Reading Chair Ideas for the Bedroom, Living Room and Office

A good book deserves a good seat. Yet many homes have only one comfortable chair, and it faces the TV. If you like to read, a chair that is set up for it can change how often you pick up a book.

These reading chair ideas cover the bedroom, the living room and the home office, three rooms where a reader's chair works well. Each room asks for something a little different. We will start with what every reading chair needs, then go room by room.

What every reading chair needs

Comfort for reading is specific. You sit longer than you think, often with your arms raised to hold a book or tablet. A few details make those long sits easier.

Support in the right places

Look for a back high enough to lean your shoulders against. Arms at a comfortable height let you rest your elbows while you hold a book. A seat that lets your feet sit flat on the floor, or on a footrest, keeps you from sliding forward after an hour.

Light from the side

Place a lamp slightly behind you and to the side, on the opposite side from your writing hand. That keeps shadows off the page. A floor lamp with an adjustable arm is the easiest fix for almost any corner.

A surface for the extras

You will want somewhere to put a mug, reading glasses and the next book. A small side table, a stool or even a wide windowsill will do the job.

Reading chair ideas for the bedroom

The bedroom is the quietest room in most homes, which makes it a natural spot for reading. The challenge is space, since the bed takes up most of the floor.

Use the corner by the window

A corner near a window gives you daylight on weekend mornings and a view to rest your eyes on. Measure the space before you shop. Leave room behind a rocking chair so it can move freely without touching the wall.

Choose a compact shape

In a bedroom, a smaller rocker often works better than a big recliner. The Winslow, a boucle wingback rocker, has side wings that frame your head and block a little light from a partner's lamp. It fits well at the foot of the bed or beside a dresser.

Keep it calm

Pick a soft, light fabric such as cream boucle or oat linen that blends with your bedding. Add a small basket for books so the corner stays tidy. A reading chair in a bedroom should feel like part of the room.

Reading chair ideas for the living room

The living room is a shared space, so your reading chair needs to work for conversation and movies too. Placement is the key.

Angle it away from the TV

Turn your reading chair toward a window, a fireplace or a bookshelf. That small angle tells everyone this seat has a different job. It also cuts down on distraction when someone else is watching a show.

Go for a chair with presence

A living room can handle a larger, more sculptural chair. The Marlow is a mid-century corduroy rocker on a solid wood frame. It looks good from every side, which helps when the chair sits out in the open, away from the walls.

Consider a footrest

If you like to put your feet up for a long read, a chair with a footrest or a gentle recline is worth considering. Some reading rockers recline a little, which makes a Sunday afternoon with a novel even easier. Browse the full range in our reading rockers collection.

Reading chair ideas for the home office

A home office often has a desk chair and nothing else. Adding a second, softer seat gives you a place to read reports, take a phone call or step away from the screen for a few minutes.

Create a second zone

Place the reading chair on the other side of the room from your desk. Facing away from the monitor helps your brain switch modes. A small rug under the chair makes the zone feel separate.

Pick a sturdy, upright shape

An office reading chair should be comfortable without being so soft that you fall asleep. A rocker with a supportive high back works well. The Wisp, a corduroy cocoon rocker with a 21.3 inch back, keeps your neck and shoulders supported between tasks.

Keep work nearby

Add a side table with a charger, a notepad and a pen. That way you can read and make notes without getting up.

Choosing fabric and color

The fabric you pick affects how the chair feels and how it holds up. Here is a quick guide.

• Boucle has a nubby, cloud-like texture and suits calm bedrooms.
• Corduroy feels warm and soft, with a slightly vintage look.
• Chenille is plush and smooth, good for long sits.
• Linen looks fresh and light, and suits sunny rooms.
• Velvet adds rich color and a little glamour.

For color, warm neutrals such as oat, cream and sand fit almost any room. If you want a statement, ochre and terracotta add warmth without shouting.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best height for a reading chair?

Your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees near a right angle. If the seat is a bit high, add a footrest or a small stool.

Is a rocking chair good for reading?

Many people enjoy reading in a rocker, because the gentle motion feels relaxing. Choose one with a high back and comfortable arms so you can settle in for a long chapter.

How much space do I need for a reading chair?

Most reading chairs need a floor area of roughly 30 by 35 inches, plus a few inches behind a rocker for movement. Check the exact size on each product page before you buy.

Every room can hold a good place to read. Pick the room you use most in the evening, choose a chair that fits it, and add a lamp and a side table. Then all that is left is choosing the next book. If you have questions about sizes or fabrics, our team is here at support@mokyka.com.

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