filling options, along with the sturdy construction, make this a quality purchase.

Best Velvet

Joss & Main Harbour Upholstered Armchair

The classic armchair got an elegant upgrade. The kiln-dried hardwood frame is immensely durable, and the foam filling is upholstered in luxurious, inviting velvet. Quality details in the Harbour Upholstered Armchair, like turned feet, a tight back, a streamlined silhouette, and rolled arms create a timeless, modern look. The cushions have springs in addition to the foam, offering added stability and preventing cushion sag. They are also removable and reversible, and they can be dry-cleaned or spot-cleaned.

One thing we don’t love is that the seat back is only 13 inches high, which means it only reaches shoulder level, leaving your head without a place to rest.

Best Swivel

Room & Board Eos Swivel Chair

Whether you’re enjoying movie night or a great book, this luxurious round chair is the place to perch. The chair is a generous 51 inches wide, which is indulgent for one and wide enough and cozy for two. The seat is a deep 41 inches, allowing you to sink back in comfort against the feather- and down-filled cushion. The seat cushion is a blend of down and foam, so it’s cushy but offers a fair amount of support. Plus, this chair comes with three accent pillows.

The textured fabric is fade-resistant and dog- and family-friendly. There are four fabric options available for immediate delivery, or you can custom order your chair, choosing from more than 230 other fabric and leather options. We love the 360-degree swivel, so you can easily turn to look out the window or watch the TV. This chair is also available in a 42-inch width.

Best Recliner

Pottery Barn Wells Tufted Leather Swivel Recliner

Put your feet up in this handsome leather recliner. Styled with a modified wingback silhouette, this piece makes a statement in your home. Featuring exquisite details like deep tufting, sloped arms, and a metal base that’s available in a brass, silver, or bronze finish, this reading chair swivels a full 360 degrees, and it manually reclines. However, it doesn’t tilt or rock. Just note that you’ll need 20.5 inches of clearance from the wall to recline fully.

The frame is built using kiln-dried engineered hardwood, which prevents warping, splitting, or cracking. The non-sag steel springs provide plenty of cushion support. There are four quick-ship fabrics to choose from, including dark brown leather, but there are more than 30 made-to-order fabrics available if you choose to customize your chair.

What to Look for in a Reading Chair

Style

Comfort is vital when it comes to reading. Jen Stark, home improvement expert and founder of DIY Happy Home says that each reading chair style offers unique features and benefits, but the seat should be wide enough to accommodate a person comfortably and allow for some movement without feeling cramped. You’ll want to go with a chair style that’ll keep you comfy and relaxed for hours on end, such as a design with a relatively tall or rounded back. Otherwise, consider an oversized chair or even one with a recliner so you can put your feet up. A chair-and-a-half is an excellent choice, too, as it offers a broader and deeper seat. If you like to lay back while reading, consider getting a chaise lounge.

Size

For one, it’s essential to find a design that’ll fit your space. Whether you’re placing it in a designated reading nook, bedroom, sunroom, or office, make sure to measure (and re-measure) before ordering carefully. In terms of a specific size, “The seat should be wide enough to accommodate a person comfortably and allow for some movement without feeling cramped,” Stark says. “A seat width of 20 to 25 inches is usually considered ideal,” she continues. “A seat height of 16 to 18 inches is standard; this allows the feet to be flatly planted on the ground, which can improve posture and prevent discomfort,” she adds.

Material

Upholstered chairs are usually a little softer, and you can often find stain-resistant options. The texture is also important: bouclé upholstery, for example, is plush and cozy, while a fabric like microfiber is designed to mimic the feel of suede or leather. “Microfiber is soft, durable, and easy to clean,” says Stark. Leather-upholstered chairs tend to be more expensive, though they typically last longer.

The frame material is also important. If you want something that has a higher weight capacity or is built to last for several years, look for a chair with a solid wood frame—even better if it’s kiln-dried. Some recliner frames are made of steel, which is generally considered a high-quality, long-lasting material.

Any questions please feel free to ask me through Andrew@sinotxj.com