Our expert shopping editors tested the best reading chairs to find the perfect fit for every reading nook in your home.
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We Found The 10 Best Reading Chairs After Weeks of Testing
Updated Oct. 04, 2024
Shopping for the best reading chairs online is akin to shopping for a new mattress online: Until you’re on one, you won’t truly know how it will feel. Sure, there are showrooms for many big online retailers, but most of us often live several states away from those.
That’s why our shopping editors have spent much of this year testing furniture—to take some guesswork out of the equation. From mattresses and mattress toppers to nightstands and now chairs, the team at Family Handyman wants to help you navigate the overwhelming world of online furniture shopping one box at a time. Here are the ten best reading chairs, according to shopping editors.
Best Overall
Article Riley Lounge Chair
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Stain and abrasion resistant (depending on which fabric you choose)
- Loose, reversible back and seat cushions
- Sturdy corner-blocked frame
- Free of forever-chemicals
- No assembly required, white-glove delivery
Cons:
- Might be too large for smaller spaces
The 42-inch Riley Lounge Chair is Shopping Editor Mary Henn’s favorite chair of all time. “I love this chair,” Mary says. “It’s the perfect size, so comfortable and looks incredible.”
The Riley Lounge Chair’s corner-blocked frame is sturdy, firm and timeless. It measures 42 inches wide and 35 inches tall. “I wouldn’t say it’s oversized,” Mary says, “but there’s plenty of room to scrunch your legs up and curl up with a good book.”
“Its poly-fill cushions are incredibly soft,” Mary adds. F”alling back into the chair feels incredibly cozy and relaxing.” Plus, it’s upholstered in a durable fabric that resists staining, so you can enjoy your cup of joe without worrying that you’ll stain your beautiful new white chair.
I opted for the Nappa White color because it’s listed as one of the durable fabrics, and it’s gorgeous in person. It’s a beautiful cream color that’s a shade or two darker than the Ivory Wool Boucle. Depending on your vibe, you can choose between fabric and velvet upholstery.
While this pick doesn’t recline or swivel, an optional matching ottoman is available. I currently have the chair in my living room, but I plan on moving it into the bedroom because it’s so comfortable. It would make the perfect late-night, after-bath reading chair to unwind in.
Best Oversized
LoveSac PillowSac Chair
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable lounge chair
- Quick and easy assembly
- High-quality construction materials
- Customizable
- Many fabric covers are machine washable (though not all)
- Can hold up to 350 pounds
- Modern style works with many different decor themes
Cons:
- Assembly required
- Cushion looks a little sloppy post-assembly but does seem to shape up over time
If you’re looking for an extra-large, oversized chair to read (and maybe take a snooze) in, the PillowSac is massive and very comfortable. Now, the PillowSac has a new companion: An accent chair that brings a durable oak frame, thick straps and stylish hardware to the cloud-like feel of the original PillowSac. It’s all fully customizable, too, making it one of the best reading chairs for any home with a nice open space for a plush chair.
You can choose between tan or black base straps and brass, gunmetal or black hardware. Plus, there are more than 200 fabric options for the PillowSac cover, and more than 150 of those are machine washable.
“The chair’s frame is stunning and feels like it’s made of high-quality materials,” Mary says. “Its inner foam stuffing feels like sinking into a foam mattress topper, and the seat is big enough to hold two small adults, an adult and child or an adult and pet. I liked snuggling in with my daughter or sprawling out by myself with a good book.”
“I recommend putting the chair in a kid’s room or basement area,” Mary adds. “I like a more refined look for the living room, but this chair is super comfortable and would be great for reading, lounging and enjoying movie night with the family.”
Best Accent
Saatva Logan Chair
Pros:
- Mid-century modern look
- Durable and stain resistant
- Sustainable
- Comfortable
- Optional, free white-glove delivery
Cons:
- Must be cleaned with water-free, dry cleaning solvent
If you’re looking for a traditional accent chair, the mid-century-inspired Logan Chair from Saatva is just that, with a refreshing, modern twist. Design cutouts in the arms elevate the look of any space. This elegant reading chair is handcrafted and upholstered by a craftsperson and comes in three neutral, high-quality fabrics (two of which are velvet).
“Whether you’re looking for a chair to carve out a nook for reading in a quiet spot or wanting to furnish your bedroom or living room, this is a lovely addition,” says Senior Shopping Editor Caroline Lubinsky. “While it’s an extra-wide seat perfect for tucking your legs up, it would also be great with a mid-century style ottoman or an eclectic Etsy-inspired footstool.”
The Logan Chair requires some assembly, but it’s just a matter of screwing the legs on. “I initially wasn’t sure where the legs were, but I figured out they were inside the chair for easier transport. You just have to unzip a compartment under the chair,” Caroline says.
This quality chair uses eco-friendly foams and no chemical additives. Its cushions are overfilled for maximum coziness, and the arms are slightly padded. It also meets CertiPUR-US health and environmental safety standards, so you can kick back with peace of mind.
Best with Ottoman
Elandra Upholstered Accent Chair and Ottoman
Pros:
- Storage ottoman
- Removable pillow cushions
- Easy assembly
- 5 recline positions
- Camouflages spills and spots
Cons:
- Spot clean with dry, solvent-based cleaner
- Looks like a cheaper option up close
This ultra-plush chair from Wayfair comes in many colors and has a matching ottoman. The ottoman is versatile, too. It has a removable pillow cushion and lifts for added storage, and the chair has side pockets.
The Elandra Chair has a high-density sponge and an adjustable backrest that can recline 180 degrees. The recline feature has five positions and is activated manually; this chair has no electronic components. It does require assembly, but our product tester said it only took her about 15 to 20 minutes to assemble it. It also came with the hex wrench needed to put all of the parts together.
“For being lightweight, this chair is sturdy. The maximum weight is advertised at 330 pounds, and it easily holds a 250-pound man with a 30-pound dog on his lap,” says product tester Morgan Chaney. “Best of all, it doesn’t have any signs of wear despite becoming the dogs’ favorite spot. We haven’t had to clean it often, but it was easy to wipe down after an accidental coffee spill.”
Morgan’s qualm with the chair is that it could be more comfortable. “The cushions and padding on the chair are a bit thin, and you can somewhat feel the wood frame it’s built on,” Morgan says. “The recline feature is nice, however, and helps some with comfort. Plus, the chair doesn’t tip, and it only minimally squeaks.”
Best Budget
Beautiful Drew Chair by Drew Barrymore
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Looks and feels great
- Sturdy, stable build
- Generous size
- Smooth swivel base
- Pillows included
Cons:
- Low back might not be comfortable for all loungers
- Textured boucle fabric is difficult to clean
When we read the reviews and saw the price tag, we knew we needed to test the Beautiful Drew Chair by Drew Barrymore. For under $300, the chair seemed too good to be true. Shopping Editor Emily Way tested the chair to let us know what it’s really like in person. “This chair is absolutely stunning,” she says. “It adds such a fun, cozy vibe to my office, especially in the light sage color. Plus, the oversized look is so inviting.”
Emily says the chair looks and feels expensive despite its affordable price point. It also comes with three pillows and has a smooth swivel base. “I fit very comfortably in the chair—no squeaking or tipping,” Emily says. “It’s very sturdy thanks to the generous size, wood frame and steel swivel base. Because it’s oversized, I can cross my legs while sitting, too, which is something I really appreciate.”
The chair comes in four neutral colors and does require assembly, but putting it together is easy. In fact, Emily assembled, then disassembled and reassembled the chair when she moved. It took her five minutes both times. All you need is a hex wrench, and the directions are very straightforward.
Because the fabric is boucle, it’s not the easiest to clean. At least, it’s not as easy as performance fabrics. Emily has dabbed up light spills with a damp rag, but one tea spill has left a little shadow on the chair. She also notes that her cats love the boucle fabric. “If you have cats, expect them to try to use this as their scratching post. That said, they also appreciate it for its coziness, which is far less of a concern,” Emily says.
Best Cloud Style
7th Avenue Armchair with Ottoman
Pros:
- Excellent design and function
- Modern styling
- Luxurious size (extra deep)
- Very comfortable
- Washable cushion covers
Cons:
- Large amount of space needed for chair and ottoman
7th Avenue’s sectional recently landed on our list of the best sectional sofas. Its cloud-like style is sleek and modular. “Don’t confuse modular with uncomfortable,” says Caroline. “This chair is super comfortable for lounging. The true test of comfort is whether you can sleep on it—this gets a resounding yes.”
The luxury Armchair with Ottoman requires some assembly but comes with an easy-to-follow instructional video, so putting it together is straightforward. “Just watch the video, pause, complete that step and continue,” Caroline says. I assembled the chair and ottoman by myself in less than two hours.”
This oversized, plush chair is perfect for a reading nook or movie-watching. The extra-wide armrest is suitable for resting your arm or keeping your iPad or books handy. “And don’t let the low back fool you,” Caroline adds. “The adjustable back cushion comes in medium-soft or medium-firm. It comes with a complimentary fill packet to ensure firmness just right. Whether additional fill is used out of the gate or down the road, this is great to have.”
The chair’s performance material wicks away temporary spills, and the covers are removable and washable. So, this chair is perfect for households with kids and pets. “A multi-dog household that allows pets on furniture: yes, you’ll see dog hairs on this light-colored chair and ottoman,” Carolin says. “However, they won’t get caught in the fabric and are easy to vacuum off. The durable fabric doesn’t show any pulls from our pets. There was a muddy paw that was easily wiped off with a dot of mild soap.”
Best for Nursery
DaVinci Carter's Arlo Recliner and Swivel Glider
Pros:
- Waterproof and stain-resistant performance fabric
- Reclines, swivels and rocks
- Lumbar support pillow included
- Multiple color options
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
Cons:
- Tips forward
- Reclining lever can be difficult to pull
DaVinci is a popular, affordable nursery furniture brand that makes cribs, dressers, gliders and more available on Amazon. If you’re a new parent or parent-to-be, then a nursery glider or rocking chair is likely at the top of your list of things you’ll need for your baby.
DaVinci partnered with Carter’s to launch a special line of cribs, seating, dressers and storage. Mary snagged one of the new gliders from the line to test in her own nursery space. “There are a few things I look for when shopping or recommending a glider for a nursery,” she says. “It should swivel, recline and have some kind of lumbar support.” The DaVinci Carter’s Arlo Recliner and Swivel Glider checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s water-repellent and stain-resistant.
“I’ve had a motorized glider in my nursery from day one, but when searching for the best reading chairs, I wanted to try the DaVinci glider as a second playroom option,” Mary says. “It’s a great chair for rocking baby or reclining with a book. It’s not motorized, which I don’t mind. It’s easier to assemble, and you don’t have to worry about plugging it in anywhere.”
“I also love that it comes with a comfortable pillow for lumbar support or placing under baby’s head,” Mary adds. “Plus, it looks great. I opted for the performance cream, but I had a hard time choosing between cream and forest green linen.” The glider is available in six colors and holds up to 250 pounds.
“With many nursery gliders costing $700 to $900, the DaVinci glider is significantly more affordable,” Mary says. “For the price and all of its features, I’d recommend it to any new parent. My only two issues are 1) It tips if you lean too far forward, such as to reach something, and 2) The reclining lever can be a bit difficult to reach and pull while holding baby.
Best Sustainable
The Evergreen Chair Sabai Design
Pros:
- Sustainable materials
- Slipcover finish for easy cleaning (or mixing up the style without replacing the whole chair)
- Repairable
- Thick armrests can hold a beverage, phone, book, etc.
- Long-lasting, thoughtful build
Cons:
- Instructions not included
- Slipcover fits a little loose
“If you’re concerned about making sustainable choices and having safe materials in the home, I think this is a really solid option,” says Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski. “It also aligns with my approach to ‘forever furniture,’ rather than cheap wares that need to be replaced every couple of years and are made with harsh chemicals.”
The Evergreen Chair is both comfortable and eco-conscious. Like Sabai’s other furniture, it’s built to last and designed to be fixed to prolong its lifespan and reduce waste.
The design is simple and understated, yet the velvet upholstery adds another layer of style and texture to any space. “It’s got the low profile of a Chesterfield chair but also looks like a club chair,” Katie says. “The harsh square angles give it a modern classic style. The velvet adds a retro touch. I could see this working in many different spaces, from mid-century to farmhouse.”
“The Sabai Evergreen chair is what my bedroom was missing,” Katie adds. “It’s easy to assemble, and I love the focus on sustainability and quality materials. Plus, thanks to the slipcover design, I can easily swap out the cover when I need a fresh look. This chair is another example of forever furniture that should last me a lifetime.”
Best Power Lift Recliner
FlexiSpot XL6 Cloud Power Lift Recliner
Pros:
- Power lift feature
- Heat and massage modes
- Soft chenille fabric
- Reclines to flat position
- Extended footrest and wide seat
- Fast assembly
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Slow to move in and out of position
- Remote buttons can be confusing
If a power-lift recliner is more your speed, then the XL6 Cloud is one to consider. It has impressive features like massage and heat modes, smooth and silent operation, an extended footrest, storage pockets and more.
“If you or someone you know needs the power-lift feature, this chair is great,” says Product Tester Pamela (Bondy) Bondurant. “The chair is comfy and soft and perfect for cozying up with a good book. If you want to nap after reading, you have the perfect arrangement because this chair lays flat for sleeping.”
The oversized recliner is suitable for larger frames and cross-legged sitting, and the extended footrest also accommodates taller individuals. The ultra-plush padded armrests and headrests provide lots of cushion and support to anyone needing extra comfort. Plus, the eight vibrating massage modes, three standard massage modes and three massage intensities add another layer of relaxation while the heating function melts away stress and tension. What more could you ask for in a chair?
“The chair makes no sound while operating,” Bondy says, “and the massage function goes down to the legs, which is seriously impressive.” It took Bondy about 25 minutes to unpackage and assemble the chair. Once assembled, you’ll need about 4 feet of clearance to recline fully.
Best for Home Office
Burrow Gimlet Chair with Ottoman
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Ottoman included
- Solid wood frame
- Easy to assemble
- True mid-century style
- Statement piece
Cons:
- Low to ground; may be difficult for some to get in and out of
“I was pretty jazzed when I saw that Burrow launched the Gimlet Chair,” Mary says. “I knew it would be the perfect addition to my office.” The Gimlet is a true mid-century styled lounge chair with an ergonomic design and matching ottoman. Like all of Burrow’s furniture, it’s incredibly easy to assemble, with no tools required. “Simply unbox it, attach the back of the chair to the seat, and you’re ready to go.”
The chair comes in three colors: Moss Green Boucle, Oatmeal Boucle and Camel Leather. “I went with the oatmeal because it seemed the most versatile, and I wanted to be able to move it from space to space in my home,” Mary says. “However, when I saw the chair in person, I knew exactly where it needed to be. It takes up little space, is comfortable and is the perfect addition to the corner of my home office. It’s the perfect space to read materials for work or kick back with a novel after hours.”
“This chair does sit very low to the floor,” Mary adds, “which is something to note if you have trouble getting up and down off lower surfaces. I personally like the look of the low chair; I can sit far back in the seat with my legs still comfortably rested on the floor.”
The Gimlet is a firmer chair with a solid, sturdy hardwood frame and light cushion. “While it may not be the best option for sleeping, it’s still great for reading, working and relaxing lightly. I love that the seat and ottoman are both sloped to follow the natural bend of my legs.”
Why You Should Trust Us
This year, our staff of shopping editors have made it part of their mission to test furniture in their own homes. Shopping for furniture online can be tricky: Shipping times can vary from days to months, sometimes expert assembly is required, and other times assembly isn’t required at all, and of course, quality can vary drastically from brand to brand. So far, we’ve tested the best sectional sofas, coffee tables and bedframes—and we don’t plan on stopping there.
We are currently testing more furniture categories so you can make consumer-informed decisions based on in-home testing before you buy.
We Gathered 6 Shopping Experts to Find the Best Reading Chairs
Six expert staff editors received chairs to test, and many received multiple chairs to test. They took notes on everything from delivery and assembly to style and comfortability. Some even dumped coffee and tea on chairs to test whether the upholstery was cleaned easily. After analyzing a dozen chairs sourced after months of researching, thorough tests were conducted over the course of about three months. Then, our shopping editors narrowed down their 10 top picks of reading chairs for different needs, rooms and interests.
FAQ
What is the ideal chair for reading?
Many prefer a wingback chair or chaise lounge to curl up with a good book. Chairs with ottomans or recliners are also great for kicking back and snuggling up to catch up with your favorite characters.
What type of chair is best for long hours?
If you anticipate spending hours in a chair, you should look for one that’s ergonomic, like the Burrow one above. It would be best if you also looked for lumbar support.
Originally Published: October 04, 2024
