At a Glance:
Reader Chair Essentials: Breaking Down the Perfect Pick
What to Avoid in a Reader Chair
Whether you’re searching for reading chairs for living room settings or creating a reading spot in your office or bedroom, a cute nook or bare corner in your home might be the perfect place for a cozy reading chair. Whatever room you choose, there are stylish and comfortable chairs for reading in every design style from mid century modern to traditional, so you can create a cozy reading nook that ties into the rest of your home. In this inspo list with reading chair reviews, we’ll break down the essentials for the best chairs for reading and what to avoid. Then, we’ll recommend our favorite reading chairs for adults that give every book break a deserving touch of comfort.
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Shop NowReader Chair Essentials: Breaking Down the Perfect Pick
Maybe you’ve never stopped to think about the anatomy of a chair, but every part works together to provide the comfort you’re looking for—and if one aspect is lacking, it affects the whole chair. That’s why it’s important to assess a chair’s arms, back and lumbar support, seating and cushioning, and footrest when you’re comparing the best chairs for reading books.
✅ Start with the design of the armrests
Reading chairs with wooden arms may look aesthetically pleasing but they can be uncomfortable during long reading sessions. Padded armrests provide better support and comfort, preventing soreness in your forearms and elbows.
✅ Another important factor is the back and lumbar support
While it's tempting to choose a chair with exaggerated lumbar support, this can sometimes cause more harm than good, leading to discomfort and irritation after extended use. Instead, opt for a chair that offers subtle lumbar support—or even a reading chair with adjustable lumbar support. This ensures that your spine maintains its natural curve, reducing the risk of back pain while sitting.
✅ The seat and cushioning of the reading chair are also vital elements to consider
A well-cushioned seat can make a significant difference in your comfort level, especially when you’re lost in a book and forget about time. The solution? Look for a chair with high-density foam or memory foam padding that conforms to your body shape, providing adequate support and preventing pressure points. Additionally, a seat that is wide and deep enough to accommodate various sitting positions can enhance your overall comfort.
✅ A footrest can greatly enhance the comfort of a cozy reading chair
Footrests promote better circulation and reduce the strain on the legs and the lower back by allowing you to elevate your feet. Some chairs come with built-in footrests, while others may require a separate purchase like a pouf or ottoman. Either way, having a footrest can make a significant difference, especially if you enjoy reading for extended periods.
Learn more: 5 Sherpa Chairs You Need to Add to Your Home Immediately
What to Avoid in a Reader Chair
Soft armrests, proper back and lumbar support, a comfortable and cushioned seat, and a footrest all come together to create the best chairs for reading nook setups. But what are the clear don’ts when considering chairs for reading?
✖ It's essential to avoid hard cushions
Hard cushions can lead to discomfort and pain during prolonged reading sessions since they don’t provide adequate support or conform to your body's shape. Soft, high-density foam or memory foam cushions are preferable because they offer better support, evenly distribute your weight, and help prevent pressure points, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable reading experience.
✖ Low-quality upholstery is another factor to avoid when selecting a reading chair
Poor-quality fabrics wear out quickly, losing their texture and color, and they may even tear or fray with regular use. This not only diminishes the chair's appearance but also affects its comfort and durability. Opting for high-quality, durable upholstery materials like leather or tightly woven textiles ensures that a chair remains comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for years, providing a cozy and inviting spot for reading.
✖ A small frame can also be a drawback when choosing a reading chair
Chairs with limited space feel cramped and restrict your ability to change positions comfortably, which is essential for long reading sessions. A larger frame provides ample space to stretch out and adjust your sitting position, promoting better circulation and preventing stiffness. Additionally, a well-proportioned chair can better accommodate various body types, ensuring that it offers the necessary support and comfort for everyone.
Learn more: How to Choose the Right Size Couch for Your Living Room
7 Featured Reader Chairs
When it comes to selecting the perfect chairs for readers, we considered frame design, cushion support, and overall style—all details every good reading chair masters. These picks embody everything that’s good in a quality reading seat, so all you have to worry about is finding some downtime to squeeze in another chapter.
Flexsteel Davis Gray Vapor Power Rocking Recliner with Power Headrest
This contemporary reading chair checks all the boxes on what we recommend for a quality chair: padded armrests, high-density cushions for back support and comfort, and a built-in footrest. This rocking recliner allows you to separately adjust the headrest and footrest with the touch of a button, and you can rock back and forth. The soothing gentle motion and simple silhouette make it perfect for a modern or contemporary reading nook, and you can customize the upholstery to fit your chosen color scheme.
England Furniture Saylor Arm Chair
Shop This England Furniture Chair
This printed reading chair looks straight out of a storybook library with its traditional wingback style. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, prints, and colors to suit your space and complement the curving silhouette of this reading chair. We love the feel of sitting back and being ensconced by the chair back. All in all, this chair strikes a perfect balance between making a statement without drawing too much attention.
Signature Design by Ashley Rannis Snow Recliner
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Recliner
This modern reading chair is simple, sleek, and comfy. You can choose the fabric finish of your choice (Snow, Navy, or Pewter) to go along with its soft-to-the-touch upholstery. This chair is the whole package—it rocks, it reclines, and it offers support. The foam cushions are comfortable and supportive, and the polyester upholstery is easy to clean. It’s perfect for a modern yet casual living room or bedroom design.
Liberty Garrison Cocoa Accent Chair
Shop This Liberty Furniture Chair
If you’re looking for reading chairs for small spaces, this one is the perfect chair to tuck into a corner. It’s small in stature but impactful and thoughtful in design with its button tufting, nailhead trim, feminine silhouette, and wood-finished legs. The neutral upholstery easily adapts to a variety of color palettes and gives your space a soothing feel. We love it for a traditional or farmhouse reading space!
Palliser Furniture Customizable Acacia Wallhugger Power Recliner
Shop This Palliser Furniture Recliner
This recliner chair for reading is the ultimate spot to curl up and read. The cushions are plush, and you can customize the fabric or leather upholstery to suit your style. On leather and select fabrics, you can add luxurious single and double needle top stitching, which adds an elegant finishing touch. Not only is it plush, but this chair also reclines, offering a footrest and excellent back support.
Best Home Furnishings Casimere Stationary Chair
Shop This Best Home Furnishings Chair
This mid century modern reading chair is cozy with a chunky retro vibe. We love the textured finish and neutral color, which is perfect for a mid century modern space or a Scandi or boho design. The shape is fun and provides plenty of room to find a comfortable position. Plus, the unique boucle-style fabric is soft and cozy, complemented perfectly by the sophisticated curving silhouette and two tufted buttons. It’s a delight you’ll enjoy during every page!
Craftmaster Chair
Shop This Craftmaster Chair + Ottoman
Of all our top accent chairs for reading, this one is the most ornate and traditional. The color is choice bold, and the wood carving is a showstopper. If you want your reading nook to become a focal point or are looking to infuse life into a plain corner, this is an excellent option. It works especially well in an office or living room. While the exposed wood on the armrests is lovely, we appreciate the padding for comfort while the chair’s ample seat gives you plenty of room to settle in and the footrest provides plush support.
Learn more: Living Room Furniture Buying Guide: Wisconsin Edition
When you’re missing the comfort to get into the plot of your go-to book, a proper reading chair is the solution. Looking for your favorite reading chair involves assessing comfort, support, and style. At Colder’s, we have a wide selection of reading chairs that deliver all three. Visit one of our Milwaukee locations in person to test out our cozy chairs in person today!
FAQs
What features should I look for in a comfortable reading chair?
When selecting a comfortable reading chair, prioritize padded armrests, adjustable lumbar support, high-density or memory foam seat cushioning, and a footrest. These features ensure ergonomic support and enhance comfort during long reading sessions. Additionally, choose a chair with durable upholstery to maintain its appearance and comfort over time.
How important is lighting in a reading nook?
Proper nook lighting is crucial to reduce eye strain and enhance reading comfort. Opt for adjustable lighting, such as a floor or table lamp, to direct light where needed without creating glare. Natural light is also beneficial, so placing your reading nook near a window can improve the ambiance and readability.
Can I use any chair for a reading nook, or should it be specifically designed for reading?
While any chair can be used in a reading nook, chairs specifically designed for reading often provide better ergonomic support and comfort.
What additional elements can enhance a reading nook besides a comfortable chair?
Besides a comfortable chair, enhance your reading nook with good lighting, a side table for books and beverages, soft blankets, and cushions for added comfort. Shelving for easy access to books and a peaceful, clutter-free environment can also create an inviting and relaxing space for reading.
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee. Still need help? We offer zero percent appliance and furniture financing for your home needs!
Shop Reading Chairs at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop living room furniture online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover the perfect reading chair for your next novel, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: The Dos and Don’ts of Adding a Couch to Your Bedroom