The Best Reading Chairs to Cozy Up In

One of life’s simplest pleasures has to be curling up with a good book. Getting into your coziest loungewear, brewing a cup of tea, and, of course, settling into a favorite chair is a perfect way to turn reading into a cherished self-care ritual. To truly get lost in your pages however, being comfortable and at ease is a requirement. As such, bringing a reading chair into your home shouldn’t be a hasty decision—especially since they can be an investment.

A sturdy reading chair will also make a big impact in your space, whether it’s in your living room or a dedicated corner of your bedroom. Bonus points if it’s nestled by a window or in front of a fireplace. The key to creating a reading nook you’ll want to come back to again and again is the perfect chair. 

10 Reading Chairs to Cozy Up In

A lot goes into choosing an ideal reading chair, which is why we’ve scoured the internet in search of the comfiest—yet stylish—reading chairs available. This list includes a variety of textures, colors, and price points with the hopes that you’ll be able to find the perfect match for you and your home. Happy reading!

Best Woven Chair: Healdsburg Small Wicker Swivel Chair

These gorgeous rattan swivel chairs from Camille’s own Casa Zuma are a thing of beauty. The slightly curved seat and back are generously sized for cozy lounging, and the cushions come in both linen and boucle. We may be a bit biased, but these chairs would look stunning in a warm and neutral-clad living room and are perfect for sipping coffee with a good book.

What’s more, the chairs include a unique feature—these beauties swivel. A swivel chair makes it easy to converse with loved ones when your nose is out of your book, or you could easily catch the light by turning a bit more toward the window. Dreamy.

Pros:

• Swivel chairs
• Two different cushion options
• Woven texture will work with many interior styles

Cons:

Best Chair and Ottoman Set: Pebble Armchair with Ottoman

Putting your feet up as you read is essentially a requirement, so a chair that includes a foot rest is an ideal two for one. This cozy chair and ottoman set from Casterly is simple, yet modern, and exudes an air of sophistication. According to online reviews, the chair is incredibly comfortable and simple to put together. (Just screw on the legs!) It’s deep enough to sit cross-legged in, and when it’s time to stretch out, the ottoman is right there. Plus, it doesn’t have to be solely a foot rest either. “The ottoman is large enough to place a coffee book on it…or can act as extra seating when hosting larger gatherings,” one reviewer writes.

And for those with pets, this chair offers a silver lining. “It does not collect hair, is easy to clean, and the weave is impenetrable for my cat’s claws,” another reviewer remarks. Cat moms rejoice. 

Pros:

• Includes a matching ottoman
• Comes in four different colors
• Easy assembly

Cons:

• Some online reviews mention the back isn’t as high as they’d like

Best Leather Chair: Havana Leather Chair

Eclectic grandpa aesthetic is having a moment, and this sleek, ultra-cozy leather chair from Anthropologie is giving us the warm and timeless vibes that are synonymous with the trend. Featuring top grain leather upholstery and a foam and fiber cushion, this chair is as comfortable as it is luxe. It looks perfect on its own, but would also be at home paired with a chunky knit throw, a plaid accent pillow and a good thriller or mystery. If the rich saddle color isn’t your vibe, it’s also available in butterscotch, or a light blue cyan. 

Pros:

• Timeless design
• Cozy and comfortable

Cons:

Best Swivel Chair: Vivian Park Upholstered Swivel Chair

There’s beauty in simplicity, and these Threshold swivel chairs, thoughtfully designed by Studio McGee, are a wonderful example of just that. Classic, comfortable, and polished, these chairs will look beautiful in a room dominated by warm neutrals, or balancing out bolder pops of color. Place this by a window or fireplace and swivel with ease as you cozy up with your book. 

Pros:

• Great value
• Cream color pairs well with a variety of color schemes
• Comfortable and stylish

Cons:

• Some reviews say the chair is a bit small

Best Recliner: PB Comfort Square Arm Upholstered Manual & Power Swivel Glider Recliner

Recliners can get a bad rap for not being the chicest, but they are by far one of the most comfortable options. Who doesn’t love a chair you can doze off in once you’re done with a chapter or two? If you’re in the market for a recliner that isn’t an eyesore, this Pottery Barn bestseller fits the bill. This stylish recliner comes in both manual and power options, so you can decide if you’d like to simply press a button or pull a lever for ultimate relaxation. The square arm rests add an extra level of comfort and there is a variety of color and fabric options to choose from, including cozy chenille, performance boucle, rustic linen, and more.

Pros: 

• Manual and power recliner options
• Can sit, recline, and swivel
• Looks refined and modern

Cons:

• Can’t swivel when fully reclined 
• Cushions are on the firmer side

Best Chair and a Half: Lounge Deep Chair

If you’re looking for a super plush reading chair that might as well double as a mini sofa, look no further than Crate and Barrel’s Lounge deep chair and half. Large enough for two people, this chair is ideal for someone looking to really sprawl with their book of choice or caretakers in need of a cozy spot to read to children. This is from Crate and Barrel’s Lounge line, which is touted as their most relaxed line of furniture. It would make an epic movie night spot once it’s time to put the books away. If you’re looking for a chair you can really sink into, this would be an ideal pick. 

Pros:

• Extra large and extra cozy
• Soft and comfortable
• Available in more colors and fabrics than we can count

Cons:

• Feather cushions may shed

Best Sherpa Chair: Kessler Wingback Accent Chair

It doesn’t get cozier than sherpa, but oftentimes it doesn’t come cheap. This faux sherpa option chair from Target is an incredible choice whether you’re on a budget or not. The high armrests and wingback design make you feel at ease and enveloped once you sit, and the tufted details are subtle and fashionable. A cream chair will fit in seamlessly with a variety of different design styles, making this a great choice for just about anyone. If you have pets or children, it may feel risky bringing a cream colored chair into your home, but rest easy after reading what one reviewer shared. “This is such a beautiful chair! The sherpa is amazingly soft and doesn’t stain easily, even with my super messy kids,” they gush.  

Pros: 

• Faux sherpa is incredibly soft
• High armrests and wingback design create extra coziness
• Affordable price 

Cons: 

Best Velvet Chair: Rae Upholstered Armchair

There’s something so chic about slipping into a jewel toned velvet chair. This Allmodern armchair comes in a deep green, brown, and gray velvet and is generously sized for ultimate comfort. “I’m very happy with this purchase! I was looking for a comfy chair that I could sit in in many different positions (I’m 5’10”), and this fits my needs perfectly,” one reviewer states. “It’s big without looking or feeling big in my space, and the green looks beautiful in person.”

Velvet can add a touch of glamor, depth, and texture to your space. If you’re feeling moody and dramatic, a rich, deep-colored velvet chair like this one would make an incredible impact in your space.

Pros:

• Modern and trendy style
• Available in multiple colors

Cons: 

Best Statement Chair: Vienne Velvet Delaney Chair

When it comes to statement furniture, Anthro Living is a go-to for vibrant and colorful pieces you can’t get anywhere else—much like this stunning, velvet mulberry chair. Designed to turn heads, this fully upholstered reading chair will be the star of any room. Style without substance can be a bit of a drag though, but this chair delivers on both fronts. One reviewer writes, “I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable these are! I originally bought them for my closet but now they are going in my living room because I love them so much!”

When it comes to styling around a statement piece like this one, be sure to keep the chair special by letting it stand out against simpler furniture pieces. But don’t let the simplicity of everything else take away your desire to play—it’s just about finding the right balance. Mixing patterns, finding complementary colors, and shuffling pieces around is all part of the fun. 

Pros:

• Stunning floral design
• Fully upholstered frame
• Cushions are reversible and removable 

Cons: 

• An eclectic piece, may not be right for everyone

Best Outdoor Chair: Southport Patio Egg Chair

With spring on the horizon, you may be itching to take your book outside. (We don’t blame you.) This beautiful egg chair from Target is designed for sunny, leisurely afternoons. The deep seated chair is comfortable enough to put your feet up and looks beautiful as it is with simple white cushions, or could be styled with additional accent pillows and throws. Not only is this chair comfortable, but it’s built to withstand the elements. The cushions are water- and fade-resistant, and the chair frame features all-weather wicker as well. If you want to use this chair year-round, it would also look gorgeous indoors, especially in a sunroom. 

Pros: 

• Perfect for outdoor and indoor use
• Easy assembly
• Weather- and rust-resistant

Cons:

• Wicker may unravel, according to online reviews