The Best Cozy Reading Chairs for Creating a Reading Nook You’ll Never Want to Leave
I am new to this cozy reading nook trend as I make pretty much anywhere in my home my cozy reading nook (if you know, you know). But I’m seeing this trend of creating your own little cozy corner for reading and now I’m thinking I need one of my own.. .somewhere.. .anywhere in my house.
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I tend to read in a really lovely sunroom that we are so lucky to have as part of our house. We have a very secluded backyard surrounded by trees so it feels very zen and one-with-nature. I also have two comfy chairs in the bay window of our bedroom I tend to read in at night and I’ve just ordered this chair (reviews to follow!) to put in my office to relax in when I need to take a break from… well, this blog. However, once I started to deep dive into these cozy reading corners (and “nooks” as I’m seeing them called), I am fully enchanted by them. What a lovely little sentiment to have one tiny corner dedicated to something you love to do. Curl up in the comfiest of chairs, with a sweet little side table to hold your cup of tea complete with soft table lamp lighting and a fuzzy throw blanket. How lovely does that sound?
So it’s not that you need an entire room lined with bookshelves (although, wouldn’t that be nice?), it doesn’t take anything elaborate. Just a spot that makes you want to sit down and stay awhile.
And while there are plenty of ways to make a reading corner feel inviting, I think it all starts with the chair. Something comfortable enough to curl up in, but pretty enough that it feels like a natural part of your home. A chair that looks just as good sitting empty as it does piled with a blanket and your latest read. Whether you have an unused corner in your bedroom, a little space beside a living room window, or an entire room to work with, I’ve rounded up some of the coziest reading chairs worth considering, along with a few ideas for making the space feel like your own. I think if you truly want something widly comfy, you might need to splurge and spent a bit more. Go on, you deserve it! However, I am including a budget-friendly section and am being as concious as possible with reading reviews, the materials, and construction so that I’m providing you the best possible picks and the most bang for your buck.
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Comfiest Reading Chairs Under $500
Latitude Run Upholstered Armchair
Okay, first up, this upholstered armchair comes in 15 different colors and has really good reviews for a chair that is well under $500 with a fabric that is “a premium chenille textile selected for its thermal softness”. It does require some assembly (but a lot of the under $500 chairs will all require a bit of assembly for the most part).
Ikea Strandmond Wingback Chair
This does NOT look like Ikea! In all my researching, this chair pops up over and over again as being very cute in-person, comfortable and affordable. I love a good wingback chair as they look stately without being overly stuffy. How cute would this be tucked away into any cute little corner?
Giant Bean Bag Chair
Don’t dismiss the bean bag chair too quickly! These are. IMMENSELY comfortable, like you’re being swallowed up in a big hug. The best part? They are super easy to move around so if you’re wanting to change your reading spot from time to time, it’s a snap. Additionally these make great chairs for your teen reader’s bedroom as well.
Birch Lane Wide Tufted Chair
This comes highly rated for being under $500. It assumes a fairly low profile so it would fit nicely into any room and would look lovely with this side table next to it. I’m booking marking this one for my living room.a
Latitude Run Aldora Oversized Chair
If you’re looking for something oversized, this is a great option. At the time of publishing this, it was normally $687 but has been reduced to just under $400. I can totally see curling up in this one as it’s extra wide and deep.
Ashley Furniture Tartonelle Chair
This is exactly what I picture when I think of a prep school academia cozy reading corner. I absolutely adore. this tufted faux leather chair. I can just imagine a big bookcase full of books behind it with a pretty lamp with warm light inviting you to open that book. It has excellent reviews and is, ofcourse, under $500.
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Comfy Reading Chairs Worth Spending A Bit More
Crate and Barrel Yates Accent Chair
This is a modern take on a wingback chair with a feather-down cushion to make it extra comfortable. It sits fairly low so it’s quite unassuming for tucking it away in your cozy reading corner. Reviews state it’s exceptionally comfortable. I’d get this one in a heartbeat!
West Elm Willard Swivel Chair
For those of you wanting a more modern, streamlined look but don’t want to sacrafice comfort, this is your jam. It comes in many different fabrics and colors so you can customize it to your space.
Pottery Barn Menlo Swivel Chair
Staying on the path of swivel chairs, I wanted to show an option that is a little more traditional if you still want that swivel capability. This is adorable in the plaid fabirc and feels so right for a comfy reading corner. For anyone looking for a bit of a firmer feel for that extra support, this one is for you.
Channel-Tufted Occasional Chair
If this doesn’t look inviting for a good read, I don’t know what is! I’m seeing a theme with these reading nook chairs – a lot of oversized in very soft fabrics like velvet and chenille, with good reason. This chair is made to order based on your fabric and color preference so it does need a bit of lead time if you’re going to order this one.
West Elm Penn Chair
There is a reason this one is a best seller! With a roomy seat and slightly curved arms, this looks so luxe in any reading nook. It’s just at about $500 so it is a little less expensive than some of the other “splurge” chair, so and you’re really getting a good bang for your buck with this one.
Pottery Barn Manhattan Roll Arm Chair
Yes, yes, and more yes. Now THIS is a chair for reading. I can picture myself spending hours curled up in this leather roll arm chair. Made with a 100% wood frame, this chair is worth the investment and will stand the test of time. Perfect for any reading nook.
How to Create a Cozy Reading Nook in Any Room
The nice thing about a reading nook is that you don’t need much space to make one. In fact, I think some of the best reading corners are the ones that feel a little tucked away. An otherwise forgotten corner of a bedroom, the space beside a fireplace, or even an awkward spot in the living room can become a surprisingly lovely place to spend an afternoon. And you don’t need to buy an entire room’s worth of furniture to pull it together.
Start With a Really Comfortable Chair
Well… OBVI! This is why you’re even reading this post, lol. This is one place where comfort should probably win over appearance, although ideally, you can have both. Look for a chair with a deep enough seat to tuck your legs underneath you, supportive cushions, and arms that feel comfortable when you’re holding a book. An oversized armchair, a classic upholstered club chair, or even a chair-and-a-half can work beautifully.
Find a Corner That Feels a Little Removed
You don’t need a dedicated library or home office to create a reading nook. Look around your home for spaces that aren’t being used particularly well. For instance, I made my bay window area in our bedroom into my little reading nook. I also love the idea of a chair near a window, at the end of a hallway if there’s enough room, or beside a bookshelf in the living room. Natural light is wonderful for daytime reading, but don’t feel like your nook needs to be next to a window. A quiet corner with good lighting can be just as inviting.
Add a Lamp That Makes You Want to Stay
Lighting makes such a difference, particularly when you’re trying to make a space feel cozy rather than simply functional. A floor lamp beside your chair is probably the easiest option, especially if you don’t have room for a side table. If you do have the space, a small table lamp with a fabric shade adds a softer, warmer glow. I personally love Mrs. Alice for unique shades. They are a bit pricier but they do really make a lamp look that much more luxe.
Make Room for the Little Things
A reading nook doesn’t need much furniture, but a small side table is one thing I’d try to squeeze in. Somewhere to set a mug of coffee, a glass of wine, your reading glasses, or the stack of books you’re convinced you’ll get through this month. There is a little inexpensive round pedestal table that I adore and always recommend. Or add an antique stool or even a small stack of books (you should see my bedside table!!). It doesn’t need to be perfectly styled. In fact, I think reading corners are better when they look like someone actually uses them, which you will!
Bring in a Little Texture
This is where a comfortable chair starts to feel like a cozy retreat. A soft throw draped over the arm, a pillow that offers a little extra back support, and perhaps a small rug underneath can make even the simplest reading corner feel more intentional. I love mixing textures to give things a layered feel: linen, velvet, chunky knits, worn wood, and natural fibers. They add warmth without requiring a lot of extra decor. And if your chair already has a beautiful pattern or interesting upholstery, you may not need much else.
I especially like reading corners that feel a little collected over time. Nothing overly coordinated or precious. Just a few things you genuinely enjoy having around. Because ultimately, the goal isn’t to create a picture-perfect corner of your house. It’s to create a place you actually want to spend time. And if it happens to encourage you to put down your phone and pick up a book a little more often? Even better.
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