Is there really anything lovelier than curling up in a reading chair after a long day? Just picture the scene, you're finally at the end of a hectic day, and you grab yourself a cup of something warm, plus a book you just can't put down, ready to settle down in your favourite armchair for the evening. Sounds blissful, doesn't it? If you don't have a reading chair, you're missing out, so let us help you discover your new favourite piece of furniture.
Whether nestled in a cosy corner of your home, tucked up in your reading nook, or bathing in the sunlight of a well-light conservatory or living room, having a dedicated chair for reading will transform your literary experience and really help you to get lost in a book.
When it comes to selecting the perfect reading chair for your needs, there are a couple of things you'll want to think about. We've explored these in full detail in our FAQs section, but you'll want to think about the style and design of your chair to make sure it fits in with the space you're planning on putting it in. Plus, the overall support it offers you so you can make sure your neck and back feel comfortable for however long you sit in it. You should also consider the material your chair is made of, and whether you'll need to invest in a good quality upholstery cleaner or leather cleaner to keep your new chair looking its best.
Best reading chairs at a glance:
• Best overall reading chair: Yaheetech Reclining Chair – view on Amazon UK
• Best reading rocking chair: Iris Sherpa Rocking Chair – view on Dunelm
• Best budget reading chair: Argos Home Bentwood Chair with Footstool – view on Argos
Once you've considered these factors, all that's left to do is to find the best reading chair for your needs so you can sit back, relax and enjoy many hours of reading time in utmost comfort. Take a look at our top picks below, which have been highly rated by customers online or loved by our in-house shopping experts at Yours.
Best reading chairs
Best overall reading chair
Description
Whether you prefer to read sitting up, with your legs up, or lying flat, the Yaheetech Reclining Chair will keep you as comfortable as possible. With a simple push at the backrest, the footrest instantly pops up and stops at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees. This adjustable recliner is made from a strong composite wood frame and is covered with water-resistant and easy-to-clean PU and PVC leather.
Customer review: "Amazing recliner chair,comfy and easy to push back and recline.next day delivery.Easy to put together comes in two parts the back and the seat,it just slips on.ive ordered another one for my husband,as we like to sit in conservatory and recline and listen to music or read,before our hectic life starts again..well worth the money."
Pros
- Reclines
- Choice of six colours
Cons
- Some reviewers thought it would be more padded
Best reading rocking chair
www.dunelm.com
Description
With a Scandi-inspired design, this stylish Iris Sherpa Rocking Chair will make a statement in whatever room you put it in. It has a Sherpa covering, which is super soft, so it will feel lovely and comforting as you rock while you read. The seat cushion is removable so you can easily clean up any stains and spills from drinks and snacks you may have while you gently rock yourself.
Customer review: "Quick delivery and very helpful delivery driver. Looks great in my yoga room. Not sure about the rocker though."
Pros
- Soft Sherpa covering
- Gently rocks you while you sit
Cons
- One reviewer felt it could be a little more robust
Best budget reading chair
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Not only is this Argos Home Bentwood Chair with Footstool affordable but it's so comfortable too. Choose between natural, navy or charcoal to suit your home. So sit back, put your feet up and unwind. Plus, the footstool even has a handy magazine and book holder, so you can keep your favourite read close by.
Customer review: "I purchased this for my new flat and am delighted I did. So comfortable for reclining and enjoying peace and quiet."
Pros
- Great value
- Comes with a footstool
Cons
- Some reviewers have said it feels flimsy
Writer's favourite
www.laredoute.co.uk
Description
Available in seven colour options, this Emeline Soft Brushed Snuggle Chair oozes comfort in whatever shade you choose. As there are plenty of colours to choose from, you'll be able to find the perfect one to match your interior décor. The perfect chair to curl up in with a book, its high back and scalloped arms mean it's ergonomically designed, whilst the antique brass legs bring a sense of charm.
Pros
- Extraflex cushions for high comfort
- Choice of colours
Cons
- Delivery time is up to five weeks
Best reading chair for support
www.wayfair.co.uk
Description
How grand does this Harmonsburg Upholstered Wingback Chair from Wayfair look with its metallic studding? Featuring velvet with button tufting and decorative rust gold studs, it will be a stylish addition to your living room, bedroom, or office and ideal for curling up in after a long day.
Customer review: "I absolutely love this chair - it has exceeded my expectations! The quality is excellent and it looks amazing in my office. It ris eally sturdy and quite a firm seat which is perfect for me and my dodgy knee as it makes it much easier to stand up out of the chair. Thank you Wayfair!"
Pros
- Looks stylish
- Foam-filled back
Cons
- Smaller than some reviewers were expecting
Best patterned reading chair
www.wayfair.co.uk
Description
What a show-stopper! This lovely number will feel right at home in your garden room or conservatory. As well as being easy to put together, this Colyn Upholstered Wingback Chair will last for years to come, thanks to its high-quality build. The sides are winged for extra comfort and there are rubber protectors on the legs to stop your floors from being marked.
Customer review: "This chair is fabulous. So comfortable especially as I have a bad back. The support it gives me is brilliant. Highly recommend"
Pros
- Timeless print
- Easy build
Cons
- Light colour may get dirty easily
Best reading chair for aesthetics
www.dunelm.com
Description
Sink back into the deep padded seat cushion of this Eddie Velvet Tub Armchair from Dunelm, covered in luxuriously smooth velvet fabric. Utterly stylish, we love the contrast between the soft touch material and solid wood legs. It has a beautiful curve and is available in a choice of six contemporary colours so you can go as bold or as muted as your décor.
Customer review: "Great delivery service on time and kept us well informed. Chairs look great in the small room and are good value for money."
Pros
- Soft touch velvet upholstery
- Quick delivery
Cons
- Some reviewers thought the chair could be softer
Best unique reading chair
www.oka.com
Description
If you're looking for something extra unique for your reading chair, look no further than OKA. They have got some amazing designs not seen anywhere else, but our favourite is this Icelandic-looking Tarma Armchair. We love the bold geometric pattern and the coordinating tassels dangling around the bottom. However, if the tassels aren't your thing, you can simply detach them.
Pros
- Unique design
- Option to remove tassels if needed
Cons
- No customer reviews
FAQs
What makes a good reading chair?
A cosy, comfortable reading chair is an inviting piece of furniture that you want to spend long winter nights in and warmer days escaping to. Household goods are personal to your style and taste; that said, when choosing the best reading chairs, there are a few essential features to look out for:
Support: If you're spending a couple of hours in this space a day (aka you're a total bookworm), you want to ensure the chair has good neck and back support. For extra comfort, look for an option with memory foam.
Choose a chair style: Whether you're opting for a reclining chair, a wingback, rocking or any other type of chair, do your research before you buy it. All of these options have different functions that may or may not work for you.
Design: Instead of forking hundreds or thousands of pounds on decorating a room, choose a chair that works with your existing décor - do this by selecting complimentary upholstery or cushions.
How reading chairs can breathe new life into your home
Thinking about doing up your abode? House renovation costs can start to tot up, especially if you’re fitting a new kitchen or adding an extension. However, there are ways that you can uplift your home without having to splurge out thousands of pounds.
Have you thought about how you can make the space you already have, work better for you? According to a survey of 1,007 UK adults by lighting supplier Ultra LEDs, 85 per cent of Brits have upgraded at least one room in their house into a multifunctional space.
By simply adding a reading chair into a cosy corner of your home, you'll be able to turn a part of your home into a lovely little reading nook. As well as being a zone to host your ever-growing library, a reading nook can also give your living, dining or spare room a new edge or cosy atmosphere. Plus, it's a place to put your feet up at the end of the day, unwind and soak up the ambience.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.