Okay, bookworms, listen up! If you're looking for the most comfortable reading chairs for your bedroom, you've come to the right place. Since the start of Covid-19, the average person was only reading around 12 books a year instead of the 20 books adults are reading nowadays. As more people work remotely, we have seen a massive increase in adults reading habits, probably because they're stuck at home with nothing else to do!
We all know how important it is to find the perfect chair for reading. A good, comfortable seat will make your time spent with a book more enjoyable. This article highlights essential chair characteristics you should consider when shopping for comfortable reading chairs that integrate perfectly into a bedroom.
What Makes a Chair Good for Reading?
A reading chair is a perfect place to sit and read books, magazines, or the latest issue of your favorite celebrity gossip blog. Unlike a simple office chair, a reading chair should be comfortable enough for you to sit in for an extended time without your back and neck hurting. So, why not invest in a modern accent chair for your bedroom that will make reading an even more pleasant experience?
Reading chairs have been around for centuries and come in many different shapes, sizes, and textures. As we transition into more modern styles, traditional versions of the reading chairs have evolved tremendously over the years.
History Of the Reading Chair
Sitting in a chair is one of the most basic human needs, and the idea of reading in a chair for extended periods is no new concept. The first reading chairs were developed by monks who wanted to be comfortable and supportive to read their books all day long. As the idea of having a designated reading chair stuck around, designers began incorporating them in their collections for years to come.
Some 800 years later, in 1933, the "The Mid-century Modern Movement" came to fruition. This is where designers like Warren Platner (who designed Steelcase's series) and Arne Jacobsen started experimenting with new shapes & materials. This eventually led to iconic modern designs like those recreated today!
The evolution of the distinctive leg rests, armrests, and footstools that distinguish modern reading chairs from earlier designs began during the early 1960s. Furniture icons including Hans Wegner, Verner Patton, and Charles & Ray Eames have inspired contemporary designers to re-create some of history's most renowned reading seats.
The modern age has led to the old-world aesthetic resurfacing in new forms. These "old" styles now come equipped for comfort and style, as they can blend seamlessly into any bedroom décor without looking too out of place.
You'll find these timeless reading chairs all over social media nowadays: scroll down and check them out!
What are the different types of reading chairs?
Let's talk about the different types of reading chairs. Reading chairs come in all shapes and sizes but can generally be broken down into several categories.
The Modern Lounge Chair
The Modern Lounge chair is the most popular reading chair for those seeking a low profile and modern aesthetic.
Like the Manhattan Chair, the Bo Lounge Chair's seat and back are suspended within a geometric matte black metal frame. The chair features cognac tan leather upholstery that complements the black powder-coated frame. The foam core and polyfill cushioning paired with the interior wooden frame offer substantial support for hours of comfort while reading.
The swivel armchair is designed to allow you to swivel around so that you can easily reach the books on the shelves behind you.
Made famous by Charles and Ray Eames, the public quickly adopted the Eames Lounge Chair into their homes worldwide. The Eames Lounge chair was manufactured by the Herman Miller furniture company and was first released in 1956.
The chair is made of leather and wood and features a swivel base. It is often regarded as one of the most popular and intentionally designed reading chairs in history.
Barrel Backed Swivel Chairs
Like the Eames chair, Selig Manufacturing Co, an importer and collection curator of modern furniture, began distributing their barrel-backed swivel chairs. These chairs quickly rose to popularity, frequently appearing on the silver screen from the 40s into the modern era.
Poly and Bark feature a similar chair with a low profile and a modern silhouette. Looks excellent as a single or paired together to create an elegant seating section. The chair features a tight seat and back due to high resiliency foam. The chair's foundation comprises a sturdy, corner blocked solid wood frame.
Club Chair
Labeled as one of the most comfortable chairs in history, the master of Danish design Hans Wegner's Papa Bear Chair is a homage to the traditional English club chair. Wegner was commissioned to design the chair in 1949 by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen. The chair is made of solid oak and can come with fabric or leather upholstery.
It also features high sides and a deep seat cushion - perfect if you are looking for some downtime with your book!
Poly and bark feature a modern homage to the Papa Bear leather club chair with the introduction of their Aida lounge chair.
The Aida chair is upholstered in full-grain pure-aniline (cognac tan), or semi-aniline (all other colors) dyed tanned Italian leather. This material will age and develop into a beautiful vintage patina with use. The Aida is supportive and sturdy, built from corner-blocked, kiln-dried solid wood frame and legs.
The Aida's seat is highly cushioned, thanks to a fiber-wrapped, high-resiliency,
polyurethane foam core tight-fixed cushion.
Factors to consider before purchasing a reading chair
We all know the feeling of looking for a new piece of furniture... You're scrolling through Amazon and Wayfair aimlessly for hours, trying to find something that's both affordable and comfortable. But what are some questions you should ask yourself before hitting that checkout button!
What kind of style am I looking for?
Do I want modern chic?
Industrial loft, Or do I want a traditional English country rustic feel?
How comfortable do I want to be?
Do I want a chair with a lot of padding and a recliner, or is a firm-back chair more up my alley?
What kind of material do I want, Leather, cloth, wood and upholstery?
These are all critical questions to ask yourself before purchasing a reading chair,
especially if you are the type of person who gets lost in a book for hours at a time.
When looking for the most comfortable reading chair, you should consider the following
Size of the room: Make sure to select a chair that will fit well in the available space. You don't want to overcrowd the room or feel cramped with a wide chair. Measure the area prior or put a filler piece of furniture there to ensure it'll fit properly.
Comfort: Make sure to select a comfortable chair specific to you. We all have our own unique needs when curling up with a good book. Consider what kinds of problems you've faced in the past and find out which chair best suits those struggles!
Material: Chair materials can vary greatly. Make sure to select a material that you are comfortable with and easy to clean. Leather chairs are often easy to clean but maybe less comfortable in hot weather — be wary of purchasing faux leather. Although it's more environmentally friendly, its lifespan can be shorter than other fabrics.
Style: Consider the color scheme and style of the chair to see if it will match the
existing décor in the room. You may want to consider contemporary design for a modern-styled bedroom. A traditional chair may be better suited for a more classic-styled bedroom.
If your head is spinning with so many things to think about — don't worry! We're here to make your decision easier. Considering the characteristics mentioned above will make your decision less challenging.
What to look for in a reading chair?
Everyone has different needs when selecting a good reading chair. It's important to consider what you want in a good quality reading chair, such as:
What is your desired chair height?
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the height of their furniture. If the chair is a pain to get into, the chances are you won't frequently want to use it.
Do you need armrests?
This may be a deal-breaker for some people. Some chairs come without armrests, while others have them adjustable. Take some time to think about your preferences before deciding.
Fixed or Swivel Base?
When deciding between a fixed or swivel base, you should consider the amount of space you have. A swivel base is perfect for small spaces as it doesn't require extra room. If you have ample space, a fixed base might be more comfortable for you.
What are your desired chair dimensions?
Make sure to measure the space you have available in your bedroom before
purchasing. You don't want your chair to create clutter or a barrier in your bedroom, but you do want it to fit nice enough to make the room cozy and inviting.
What type of material would you like your new chair to be made from?
Leather chairs are often considered luxurious and comfortable, but they can be
expensive. Suede and fabric upholstery chairs are usually cheaper but may not be as durable as authentic leather chairs. Do you have pets or kids? Consider your needs and budget when selecting the best material for your new chair.
How much should I spend?
When shopping for the best reading chairs, you don't have to break the bank. You can often find high-quality, comfortable chairs for around $300-$600. Always check reviews and testimonials before committing to a specific chair.
The Best Reading Chairs for Small Bedrooms
Having a small bedroom is often a struggle to fit in all the furniture you want and need. Modern lounge chairs or rotating chair swivel bases are great options for minimal spaces as they take up less square footage.
Some good options to consider when selecting a reading chair for smaller bedrooms are Nova Swivel Chair & Elia Swivel Chair
The Best Reading Chairs for Large Bedrooms
If you have a large bedroom, you may want to consider purchasing a comfortable wingback or chaise lounge chair to relax in. These chairs often come with ottomans that allow you to stretch out your legs and relax. They also provide plenty of support, essential when reading for extended periods.
The secret to making your larger room feel cozier and warmer is, well... it's all in the details! When considering the interior design for a larger room, it's better to use a more oversized chair and an ottoman set or a chaise lounge to make the space feel smaller and more filled out.
Also, having a more oversized chair in a spacious room allows for more opportunities to add cozy accessories like throw pillows, blankets, and many decor items. These will add texture and layers to the space.
Some good options to consider when selecting a reading chair for more oversized bedrooms are:
The importance of comfort when selecting a reading chair Chronic back pain is a real bummer and can heavily influence the type of reading chair you purchase. Did you know there are 16 million people in America who have it? This is mainly because adults sit for most of their days and often not in supportive chairs.
It sounds sad when we think about 8% of the population suffering from this- but it's good to know there are still tons of options for those looking to reduce this tension while they read.
When selecting a chair in person, make sure to sit in it and get a feel for the level of comfort it provides. If you don't have the opportunity to try a chair before purchasing, make sure you read all the customer reviews and check the material it's made from.
Where to find the most comfortable reading chair
It's not easy looking for practical and affordable furniture. Have you ever found "the perfect" item and added it to your cart but never actually check out?
With abandoned cart rates nearing 68% on average, we can often get lost finding something compatible with our current decor for hours at a time. That's why interior designers are so good at what they do!
However, suppose you don't have the resources for that type of guidance. In that case, this is where reviews and spending time with representatives come in handy!
Using previous customer reviews, speaking with customer service representatives, and trying out similar chairs in person can be extremely helpful when narrowing down your search.
You can find reading chairs all over the internet but consider browsing Poly and Bark's extensive inventory of high-quality reading chairs if you want to save time. With a wide variety of modern accent chairs to choose from that are perfect choices, we can help you find the perfect reading chair for any bedroom.
Modern Accent Chairs, Poufs and Ottomans
