We Found The 10 Best Reading Chairs After Weeks of Testing

If a power-lift recliner is more your speed, then the XL6 Cloud is one to consider. It has impressive features like massage and heat modes, smooth and silent operation, an extended footrest, storage pockets and more.

“If you or someone you know needs the power-lift feature, this chair is great,” says Product Tester Pamela (Bondy) Bondurant. “The chair is comfy and soft and perfect for cozying up with a good book. If you want to nap after reading, you have the perfect arrangement because this chair lays flat for sleeping.”

FAMILY HANDYMAN

The oversized recliner is suitable for larger frames and cross-legged sitting, and the extended footrest also accommodates taller individuals. The ultra-plush padded armrests and headrests provide lots of cushion and support to anyone needing extra comfort. Plus, the eight vibrating massage modes, three standard massage modes and three massage intensities add another layer of relaxation while the heating function melts away stress and tension. What more could you ask for in a chair?

“The chair makes no sound while operating,” Bondy says, “and the massage function goes down to the legs, which is seriously impressive.” It took Bondy about 25 minutes to unpackage and assemble the chair. Once assembled, you’ll need about 4 feet of clearance to recline fully.

FAMILY HANDYMAN

FAMILY HANDYMAN

“I was pretty jazzed when I saw that Burrow launched the Gimlet Chair,” Mary says. “I knew it would be the perfect addition to my office.” The Gimlet is a true mid-century styled lounge chair with an ergonomic design and matching ottoman. Like all of Burrow’s furniture, it’s incredibly easy to assemble, with no tools required. “Simply unbox it, attach the back of the chair to the seat, and you’re ready to go.”

FAMILY HANDYMAN

The chair comes in three colors: Moss Green Boucle, Oatmeal Boucle and Camel Leather. “I went with the oatmeal because it seemed the most versatile, and I wanted to be able to move it from space to space in my home,” Mary says. “However, when I saw the chair in person, I knew exactly where it needed to be. It takes up little space, is comfortable and is the perfect addition to the corner of my home office. It’s the perfect space to read materials for work or kick back with a novel after hours.”

“This chair does sit very low to the floor,” Mary adds, “which is something to note if you have trouble getting up and down off lower surfaces. I personally like the look of the low chair; I can sit far back in the seat with my legs still comfortably rested on the floor.”

The Gimlet is a firmer chair with a solid, sturdy hardwood frame and light cushion. “While it may not be the best option for sleeping, it’s still great for reading, working and relaxing lightly. I love that the seat and ottoman are both sloped to follow the natural bend of my legs.”

Why You Should Trust Us

This year, our staff of shopping editors have made it part of their mission to test furniture in their own homes. Shopping for furniture online can be tricky: Shipping times can vary from days to months, sometimes expert assembly is required, and other times assembly isn’t required at all, and of course, quality can vary drastically from brand to brand. So far, we’ve tested the best sectional sofas, coffee tables and bedframes—and we don’t plan on stopping there.

We are currently testing more furniture categories so you can make consumer-informed decisions based on in-home testing before you buy.

We Gathered 6 Shopping Experts to Find the Best Reading Chairs

Six expert staff editors received chairs to test, and many received multiple chairs to test. They took notes on everything from delivery and assembly to style and comfortability. Some even dumped coffee and tea on chairs to test whether the upholstery was cleaned easily. After analyzing a dozen chairs sourced after months of researching, thorough tests were conducted over the course of about three months. Then, our shopping editors narrowed down their 10 top picks of reading chairs for different needs, rooms and interests.

FAQ

What is the ideal chair for reading?

Many prefer a wingback chair or chaise lounge to curl up with a good book. Chairs with ottomans or recliners are also great for kicking back and snuggling up to catch up with your favorite characters.

What type of chair is best for long hours?

If you anticipate spending hours in a chair, you should look for one that’s ergonomic, like the Burrow one above. It would be best if you also looked for lumbar support.