The Coziest Reading Chairs Right Now (2023)

Of course, interior designers are thinking about their reading list as well and already have a few favorite chairs and sofas picked out as their go-tos. “This summer, my little patio in San Francisco is a sunny respite away from screens!” says Noz Nozawa, principal and owner of Noz Design. “I’m catching up on my shelter and food magazines—at the top of my pile is Whetstone’s latest volume—from my heated concrete Galanter + Jones Helios Metreo sofa.” Others are using the time away from home to indulge in feel-good reads. “I took a break from business help books and read Hello, Molly! on my vacation,” says Kristen Rivoli of Kristen Rivoli Interior Design. “I read it lounging by the St. Lawrence River in New York’s sunny Thousand Islands, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect setting.”

Here, we’ve rounded up 26 of the best reading chairs—from classic leather silhouettes to supple, cozy bouclé options—for you to catch up on all things literary.

Velvet and bouclé are typically top of mind when it comes to cozy seats, but a sumptuous leather can be just as relaxing. This wide seat affords plenty of room to curl up with your favorite book and is available in six different neutral hues.

Faye Toogood’s work has historically showcased the beauty and potential of raw materials above all, and her Puffy chair is no exception. Here, the plump upholstery is left untouched, allowed to overflow past the confines of its chrome frame. Not only does it feel comfy, it looks inviting and unfussy.

Reading chairs are usually rife with curves and soft lines; for those looking for a more geometric, angular silhouette that’s still plenty cozy, the Thaddeus seat will prove a good fit. Its tufted cushions and stately arms are available in green, blue, yellow, gray, and white.

Summer is almost here, so it’s time to get your beach reads in order. The best place to flip through said tomes is in an outdoor reading chair like this one from Serena & Lily, which combines teak, caning, and white cushions for a timeless, durable look and feel.

A classic wingback chair never goes out of style and makes a perfect addition to any reading nook or library. Pottery Barn’s comes in a wide array of leather options, and its padded cushions will keep bookworms cozy from dusk till dawn.

A whimsical, colorful reading chair like this one will immediately add a welcome dose of fun to your home library. It’s available in three totally different patterns, too: the pink unicorn print pictured here, as well as a more subdued peacock motif and a bright bird print.

There’s nothing better than lounging on a rocking chair in the summer sun—pair that with a good book (and maybe a spritz or two) and you’re good to go. This seat from Frontgate comes in bright blue, red, and other upholstery options, so it’s just as suited for the front porch as it is by the pool.

Fashionistas will appreciate a Gucci chair to match their Gucci clutch; the subtle logo pattern makes the fashion heritage especially evident.

Who doesn’t love a good swivel chair? This elegant one from Lulu and Georgia comes in a wide range of earth-toned velvets, from a mossy green to a sandy camel.

Sometimes a no-frills armchair suits a space best. This velvet number comes in a bright teal or more subdued gray and is versatile enough to fit in just about any reading room.

Those looking for a tried-and-true shape will gravitate to this seat from Mistana. Rife with curves, its soft, undulating shape is both cozy and aesthetically pleasing. Upholstered in polyester velvet, it’s a great reading chair solution that doesn’t break the bank.

Want to make a statement? This seat from 54kibo is for you. The bright red velvet will stand out in any room, and its midcentury shape is perfect for kicking back and cracking open that book you’ve been meaning to get to all season.

Time to add some pattern to the mix. Upholstered in a green Pierre Frey fabric that’s reminiscent of a cool-toned matcha latte, this armchair adds a bit of fun to a space without feeling too over the top.

The Uchiwa chair draws inspiration from Japanese aesthetics; its form is modeled after the country’s traditional fans. Because of its unique silhouette, it’s even more comfortable than your average seat, with dual headrests and a cozy, cocoonlike shape. If reading’s not your thing, then you can just as easily use it to kick back and catch a few z’s.

Australian interiors guru Sarah Ellison recently brought her namesake furniture line across the Pacific to the states via Design Within Reach, and our homes are all the better for it. Alva’s feather and foam cushions make for the perfect cozy seat and are available in linen, velvet, and bouclé fabric options.

There’s a classic look to this burnt orange and brass seat from Jonathan Adler, complete with soft velvet upholstery. Channeled accents add another layer of comfort, proving that style and substance can indeed coexist.

Bouclé remains the undisputed fabric of the moment for its soft, nubby texture and warm, cozy appearance. Naturally it’s great for reading chairs, in particular this lounge from Anthropologie, which marries Scandinavian design sensibilities with enduring comfort and style.

The eco-minded reader will appreciate this chair from Sabai, which is made with recycled velvet. Its sloped arms and wide seat make for the perfect perch; five different color options allow you to customize the look and feel to your liking.

We wanted to include at least one design-world classic on this list, and there are few seats more cozy (or stylish) than Pierre Paulin’s Pacha chair. The plush piece, originally designed in 1975, has gotten a second wind in the 21st century as demand for soft, bulbous shapes surged. Some things never go out of style.