Editorial Picks: Best Reading Chairs of 2025

A great book deserves an equally great chair. The right reading chair can make your reading experience even better.

In 2025, the best reading chair combines ergonomic support with modern style. They support your body during long reading sessions. They comes in a wide range of designs and sizes, so whether you have a dedicated home library or a cozy apartment nook, you can find your fit.

The Meet&Co team has tested over 20 chairs to find the best options for every type of reader. Our picks focus on ergonomic support and lasting comfort, and, of course, beautiful design.

Top 6 Reading Chairs in 2025, According to Our Editors

1. Best Overall Comfort: Sixpenny Neva Chair

Image source: Sixpenny

Brand: Sixpenny

Size: 44″W x 41″D x 33″H

If you dream of a chair that feels like a cozy, stylish hug, the Sixpenny Neva Chair could be your perfect reading companion. Its relaxed slipcover design and sink-in softness make it a modern take on comfort—minus the stiff, formal vibes.

Why we love it for reading:

• It brings cloud-like comfort. Layers of foam and feather-down filling offer plush, adaptable support, and are ideal for long reading sessions.
• You can customize the style. Choose from many colors of linen, velvet, faux fur, or cotton. Pro tip: Order free fabric swatches to see what works in your space.
• It’s a relaxed, roomy fit. Its generous size (44 “W x 41 “D) allows ample space to curl up.

Keep in mind:

• It’s not a low-maintenance pick. Fluff the cushions regularly to keep their shape.
• Natural fabrics are not stain-resistant, so faux fur is a smarter choice for messy households.
• Custom orders can take 12–14 weeks, so plan ahead if you’re not ordering ready-to-ship options.

Quick Pros & Cons:

✅ Exceptionally soft and cozy

✅ Eco-friendly, natural material options

✅ Highly customizable look

➖ Requires frequent fluffing

➖ Not stain-resistant

➖ Long lead time on custom orders

This one is a laid-back, comfy pick for slow living and slower reading.

2. Best Value: Rose Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Brand: Meet&Co

Size: 740 x 900 x 720 mm

Like being able to stretch your legs freely while reading? The Meet&Co Rose Lounge Chair and Ottoman can let you do that. It goes beyond just looking good—the generous padding and included footrest create a dedicated spot to unwind, making it easy to forget the time while you’re lost in a book. 

Why we love it for reading:

• The chair’s slight tilt and included ottoman create an ideal position for reading with your legs up, reducing lower back strain.
• Generous padding and soft fabric upholstery make it easy to settle in for hours with your latest book.

Keep in mind:

• Some assembly is required when it arrives. But don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward.
• The chair has a lower profile, which might not be ideal for those who prefer a taller seating position.

Also see: Best Eames Chair Dupes Buying Guide

Quick Pros & Cons:

✅ Affordable Eames-inspired style

✅ Ottoman included

✅ Timeless design that fits most spaces

➖ Fabric may not be stain-resistant

➖ Lower seat height may not suit everyone

3. Best Swivel: Pottery Barn Balboa Swivel Chair

Image source: Pottery Barn

Brand: Pottery Barn

Size: 32″ w x 32″ d x 30.5″ h

This swivel reading chair is a great find for being super cozy and practical. It’s the kind of chair you can sink into for hours with a book, but also easily spin around to face the room when you want to chat.

Why we love it for reading:

• The comfort is “next-level”. It’s the perfect spot to sink into for long reading sessions.
• The performance fabric handles spills and stains like a champ, so you don’t have to worry.
• Being able to spin around easily is nicer than you might think. Great for catching natural light or joining conversations.

Keep in mind:

• It’s a bit cozy-sized, so taller folks might want to check the measurements first.
• The cushions are plush but might need a quick fluff now and then to keep their shape.

Quick Pros & Cons:

✅ Really comfortable

✅ Stain-resistant fabric

✅ Useful swivel feature

➖ Might be small for taller people

➖ Cushions need occasional fluffing

4. Ultimate Luxury Iconic Design: Herman Miller Eames

Image source: Herman Miller

Brand: Herman Miller

Size: 31½” H 33½” W 35″ D

This is the dream chair. The Herman Miller Eames Chair is an icon for a reason. The legendary husband-and-wife team Charles and Ray Eames created the Eames Lounge Chair. They were the rock stars of mid-century modern design, famous for making beautiful, innovative furniture accessible. They launched this chair in 1956, and its sleek, molded plywood shell and buttery leather cushions were an instant hit. It’s been a symbol of timeless style ever since.

Why we love it for reading:

• The molded plywood shell and soft leather cushions create a cozy, hugged feeling that’s perfect for getting lost in a book.
• It’s just the right angle. It’s designed to support your body in a relaxed recline, ideal for holding a book without straining your neck or arms.
• This chair is an investment. The quality means it’ll look great and feel comfortable for decades.

Keep in mind:

• This is definitely a splurge-worthy investment piece rather than an impulse buy.
• The classic design means it sits lower than modern chairs, which might not work for everyone.
• Leather needs care. Like any quality leather, it’ll develop a patina over time and needs occasional conditioning.

Quick Pros & Cons:

✅ Iconic, timeless design

✅ Super comfortable reclined position

✅ Incredible build quality that lasts forever

➖ Significant investment

➖ Leather requires occasional maintenance

5. Best Wing Chair: IKEA Strandmon

Image source: IKEA

Brand: IKEA

Size: 32 1/4 “W x 37 3/4 ” D x 39 3/4 ” H

This wing chair has been a go-to for years for a simple reason. It has that classic, cozy wingback look for a fraction of what you’d expect to pay. One of our editors is 6’1″ and he’s loving the high back. This budget reading chair is a proven, reliable spot for cozy book-reading moments. 

Why we love it for reading:

• The classic wingback design creates a cozy, enclosed feeling.
• It’s surprisingly supportive. It’s firmer than some ultra-plush chairs, but that means great back support during long reading sessions.
• You get a well-built, good-looking chair that doesn’t look or feel cheap.

Keep in mind:

• Like most IKEA furniture, you’ll need to put it together yourself (but reviewers say it’s pretty straightforward).
• Unlike custom options, you’re choosing from IKEA’s available colors and patterns.

Quick Pros & Cons:

✅ Very affordable

✅ Classic, timeless wingback design

✅ Great lower back support

➖ Requires self-assembly

➖ Cushions are firmer than premium chairs

➖ Limited color/fabric options

6. Best for Small Spaces: Article Winslow Velvet Lounge Chair

Image source: Article

Brand: Article

Size: 33″H x 29.5″W x 34″D

When our team was testing chairs for smaller spaces, the Article Winslow kept coming up in conversations. This velvet lounge chair strikes a nice balance between modern style and everyday comfort. 

Why we love it for reading:

• Unlike some scratchy velvets, this one feels soft immediately and has held up beautifully against daily use. One of our editors’ cat has yet to damage the fabric, which says a lot.
• At 30″ wide, it fits perfectly in apartment corners while still offering enough depth to curl up comfortably.
• We’ve tested the spill resistance—coffee wipes right off with a damp cloth, though we’d still avoid red wine.

Keep in mind:

• The upright design is great for posture, but not ideal if you like to lean back.
• Some may find the seat firmer than expected; good for support, less for sinking in.
• Lighter shades like blush or sky blue may show dirt more easily if you have pets or kids.

Quick Pros & Cons:

✅ Quality that exceeds the price point

✅ Soft, durable velvet is easy to maintain

✅ Perfect scale for small spaces

➖ Very upright; not for lounging

➖ Cushions start firm (but break in nicely)

➖ Light colors show more wear

Reading Corner Setup 101: How We Created Our Favorite Reading Nooks

After testing all these chairs, we learned something important, that is, the perfect chair is just the starting point. What really makes a reading spot magical is everything around it.

Here’s how our team sets up the ultimate reading nooks.

1. Lighting is Everything

Our editor, Mark, learned this the hard way. He bought a beautiful chair, but strained his eyes reading in dim light. An adjustable floor lamp is a great solution.

What works best:

• Adjustable floor lamps that can bend right over your shoulder
• Warm bulbs (2700K-3000K) that are easy on the eyes
• Positioning so that light comes from behind your shoulder

Pro tip: I use a smart bulb in my reading lamp so I can adjust the warmth and brightness from my phone when I settle in.

2. The Side Table Sweet Spot

Sometimes a reading chair isn’t enough; a side table or a coffee table can make reading more convenient and comfortable. Our team’s must-haves:

• It should be tall enough to reach without stretching
• Make sure you have enough surface space: Room for a drink, your phone, and your current read
• You can consider extra storage. A side table with a lower shelf for book storage

Sarah said, “I found the perfect vintage table that’s just 2 inches higher than my chair arm. I have a lot of small items and charging cables, and the shelf can make the whole space tidier.”

Also see:

Best Coffee Tables Buying Guide

Best Coffee Table for Sectional

3. Accessories for Comfort

We keep these essentials nearby. They can make our reading sessions even more enjoyable.

• A chunky throw blanket for cooler evenings
• One firm pillow for back support
• A small rug underfoot to define the space

4. Personal Touches That Matter

What we’ve learned makes a nook special:

• A small plant for fresh air and visual calm
• A charging station nearby (nobody likes a dying device)
• Add personal mementos to make you happy to be there

5. The Layout That Actually Works

A simple checklist:

Do:

• Place your chair in a corner for a cozy feel
• Ensure there’s enough room to stretch your legs
• Face toward natural light if possible

Don’t:

• Block traffic flow with your setup
• Put your back to the room if it makes you uneasy
• Forget to leave space for an ottoman if you plan to add one later

FAQs About Finding Your Perfect Reading Chair

1. What’s the most important feature in a reading chair?

The perfect balance of support and comfort is key. Look for chairs that maintain your back’s natural position while being comfortable for long reading sessions. High backs and slightly reclined positions tend to work best for most people. The Meet&Co Rose Lounge Chair and IKEA Strandmon are good choices. 

2. How much should I budget for a good reading chair?

There are excellent options at every price point! You can find quality chairs starting around $300; iinvestment pieces may cost $3,000 or more. The best approach is to set your budget first, then look for the highest quality within your range.

3. What if I have limited space?

Measure your space carefully before shopping. Look for chairs under 32 inches wide. Swivel bases can also help maximize smaller areas. The Article Winslow Velvet Lounge Chair is ideal for a smaller space.

4. How important are material choices?

Very important—especially for durability and maintenance. If you have kids or pets, deeper colors and performance fabrics will serve you better than light-colored natural materials. Always consider your lifestyle when choosing materials.