Whether you’re enjoying the sounds of a summer rainstorm or want to lounge next to the fireplace in the winter, a comfortable reading chair is key for maximizing coziness and promoting ultimate relaxation. The best reading chairs have a sturdy, long-lasting frame, and they’re are soft, yet supportive while being slightly oversized. Room & Board’s Eos Swivel Chair is our top pick, thanks to its 360-degree swivel, wide range of fabric options and its rounded, open style that allows sitting in various positions. For those who prefer the look of leather, we recommend the Crate & Barrel Cigar Wood And Leather Accent Chair for its timeless style, added cushioning around the arms and eye-catching oak frame.
Why We Named It Best Reading Chair Overall
The Room & Board Eos Swivel Chair checks off all the boxes of a good reading chair: It’s extra wide and extra deep to accommodate multiple sitting positions, swivels 360 degrees, comes with three accent pillows for additional support and is constructed with high-quality materials.
There are over 200 types of fabric to choose from, including pet- and kid-friendly performance velvets and fade-resistant chenilles. For those who are unsure which fabric will work best in their space, free swatches are available to order. Room & Board also has a convenient “view in your space” feature to visualize the chair in your own home.
Available In Two Sizes That Are Equally Comfortable
The Eos Swivel is available in a 51-inch diameter or a 42-inch diameter size to fit your desired space. Reviewers consistently report both sizes being comfortable for long periods of sitting with the 51-inch size fitting up to two adults (with a combined weight limit of 500 pounds) or one with plenty of room to spare.
One thing to note, though, is that shorter people may need extra throw pillows for either size if they want to sit up straighter, as both chairs are very deep. It’s also important to measure your space and the delivery pathway before ordering since this chair is larger than standard.
Why We Named It Best Reading Chair For Small Spaces
Clean-lined and minimal, Interior Define’s Sloan Petite Chair is ideal for reading nooks and small corners where you want the comfort of a reading chair without the larger size. A cushioned 34-inch high back provides just the right amount of sink-in softness, while wide armrests are an ideal perch for arms holding a heavy book or e-reader.
Keep in mind that smaller dimensions mean a smaller seat, so the petite size of this chair is best suited for those with shorter legs.
Multiple Customization Options For A Chair That’s Just Right
Not only does Interior Define allow you to pick the fabric for the Sloan Petite Chair, shoppers can also choose between 18 different leg styles, including brass-plated and oiled walnut, and between three cushion styles.
The standard cushion style is a non-reversible down blend with a multi-layer foam middle, while the upgraded cushion styles are both reversible and include the same multi-layer foam core with the option between a double down blend (note this fill will require frequent fluffing) and an extra-supportive, down alternative blend. Both upgrade cushions come at an additional price.
It should also be noted that because Interior Define offers so many customizations, its standard lead time is eight to 14 weeks.
Why We Named It Best Leather Reading Chair
This Cigar Wood And Leather Accent Chair from Crate & Barrel delivers on both style and relaxation. Full-grain aniline leather is timeless and soft on the skin, while a sturdy exposed oak wood frame adds midcentury flair. The 37-inch back height is also ideal for those who want complete back support and to be able to rest their head.
Extra Layers Of Cushioning For Maximum Comfort
Tufted cushioning along the back and arms of the Cigar chair make it even more comfortable for delving into a new book and add to its classic style. One reviewer praised it for being a great reading chair, saying she can sit straight up, slouch or sit with her feet hanging over the side thanks to the chair’s wide shape.
However, a few reviewers also mentioned the tufting buttons easily popping off and catching long hair, so that may be something to consider.
Why We Named It Best Splurge Reading Chair
There’s a reason the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman have been around since 1956—the design is iconic, thanks to its ergonomic shape that hugs the body and promotes relaxation without slouching. It’s also constructed with high-quality materials that stand the test of time.
The chair’s shell is molded out of walnut, oak, ash or palisander wood. A durable molded plywood internal frame is wrapped in leather or fabric with foam cushioning and can be removed and reupholstered, if ever needed, to further extend the life of the chair.
95 Fabric Options For A Chair That Fits Any Home’s Style
Though the shell of the Eames Lounge Chair has a distinct midcentury style, there are nearly 100 fabric options to choose from to customize the look of the cushions from all-grain leather to checkered cotton to recycled wool.
The leather options are soft, yet supple and can be easily wiped down, while almost all of the fabric options have at least a 70,000 double rub count (with the vegan leather being 200,000), meaning they are highly durable against everyday wear and tear.
Why We Named It Most Comfortable Reading Chair
Wider than a standard chair but narrower than a loveseat, Pottery Barn’s York Square Arm Chair And A Half is likely to suit any style home thanks to over 90 fabric options and a sleek, clean design. At 48 inches wide and 37.5 inches deep, it’s extra spacious for those who like to read with their legs crossed or curled up, or for anyone who wants space for additional pillows.
As with our top pick, Room & Board’s Eos Swivel Chair, double check a room’s measurements as well as the delivery pathway before ordering, since this chair is oversized.
Quality Materials Proven To Hold Up Over Time
Both the seat and back cushions on the York Square Arm Chair And A Half are removable for easy vacuuming. Plus, all of the materials used to construct this chair are contract grade, meaning they have passed rigorous testing to withstand high-traffic environments, like hotels and restaurants.
For the upholstery, 56 out of the 91 fabrics are performance-grade and 53 out of the 91 fabrics are contract-grade, so buyers have plenty of durable, pet- and kid-friendly options to choose from.
Why We Named It Best Recliner Reading Chair
An upgrade from the recliners of yore, the West Elm Harris Leather Power Recliner features built-in power controls housed in the arm of the chair for a high-end, lever-free look. There’s also a built-in USB port so e-readers never die in the middle of an especially good chapter. For those worried about kids playing with the recliner’s up and down controls, West Elm included a convenient child-lock function.
Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla, who tested this chair for several months, says this is a “beautiful recliner” that will "work with whatever décor it’s placed in” and notes the quality of the leather as well as the chair’s supportive back.
Traditional Design That’s Meant To Last
Like Pottery Barn’s York Arm Chair And A Half, this leather recliner is also made with contract-grade materials that have held up to rigorous testing. Top-grain, hand-finished leather has a time-honored look that ages naturally, plus there are 11 hues to choose from, including Molasses and Gray Smoke.
Keep in mind because this recliner has power controls, it will need to be plugged into an outlet (the cord stretches up to 8 feet). The seat cushioning is also medium-to-firm, so this chair doesn’t have the same sink-in softness as others on this list.
How We Chose The Best Reading Chairs
We consulted an interior designer to determine what qualities to look for in a reading chair and sifted through products from editor-approved brands.
- In selecting our top choices, we evaluated thousands of customer reviews across a wide range of reading chair styles, including those for small spaces, chair-and-a-halfs, swivel chairs and ergonomic options.
- We paid special attention to fabric durability, frame build, cushion fill and dimensions to ensure we only recommend chairs that are both comfortable and long-lasting.
- Interior designer Jennifer Cataldo provided insight into what designers look for in a reading chair and what they recommend for their clients based on style, comfort and durability.
- We prioritized reading chairs that are well-reviewed by longtime users or our own editors.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Reading Chairs
“Comfort comes first. If you can’t happily sit in it for an hour with a book, it’s not the right chair,” says Cataldo. Consider some of the features below before purchasing a reading chair, in order to ensure it’s the right fit for your home’s style and your body’s build.
Materials
Higher quality materials, including the frame, cushioning and upholstery, mean a longer lasting chair. Look for the below materials or any chair marked “contract grade,” as it means the chair has already passed rigorous testing standards set by an outside organization that are necessary for use in a commercial space (meaning it will be even more durable in a residential home that receives less wear and tear).
- Frame: Real wood, steel and high-quality engineered woods provide the sturdiest frames. Avoid frames made solely of MDF or standard plywood.
- Cushioning: Like a mattress, the firmness of cushioning comes down to preference. Most chair cushions are made with a foam core, which provides the bounciness you feel upon sitting, wrapped in down, a down blend or down alternative that contributes to a chair’s softness. True down is more plush, but comes with the possibility of feathers poking out. “I prefer a high-density foam core wrapped in down or a down alternative,” says Cataldo. “It strikes the right balance between support and softness, and it tends to hold its shape much better over time.”
- Fabric: Look for fabrics marked as “performance”—this is especially helpful for homes with pets or kids, or for chairs that live in high-traffic areas. These tend to be easier to clean and won’t wear as quickly as non-performance fabrics. “If the chair is in a quieter room with less traffic, this is a great place to splurge on a beautiful textured fabric," says Cataldo. "I also love a classic leather reading chair.” Luckily, every brand on this list offers free swatches to help you make the decision.
Size
Unlike a chair built for dining or conversation, a reading chair should have wider and deeper dimensions to support lounging. Both Room & Board’s Eos Swivel Chair and Pottery Barn’s York Arm Chair And A Half are wide enough for two people, or one person who wants to cross their legs or curl up.
It’s also important to consider your height. For shorter people, an extra-deep chair might feel like it’s swallowing you, but it may be ideal for those who are taller. Taller people will also want a higher back for full support and the option to rest their head. Herman Miller’s Eames Lounge Chair comes in both standard and tall sizes.
Consider the size of the space where the chair will go before purchasing as well. “You don’t want something oversized that swallows the room, but you should be able to curl up with a blanket and a book without feeling confined,” says Cataldo.
Style
Reading chairs come in all styles—from midcentury modern to traditional to contemporary—so you can choose the one that best suits your home.
Some, like Interior Define’s Sloan Petite Chair, are highly customizable with the ability to choose fabric, leg style and cushion type. Other chairs feature a swivel base or can recline, like the West Elm Harris Leather Power Recliner—which also has a USB port, for added comfort. “I love a classic club chair. It’s timeless, supportive and comfortable without taking over the room,” says Cataldo.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The home team at Forbes Vetted utilizes their extensive knowledge in the field, as well as insights from experts, to help our readers make the best furniture purchases, including the best recliners and the most comfortable chairs.
- The author of this piece, Kathleen Knowles, is the home and kitchen commerce writer at Forbes Vetted. She has reported on home decor and furniture for over eight years, including the best modular sofas and the best outdoor ceiling fans, and she has a certificate in residential interior design.
- Overseeing this article, Monica Petrucci is the home and kitchen editor at Forbes Vetted. She has over five years of experience testing and covering home and kitchen products, including the best swivel chairs.
- Our team is committed to performing regular updates on all our content to ensure it’s fresh and relevant. This piece was last updated in July 2026.
Our Expert
- Jennifer Cataldo, interior designer and founder of Maison Cataldo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)