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Best Reading Chairs That are Practical and Comfortable

Tim Parry

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Looking for the best reading chair? You have landed at the right spot. Here, we have compiled a list of independently selected and best reading chairs which are comfortable and easy to assemble. Furthermore, you should also consider the durability offered by the option you consider buying.

Contents

Types of The Best Reading Chairs

a) Chaise

The classic chaise lounge chair comes in a beautiful design that is built to provide ample comfort and style while reading. It is super comfy and complements your personal style and decor regardless of whether it's placed in the living area or office. A chaise is one of the best reading chairs that provides ample room for you to stretch and is the perfect reading chair that allows you to unwind while you read for hours. Although, in some way, it does resemble a couch with a backrest on one end.

b) Lounge Chair

The lounger is a super comfy chair with ample cushioning and could very well be your favorite reading chair. It gives a pleasant spot in your reading room to unwind and have your reading sessions. In addition, some lounge chairs come with a matching ottoman set, allowing you to comfortably do your daily dose of a good book while you relax with your feet up.

c) Barrel Chair

The barrel chair comes shaped like a nail barrel in the form of an armchair that also reminds you of that mid-century modernistic style. It also gives you one of the best reading chairs that you can sink in to enjoy a good book.

d) Rocking Chair

A rocking chair is also an excellent reading chair that's built with two curved bands and rockers that come in contact with the floor at two points that allow you to swing your chair back and forth. Some people might enjoy this as a soothing action for their reading sessions, while some might find it a little distracting.

e) Recliner Chair

A reclining chair is designed using a mechanism that allows it to lower or raise your chair's back. It also comes with a tilt-back backrest, and, in some cases, the best recliner will come with a footrest that can be extended either manually or automatically. Most recliners come in either a metallic or wood frame

f) Wingback Chairs

A wingback chair is a classic accent chair that was a trend years back as it is today. A few things to note about this bold chair is the fact that it's mostly upholstered using velvet, plus it also comes with a matching footrest or ottoman. Place it by your window or by the fireplace in your living room, and voila- a super cozy reading nook. Wingback chairs also have a way of bringing that vintage feeling to your space instantly, making it feel more refined.

g) Eames Lounge

The Eames lounge chair and ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller furniture company back in 1956. This lounge chair is constructed using plywood and leather, ideal for reading a great book.

g) Slipper

No, this is definitely not an actual slipper, but it does have something to do with shoes. It finds its roots back in the day when women often used this chair whenever they needed to put on their shoes or slippers. In some sense, it is an accent chair that doesn't come with arms, meaning that you are not confined to any specific seating positions and can literally sit however you want. 

What Are the Best Fabrics for Best Reading Chairs?

a) Cotton

Cotton is a soft but pretty strong fabric, but on the downside, it's also as prone to wrinkles and gets dirty a little too fast. Nevertheless, it's a popular choice for many slipcovers since cotton fabrics are machine washable. You're also unlikely to find the entire upholstery fabric made of cotton — it's more likely going to be a combination. The highest quality cotton blends will often contain between 45- 60% cotton.

b) Linen

Linen is more of a natural textile spun from flax. It's naturally smooth and luxuriously rich. Unlike cotton, linen is naturally resistant to pilling and soiling, but it is also as prone to wrinkling. This makes it more suitable for casual settings than it would be for formal settings. Linen is mostly blended with cotton to increase its level of flexibility.

c) Leather

Leather is another great upholstery cover choice that's durable and easy-to-clean that's made from animal hide. However, leather also comes in different quality grades, so always search for top-grain or full-grain leather to ensure that you're getting the very best.

d) Wool

Wool is another natural textile that's derived from animal hair, making it an excellent, heavy, warm and soft upholstery fabric. However, wool on its own can be a little uncomfortable for some people and is pretty delicate, making it tough to clean. As a result, mostly you'll find chairs and other upholstered furniture using a wool blend instead of pure wool in the construction. 

e) Polyester

Basically, polyester is an artificial fabric that's also rarely used on its own. Mostly, it's used as a blend with other natural fibers such as cotton or wool. Polyester blends offer so much durability, with ease of maintenance and resistance to creasing, fading, and abrasion.

f) Velvet

Velvet is definitely a conversation starter and one of the most luxurious fabrics that fit into multiple categories since it's made from either polyester, cotton or silk. Velvet made from polyester comes with increased durability compared to the other natural varieties. Velvet is quite notable for its texture, softness, and vibrant color shades, but it can also be a little difficult to clean.

g) Rayon

Rayon is cellulose-based and was initially created to substitute natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk. It is quite resilient but also as prone to wrinkles. Upholstery is frequently combined with other thread types to make the composite material more suitable for use.

Which are the best reading chairs?

1. UMMICO Adjustable Home Theater Single-Fabric Recliner

Sale
JUMMICO Recliner Chair Adjustable Home Theater Single Fabric Recliner...
  • Material: The Recliner covered by high quality breathable fabric with...
  • Application: It’s a good choice for living room, bedroom, home...
  • Footrest: Steel frame design leads to more stable; Freely adjustable...
  • Maximum capacity: 265 lbs Seat Height; 17.7" Seat Dimensions; 19.8"(W)...
  • Easy to assemble and good service: Just slide the backrest to the base...

The Jummico Recliner is definitely a good reading chair to consider for all the bookworms who might be on a budget. It features a durable steel frame with breathable fabric upholstery, a graciously padded back, a decent number of reclining positions, and it even comes with a footrest.

This is one of the best recliner chairs that actually pulls out all the stops. The UMMICO adjustable home theater recliner comes in 5 colors to give you options that suit your style and decor.

Take note that this is a sizeable option that works best in large spaces and probably not the best option in smaller spaces. Some level of assembly is required, but you won't be needing any tools, so it also shouldn't take long.

PROS
  • Affordable
  • Breathable fabric upholstery and graciously padded back
  • Durable steel frame
  • Sizeable wide chair option
  • Multiple recliner positions
  • Built-in footrest
  • 5 color options
CONS
  • Wide chair that doesn't work well for small spaces
  • Requires some assembly

2. Rivet North End Wood-Accent Living Room ArmChair

Amazon Brand – Rivet North End Wood Accent Living Room Arm Chair,...
  • This smart-looking chair has clean lines and an exposed solid wood...
  • 35"D x 38"W x 34.6"H
  • Sturdy hardwood construction, solid beech legs, stain-resistant...
  • Contemporary and comfortable
  • Note : To ensure proper assembly, please follow all steps provided in...

Rivet is Amazon's in-house furniture brand that comes with a tint of a mid-century modern theme. As Amazon says, this piece is definitely 'sure to turn heads,' which it does in its own subtle way. The Rivet North End accent chair is the ideal corner armchair that makes it the best reading chair if you like to keep things low-key and quiet.

PROS
  • Smart low-key design chair with clean lines and an exposed solid wood base
  • Comfortable and soft padded cushions
  • Durable stain-resistant polyester fabric upholstery
  • Sturdy hardwood construction with solid beech legs
  • Contemporary accent chair design
  • Simple and easy assembly
CONS
  • Relatively pricey

3. Milliard Cozy Saucer Chair

Milliard Cozy Chair/Faux Fur Saucer Chair for Bedroom/X-Large (Blue)
  • Cozy And Comfy: Whether you’re reading your favorite novel, watching...
  • Holds Up To 300 Pounds: The extra-large chair size makes it great for...
  • Makes A Great Gift: If you’re looking for that perfect gift for your...
  • Service And Care: When you purchase Milliard, you can relax knowing...
  • Quick And Easy: Enjoy your new chair as soon as it arrives! Folds for...

If you're in the hunt for ways to encourage your child to read more, then getting them a comfy reading chair is definitely the place to start. This saucer-style option is a great reading chair for kids that comes with soft round cushions and chic gold metal legs. In addition, the legs are foldable, making them easy for storage and transport.

It comes as a wide seat that's 265-pounds in weight so that both teens and adults can use it on their daily dose of a good book. You can place it either in a bedroom, basement, playroom, or dorm room.

PROS
  • Best reading chair for kids
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Foldable legs for easy storage
  • Wide enough and a weight limit that's suitable for all ages
CONS
  • Fabric cover is delicate and prone to tear

4. Christopher Knight Home Malone Leather Club Chair

Sale
Christopher Knight Home Malone Leather Club Chair, Brown
  • QUALITY BONDED LEATHER: This best-selling chair features bonded...
  • ATTRACTIVE ACCENTS: The Medford has a tufted back with seven buttons,...
  • COMFORTABLE PADDED CUSHION: Plush cushions and padded arms provide...
  • STYLISH HOME DECOR: With modern undertones, and vintage elements, this...
  • Note : To ensure proper assembly, please follow all steps provided in...

Leather upholstery is incredibly stylish, attractive, durable and comfortable. When you picture an old, gloriously rich library with meticulously kept shelves of books, the chances are that there's a cozy leather chair that's tucked away in a quiet corner of the room, just completing the picture.

Creating comfort goes hand-in-hand with aesthetics, and the Christopher Knight Malone club chair is one of the best leather chairs; that's a classic choice. The bonded leather cover is incredibly rich, while its hand-carved legs take the aesthetics to a new level. Other than being stylish, good-quality leather is also quite easy to clean and maintain, meaning it can last you for a good number of years to come.

If leather is really not your thing, it also comes in a few non-leather options. In terms of size, it's relatively small, making it a great option for homes or rooms with limited space.

PROS
  • High quality bonded leather upholstery in lovely colors
  • Exclusive stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly leather
  • Attractive accents with a tufted back and 7 buttons for a regal appearance
  • Studded trim at its base to complement the hand-carved wooden legs for added elegance
  • Plush comfortable cushions with padded arms for added comfort
  • Stylish modern undertones with a tint vintage elements
  • Relatively small and works well for small spaces
  • Versatile design with a rustic theme
  • Arrives fully assembled
  • Flexible payment plan
CONS
  • Relatively pricey

5. Big Joe Fuf Foam-Filled Bean Bag Chair

Big Joe Fuf Foam Filled Bean Bag Chair, Large, Cobalt Lenox
  • NEW AND IMPROVED: We've heard your comments, and we've listened. We've...
  • BUILT IN HANDLES: We've added handles to our Fuf collection to make it...
  • BETTER INSIDES: We source our virgin shredded foam by upcycling from...
  • STAYING GREEN: Not only is it our mission to practice environmental...
  • Approximately 4 ft of cozy length

Of all budget-friendly options, you can never go wrong with a good old bean bag that's versatile and just perfect for lounging as you read a good book. Technically, it's not a chair, but we really had to include this best-seller on our list, and on the plus side- the kids will definitely love it!

Bean bags are easy to move, incredibly versatile, and foam filling molds to support your body for extra comfort.

This might not work for the older folk, but if you're working on a budget or want to add some sense of fun to your space, then you really can never go wrong with this. This bean bag is incredibly lightweight and comes in so many colors and sizes to suit different tastes. It also comes with a removable cover that's easy to clean and maintain.

PROS
  • Removable fabric cover that's thick, soft, and durable
  • Super cozy foam-filled sacks that mold to your body for decent support
  • Built-in handles to fluff up every time you need to
  • Eco-conscious upcycled virgin shredded foam that's sourced from industries
  • Improved smaller and more uniform shreds for the comfiest sit
  • Designed and filled products in the USA in Zero Landfill Certified Facility that stays green
  • Roughly 4-ft of coziness that you can sink in
CONS
  • Decent but not enough support

6. Boss Wingback Traditional Guest Chair

Sale
Boss Office Products Wingback Traditional Guest Chair in Burgundy
  • 3 x 2 Inches, aluminum metal magnets
  • Clean with Mild Soap and Water, Printed on single side
  • Classic traditional button tufted styling
  • Elegant mahogany wood finish on all wood components
  • Hand applied brass nails

The Boss wingback chair comes in a classic vintage shape with premium construction and is made using premium quality wood. Its classic traditional button-tufted styling adds to its vintage look and elegance. It also comes with a hand-applied brass nailhead trim that makes it stand out from all the other cozy options. If you are going for a vintage, conventional look, this will probably be your most favorite reading chair.

PROS
  • Made from mahogany with an elegant wood finish
  • Perfect accent chair for reading corners, offices, and home spaces
  • Ergonomic high design back cushion and arms to offer maximum coziness
  • Elegant craftsmanship with a great decorative finish
  • Comes in 2 different styles and color options: Black variant with a leather-like finish, and Oxblood with a vinyl finish
CONS
  • Assembling the chair may be difficult for some users

7. Lohoms Modern Accent Chair Single-fabric Upholstered Armchair 

Lohoms Modern Accent Fabric Chair Single Sofa Comfy Upholstered Arm...
  • ♔ Modern Design Arm Chair Sofa match perfectly with any decor theme...
  • ♔ Ergonomically Designed: comfortable seat cushion filled with soft...
  • ♔ Durable & Long Last: made of solid wood frame and soft sponge,...
  • ♔ Enioy Leisure Time with This Sofa: it's a great addition for...
  • ♔ Easy To Assemble: the armchair is easy to assemble all the...

The Lohoms modern accent chair and upholstered armchair comes in a single fabric with a durable solid-wood frame and linen upholstery. The cover comes in a warm mustard hue that also checks all the boxes in terms of quality and versatile style. This might be a little hard to believe, given its affordable price point, but it's really true- we checked!

Additionally, more than 600 customers also give this armchair a thumbs up for its sturdiness, support and ease of assembly. So if you're looking for an affordable lounge chair, this chair is your best bet.

PROS
  • Modern style design armchair that perfectly matches with any living room, bedroom or office decor theme
  • Ergonomically designed with a comfortable seat cushion filled with a soft sponge, upholstered deep seat that you can sink in, and ergonomic back cushion and arms to offer maximum coziness
  • Durable construction from a solid wood frame and a soft sponge draped with a linen cover
  • Great cozy addition for small spaces such as apartments or living room or gaming room
  • Easy and quick to assemble armchair with all the required accessories that are included
CONS
  • Steep price

8. Macedonia Mid-century Modern Tufted Back Fabric Recliner

GDFStudio Macedonia Mid Century Modern Tufted Back Fabric Recliner...
  • Made 100% of Polyester | Legs are made of Birch
  • Product dimensions – 34.25” D x 27.25” W x 38.7” H | Seat...
  • Light assembly required you'll be sitting in style in no time at all
  • The detail and style of this Recliner will update your living room by...
  • Featuring clean Lines and a smooth Finish, No one will even know that...

The Macedonia mid-century modern tufted back fabric recliner comes in a slim profile with tufted upholstery. This chair comes in such a slim profile that it barely even registers as a recliner at that first glance.

It doesn't come with that unsightly external handle, so when you want to stretch a little and lounge, just lean back, and this recliner will recline with you. It has garnered more than 2,000 reviewers praising this chair for its quick and easy assembly, and we can all agree that it does give such great value for its price point.

PROS
  • Mid-century modern style recliner that's a great addition for your living room or study room
  • This recliner comes with such detail and style, such as a button-tufted seat back and tapered legs
  • Quick and easy assembly is required
  • Durable leg material made of Birch and dark espresso leg finish
  • Mid-century modern style recliner with clean lines, a smooth finish, with a slightly tufted back and an extra padded cushion
CONS
  • Relatively pricey

9. Christopher Knight Reading Chair with Ottoman

Sale
Christopher Knight Home Tafton Fabric Club Chair and Ottoman Set,...
  • Includes: One (1) Club Chair and One (1) Ottoman
  • Chair Dimensions: 34.75 inches deep x 32.50 inches wide x 34.50 inches...
  • Ottoman Dimensions: 20.25 inches deep x 26.00 inches wide x 17.75...
  • Some Assembly Required
  • This club chair ottoman set is ideal for any room in your home. With a...

Christopher Knight Home manufactures this durable and stylish-looking reading chair and ottoman. This set is an ideal option when you want to add flair to your room's muted décor.

This is a perfectly designed reading chair, which comes with a matching ottoman. To add a matching set of reading chair and ottoman, you can buy this particular combo at an affordable price.

Talking about the design features of this reading chair, you would be amazed to know that this particular piece of furnishing isn't too heavy. Hence, moving it from one place to another isn't that difficult. Furthermore, when you look at the studded outline of this particular chair, it brings the required level of warmth into your room. The plush cushions and tufted seat back also adds more comfort and luxury to this chair.

This perfectly designed reading chair proves to be a perfect companion for your study routine. Indeed, both the ottoman and reading chair provide enough cushioning to promote maximum comfort when using them. In addition, this specific set would be perfect for any room or décor settings.

The overall appearance of this chair is quite attractive. The chair and ottoman's neutral color allows them to go with anything. Although the seat is slightly hard, it serves the job well for years to come. The sturdy construction of this chair makes it a highly durable piece of furniture.

This club chair ottoman set is ideal for any room in your home. With a perfectly designed ottoman to match this club chair, you will be sitting in style. The studded outline of the chair adds the perfect amount of flair to compliment the tufted seat back and plush cushions.

PROS
  • Luxurious reading chair
  • Durable construction
  • Affordable
CONS
  • Slightly heavy

10. Irene House Contemporary Reading Chair with Velvet Finish

Irene House Contemporary Velvet Fabric Height Back Accent Chair,Living...
  • Ergonomically back designed mold gives firm and comfortable,make it a...
  • Rubber wood Legs natural color offer a solid foundation to ensure...
  • Elegant arm chair constructed with soft brush Linen fabric ,modern...
  • Dimensions:Overall 26"W x 35"D x 37.5"H /Seat cushion 19.7"W x 18.9"D...
  • Best customer service ,2 year limited warranty ,ships in carton...

When you are in the mood to settle down and read your favorite book, this sophisticated-looking reading chair is the option to consider. This brush fabric chair offers a distinctive appearance and unique design features.

The contemporary structure of this reading chair is made of a wood base with a natural finish. The youthful color of its fabric also plays a key role while giving it a beautiful appearance. This chair is sure to add flare to your room with its fresh-looking design and layout.

By merely looking at this reading chair, one clearly understands that it will go well with almost any interior design theme. So, when you are looking for the perfect furnishing for your study, buying this chair set is an ideal choice to consider.

You can also place it in your living and family room. The ergonomically designed back offers a relaxed and proper sitting posture. Furthermore, the mold ensures a firm and comfortable seating experience.

All these features make it an ideal and relaxing reading chair. You can sit on it for long hours without feeling any discomfort. Besides reading, you can also use this chair to watch TV, surf the internet, and have a video chat.

The rubberwood legs come in a natural color, providing a solid foundation for the chair. This enhances the durability and overall life of the chair. The seat of this elegant-looking reading chair is constructed with soft brush linen.

This gives it a unique and complementary appearance to the chair. The overall quality of the linen is good, which allows you to place this chair either indoors or outdoors. It is a simple yet stylish chair, which is bound to enhance the look of your home.

PROS
  • Super comfortable
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Durable
CONS
  • Not portable
  • Pricey

11. JUMMICO Fabric Recliner Reading chair

Sale
JUMMICO Recliner Chair Adjustable Home Theater Single Fabric Recliner...
  • Material: The Recliner covered by high quality breathable fabric with...
  • Application: It’s a good choice for living room, bedroom, home...
  • Footrest: Steel frame design leads to more stable; Freely adjustable...
  • Maximum capacity: 265 lbs Seat Height; 17.7" Seat Dimensions; 19.8"(W)...
  • Easy to assemble and good service: Just slide the backrest to the base...

JUMMICO is a popular name when it comes to home furnishing. This particular reading chair is a recliner, which you can adjust by your preference. The material used to construct the cushioning of this chair is soft and durable. It would serve the purpose well to enhance your reading experience.

This recliner chair comes with thick padding for added comfort and luxury. You can place it in your study or living room. This is because you can use this chair for reading and watching TV or relaxing.

The steel frame construction ensures unmatched durability and provides overall stability to the chair. The reclining feature works exceptionally well, as it comes with a convenient push-back mechanism. In addition, the rubber feet offer maximum protection to your hardwood floor.

The seat cushions are thick and have large, curved armrests. The material of the seat is soft yet durable, which ensures the highest level of comfort and durability. The linen material is popular for its comfort and softness.

Furthermore, this recliner reading chair is covered in thick padding, making it possible to sit on it for hours. Finally, the availability of the footrest makes it an ideal recliner, which you can use to take a short nap when you are tired.

PROS
  • Easy to assemble
  • Comfortable and durable
  • Versatile recliner
CONS
  • Heavy
  • Pricey

What to Look for In The Best Reading Chairs?

A) What Style and Overall Design?

Comfort is both ideal and vital when it comes to reading in your reading nook. You'll always want to go with a style that's designed to keep you comfy and relaxed for hours. Most designs will come with a relatively tall and, at times, rounded back. Additionally, you could consider an oversized chair or one that comes with a recliner with arms and a footrest so you can comfortably sit and relax.

You could also consider a chair-and-a-half which gives you a broader and deeper seat. Alternatively, if you like to lay back while you read, you could consider getting a chaise lounge in your reading nook.

Overall, always go for chairs that come with an extended back support, well-cushioned arms and footrests that let you sit and position your body comfortably. These 3 features help ensure that you're investing in the right option.

B) What Size?

Always consider what size you want. It's essential that you find a design that'll fit in the proposed space you want it in. This will apply whether you want to place it in a designated reading nook, living room, bedroom, office or sunroom.

Before purchase, make sure to carefully measure before you make that order. Size definitely has a lot to do with overall comfort, so you should get one with a relatively wide and deep seat that you can curl up into, lean back, or even lay down on your chaise while you read.

C) What Material?

The other thing you should always consider is the material. Upholstered chairs with heavy cushions mostly come in softer, and most often, stain-resistant options. Also, think about the texture you'd like; for instance, bouclé upholstery is plush and cozy. On the other hand, leather chairs tend to be a little more pricey, and typically they last also longer.

D) What Frame of the Chair?

The material used on the frame is also quite important so if you want something durable or heavy, go for a chair that's made from a solid wood frame, even better if it's specially kiln-dried. Some recliner seat frames are made of steel, that's generally considered high-quality and durable. 

The chairs come in a sturdy structure that doesn't collapse or start sticking out after some days. Generally, consider chairs with a steel or wooden frame are both stable and durable.

E) What Fabric?

Opt for a fabric that's both soft, comfortable and easy to clean. Always read the details before making your purchase.

Final Verdict

All the reading chairs discussed above are super comfortable and made of soft material. In addition, the fabric used for these seats is sturdy enough to run you in the years to come. So when you are looking for a reading or recliner chair, look for comfort and stability.

Apart from this, you also need to consider some other aspects. One of these includes the durability of the seat. Typically, low quality and cheap reading chairs won't live up to your expectations. Hence, when buying a reading chair, you shouldn't compromise the quality over price.

Frequently Asked Questions on Best Reading Chairs

1. How high should the reading chair be?

Compared to dining chairs, reading chairs typically always look and feel more inviting since they have a shorter leg that is tall enough so you can comfortably sit and bend your legs comfortably or comfortably and easily stretch them out. The standard seat height is roughly 17 inches, give or take.

2. What's the best and most comfortable position for reading?

For the most optimal posture, most experts recommend placing a pillow behind you that takes the shape of your lower back. Proper back support ensures proper alignment of your spine and neck. By also placing a pillow on your lap, your arms can hold your book so much closer to your face, which also helps.

3. Are recliner-style furniture good for reading?

Yes. Recliners make the ideal reading chairs since they provide customized head and neck support, and you also get a place to rest your feet comfortably.

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Tim Parry

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