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Nov 03, 2024

21 Best Reading Chairs For A Cosy Nook 2024 | Glamour UK

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test. While accent chairs are often just for display, the best reading

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.

While accent chairs are often just for display, the best reading chairs are fit for snuggling up in with your favourite book for hours on end on cold winter weekends. Nestled in a quiet nook alongside a beautifully-arranged bookcase and a gently glowing floor lamp, a comfortable reading chair is the essential final puzzle piece for a cute and cosy library corner that looks like the ones we drool over on Pinterest.

But what truly makes a good reading chair? It's largely up to personal preference — but a supportive backrest and a foam-filled seat cushion are definitely key requirements for a chair you're intending to sit in for a good chunk of time. And if you're looking for maximum relaxation, you might even like the sound of a sophisticated recliner or rocker, or a classic lounge chair with a footrest.

Whether you're after a state-of-the-art swivel chair, a plush loveseat that works seamlessly with you specific interior design style, or something really current and on-trend (think: bouclé armchairs), we're confident that you'll find the perfect reading chair for your specific requirements in this edit.

Garret Armchair

Soho Home

Hampshire Loveseat

DUSK

Halo Ridley Recliner Chair

John Lewis

Ludwig Armchair

Swoon

As tempting as it is to simply pick the chair that best matches the aesthetic of your space — and the amount of space you have to work with — there are definitely a few other key features that deserve some thinking about. Clearly, comfort is one of the biggest priorities when picking a reading chair – so it's definitely worth going for something with proper cushioning, and a high back that provides ample support to your neck and spine. Aside from this, think about how you specifically like to sit.

For example, recliner chairs are great if you like to have your feet up when you lounge, whereas larger snuggle chairs or loveseats might be more your thing if you're keen to curl up and cuddle. Other options like rocking chairs and swivel chairs are also popular picks — as well as the classic traditional armchair, of course.

Fabrics also deserve proper consideration, as you want a chair that's been upholstered in a breathable material if it's a seat you're intending to sit on for hours at a time. Similarly, is this a chair that's likely to be used by little ones? Also, do you like the sound of having a glass of wine in hand while you relax? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it might be worth seeking out chairs made with stain-resistant fabrics, or removable and machine-washable covers.

Fell for the trap of prioritising style over finding a seat that's actually comfortable? We've all been there. Or perhaps it's not quite as comfy as the description online led you to believe? Either way, there are a few things you can do to make your seat better suited to long periods of sitting.

If the seat itself is the issue, an additional seat cushion could provide some additional padding and comfort — whereas a lumbar support cushion will help provide additional back support. Other than this, a footrest could also make a real difference — especially if your feet don't touch the floor when sitting in your reading chair.

Looking for more furniture for your living space? The GLAMOUR interiors team have got you covered with their guides on the most comfortable sofas, the chicest coffee tables, the best rugs, the top small dining tables, and much more.

Anthropologie

Floret Velvet Occasional Chair

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Why we love it: You can't go wrong with a gorgeous floral print. Perfect for a home with a classic or heritage vibe, this classy accent chair is super plush and plump to sit on, and looks lovely perched atop its tapered solid wood legs. Relatively compact and upright in design, it could also double up as a statement dining chair.

Save when you shop for the best reading chairs with these Anthropologie discount codes.

John Lewis

John Lewis Blocky Armchair

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Why we love it: Despite being inspired by the sharp and sculptural silhouettes of 1970s design, this bold chair feels spot-on for a contemporary space. Best of all — despite its angular shape — it's surprisingly comfortable.

Save when you shop for the best reading chairs with these John Lewis discount codes.

Oliver Bonas

Loha Boucle & Rattan Rocking Chair

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Why we love it: The design team at Oliver Bonas have truly outdone themselves with this rocking version of the gorgeous Loha Armchair. Available in green velvet or white boucle, it's a far more aesthetic take on your typical rocker.

Save when you shop for the best reading chairs with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.

Dunelm

Beatrice Woven Stripe Snuggle Chair

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Why we love it: Sit back and snuggle in this roomy snuggle chair. Upholstered in a woven stripe pattern fabric — in a range of different colours — it's guaranteed to be a statement addition to any living space.

Save when you shop for the best reading chairs with these Dunelm discount codes.

Homary

Off-White Boucle Floor Sofa Lounge Chair

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Why we love it: With its dense sponge filling, and super spacious seat cushion, this sophisticated lounger offers true cloud-like comfort. As well as being the perfect comfortable reading chair for an afternoon snooze, its minimalist look and lack of armrests feels spot-on for a space that's got a modern style. Fancy putting your feet up? Treat yourself to the matching ottoman, too.

John Lewis

Tetrad Cosy Club Flynn II Armchair

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Why we love it: With its button-detailing, and high-quality fabrics, this fabulous model is the perfect classic armchair to snuggle up on with a good book. It can be upholstered in a range of different fabric colours, and will work well with most traditional decor schemes.

Save when you shop for the best reading chairs with these John Lewis discount codes.

Swoon

Norfolk Armchair

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Why we love it: Custom made to your exact requirements, this gorgeous Swoon armchair can be upholstered in over eighty different high-quality fabrics, and fitted with your choice of light or dark tapered wood legs. Best of all, it's got a really plush and deep seat cushion made with foam and polyfibre — but the back cushion and scatter cushion have been filled with loose fibre instead so you can properly sink into them.

IKEA

IKEA POÄNG Armchair

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Why we love it: Simple but supportive, this affordable IKEA chair has a high and cleverly contoured back that provides good back and neck support, and can also be bought with a matching footstool. It's a great ergonomic option — and can be easily adapted to suit your particular style with the addition of some scatter cushions and a throw.

Loaf

Squishbag Accent Chair

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Why we love it: With its rustic solid oak frame and old-school silhouette, this accent chair makes a real statement — while still being a super comfy spot to sit thanks to Loaf's signature squishy seat and back cushions. Best of all, when it comes to cushion covers, you've got 150 different fabrics to choose from — and you can also purchase them separately if you ever fancy switching up the style of your seat.

daals

Obriel Oatmeal Fabric Armchair

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Why we love it: Laidback and inviting, this modern armchair feels spot-on for a light and airy home that truly embraces the minimalistic and indoor-outdoor nature of the modern Scandinavian aesthetic. Mounted on angled metal legs, the padded and plump seat cushions truly ooze sophistication.

Swoon

Ludwig Armchair

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Why we love it: Sometimes, you just can't beat an elegant wingback armchair. A fitting addition to any cosy fireside or library corner, this one has a beautifully buttoned back, and can be upholstered in pretty much any colour of fabric you could possibly want.

John Lewis

Halo Ridley Recliner Chair

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Why we love it: Kick back and relax while you read with this deluxe recliner chair from John Lewis. Alongside fully reclining at the press of a button, it fully swivels, and comes upholstered in a linen fabric that's really lovely and breathable.

Soho Home

Noelle Modular Armchair

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Why we love it: Designed to adapt with you as needed, this stunning model will make an eye-catching and roomy reading chair in your living room as it is — but can also be combined with other Noelle units to create a sensational sectional sofa. Looking like it's been plucked straight out of an interior design catalogue, it's a stunning ode to the curvaceous silhouettes and rich velvet fabrics of 1970s style.

Homebase

Alex Mid Century Boucle Armchair

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Why we love it: Make a Mid-Century Modern statement — without an unnecessarily price-tag — with this brilliant yet budget-friendly reading chair from Homebase. Crafted from solid wood, and upholstered in an on-trend boucle fabric, it's a surprising bargain. And it's also quite compact in size — making it a great option for small spaces.

Next

Collection Luxe Wolton Highback Accent Chair

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Why we love it: If I could pick any reading chair for my own personal book nook, there's a pretty high chance that it would be this one. I love its classic and elegant silhouette, and pretty chenille fabric upholstery.

Barker & Stonehouse

Uma Brown Leather Swivel Armchair

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Why we love it: This is definitely the kind of armchair you'd expect to see nestled in a cosy reading corner of a distinguished home office or study. With its sleek black metal swivel base, and rich brown leather upholstery, it's a truly sophisticated seat.

DUSK

Hampshire Loveseat

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Why we love it: After an oversized chair if possible? Look no further than this elegant loveseat — available in nine different gorgeous matte velvet and chenille fabrics, and finished off with classic warm oak wooden legs. As well as looking lovely, it provides complete comfort thanks to its deep-set seat, and plump foam back cushion. Plus — as long as you don't mind snuggling up — you'll have plenty of room for a partner, too.

Save when you shop for the best reading chairs with these DUSK discount codes.

West Elm

Nils Chair

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Why we love it: Modern and minimalistic, this feels like the perfect reading chair for a contemporary space that's filled with neutral colours and natural textures. The pitched back and padded arms ensure maximum comfort, and the cotton-blend velvet upholstery is really soft and lush to the touch.

Soho Home

Soho Home Garret Velvet Armchair

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Why we love it: ICYMI, Soho Home furniture is truly top-tier. Bound to make an eye-catching addition to any chic reading nook, this iconic Soho Home swivel chair gives off truly retro vibes with its curved silhouette, statement brass base, and high-quality upholstery. Available in eleven different colours — not including an on-trend boucle fabric — it's the ultimate velvet chair.

Flexispot

Fabric Swivel Based Recliner Lotus XC6

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Why we love it: Although they're most well-known for their standing desks, the genius team at FlexiSpot have hit the nail on the head with this brilliant recliner. Alongside being fully adjustable up to 145 degrees, it completely swivels, has clever concealed storage, and even has a gentle back-and-forth rocking mechanism. Best of all, it offers complete ergonomic lumbar support — however you're sitting or lying.

Save when you shop for the best reading chairs with these FlexiSpot UK discount codes.

Rockett St George

The Edie Leopard Print Armchair

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Why we love it: Another real contender for being my favourite reading chair of all time, this statement piece of furniture packs a real punch with its bold leopard print upholstery. With its high back and arms, and sleek and slim black legs, it's a great up-to-date take on mid-century modern design.