We Found the 9 Best Reading Chairs After Months of Testing

Selecting an ideal reading chair is crucial for anyone who enjoys curling up with a book. This guide highlights six top-rated reading chairs, each tested for comfort, style, and practicality, catering to various needs and preferences. The selection process involved extensive at-home testing of popular single-seat chairs from diverse retailers, covering different price points, fabrics, and designs. Both reading and swivel chairs were evaluated on aspects like ease of delivery and assembly, required clearance, comfort during extended use, upholstery feel, cushioning, support, and included extras such as throw pillows. A key consideration was the ability to accommodate different sitting positions, including sitting cross-legged, which is a common preference for many readers. The West Elm Penn Chair is distinguished as the best overall reading chair, praised for its optimal balance of softness and firmness. Its oversized design and deep seat allow for comfortable cross-legged sitting, although the back height could be improved. Available in velvet or chenille, the latter offers performance fabric suitable for households with pets or children. The chair is noted for its durability, with cushions retaining shape over six months, and includes white-glove delivery service. For those on a budget, the Better Homes & Gardens Mira Swivel Chair offers comfort and an included ottoman at an affordable price. Its curved edges provide a chic style, and while the cushion softens over time, it remains comfortable. The chair is low to the ground and features a smooth swivel mechanism, requiring no assembly. However, its velvet material can be challenging to clean, though minor stains were easily managed with blotting. The Beautiful Drew Chair by Drew Barrymore is celebrated as the best oversized option, offering a fluffy and enveloping experience ideal for curling up. Its generous size accommodates various users, and the supportive bottom cushion, combined with three adjustable back pillows, enhances comfort. The chair also features a 360-degree swivel, and its fabric proved easy to clean from crumbs and spills. Assembly might require some effort but is generally straightforward. The CHITA Swivel Accent Chair stands out as the best swivel chair, combining comfort and style with a smooth, sturdy swivel mechanism. Its roomy seat comfortably allows for sitting cross-legged, and the padded armrests prevent feeling the frame. The stain-resistant fabric is easy to clean, making it suitable for active households. While its placement options are somewhat limited due to the swivel function, its durability and performance over six months justify the space requirement. For maximum comfort, the Crate & Barrel Infiniti Swivel Accent Chair is recommended. It boasts a high, cushioned back and sloped arms, providing ample space for cross-legged sitting. The durable chenille material resists wear, even with pet activity, and the kiln-dried hardwood frame ensures longevity. Its silent and smooth swivel, though slower than some, adds to the luxurious experience. This chair is available in specific colorways like light blue and deep forest green. Finally, the Room & Board Boden Chair is highlighted for its extensive customization options, allowing buyers to select from dozens of colors and materials, base types, and finishes. This chair provides a firm, supportive seat, ideal for long reading sessions, and its durable fabric resists stains and scratches, making it pet and kid-friendly. While an ottoman is not included and delivery times can be long, its personalized design ensures it integrates seamlessly into various home aesthetics. #ReadingChairs #HomeDecor #FurnitureReview #InteriorDesign #ComfortableSeating #SwivelChairs #OversizedChairs #CustomizableFurniture #HomeOffice

Selecting the right office chair is crucial for maintaining proper posture, alleviating back pain, and enhancing focus during long work hours. The article highlights that while materials like breathable mesh and supportive cushions are beneficial, the ability to fine-tune the chair's fit is paramount. Chairs offering adjustable lumbar support, armrests, and seat height consistently provide a more comfortable and productive experience. This guide presents seven top office chairs, catering to various budgets and preferences, including budget-friendly task chairs, stylish upholstered designs, and advanced ergonomic models. Among the top picks, the Aura Ergonomic Chair is recognized as the best overall. It stands out for its extensive adjustability, allowing users to customize nearly every aspect of their seating, including lumbar, headrest, footrest, arms, and tilt. This level of customization is typically found in much more expensive chairs. Its wool-textured mesh back and dense foam seat ensure comfort, while the retractable footrest, extending over a foot, supports up to a 130-degree recline, making it suitable for both work and relaxation. The chair's smooth-rolling wheels perform well on various floor types, and its superior adjustability and value make it a strong contender despite limited color options and a longer assembly time. For those prioritizing aesthetics, the Branch Softside Chair is lauded for its comfortable and stylish design, blending seamlessly into a living room office. Its modern look, plush padding, and integrated lumbar support offer comfort throughout the workday without causing lower back pain. While easy to assemble and durable, its armrests are low, and it lacks head/neck support. The Flash Furniture Mid-Back Task Chair is the best value option, offering long-term comfort and durability at an affordable price. It features practical flip-up armrests, height and lumbar adjustments, and smooth-rolling wheels, proving that effective ergonomic support doesn't always require a hefty investment. Though its light upholstery may show stains over time, its sturdy frame is easy to clean. The Branch Verve Chair represents an ergonomic upgrade, providing comprehensive adjustability and high-quality materials. Its easy assembly, superior construction, and multiple adjustment points, including seat depth, ensure a supportive fit for various body types. The breathable 3D-knit back and adjustable lumbar support effectively prevent aches. However, its narrower seat might not suit larger users, and the headrest is not included. The Better Homes & Gardens Juliet Tall Back Office Chair is highlighted as the best upholstered option, combining a handsome design with comfortable padding. Its real wood panels and tall, padded back give it a furniture-like appearance, while generous padding supports diverse body types for long work sessions. Assembly is challenging due to its weight and bulk, and only seat height is adjustable. Nevertheless, it offers a sturdy and stylish solution at an approachable price. The Hon Ignition 2.0 Ergonomic Office Chair is the best mesh option, promoting good posture with its breathable mesh back and wide, cushioned seat. It features adjustable armrests and a design that encourages healthier spinal alignment, effectively reducing wrist strain. Assembly can be tricky, particularly with attaching the wheels, but once secured, it provides stability and smooth mobility. Finally, the Boulies Master Series Computer Chair is recommended for long hours, built for endurance with comprehensive adjustability, including customizable armrests, height, and recline. Its comfortable headrest and well-padded cold-cure foam seat ensure sustained comfort, and its aluminum base provides exceptional stability. While it shows wear over time, its modern look and quick assembly make it suitable for both home offices and gaming setups. The article concludes by emphasizing that while higher prices generally correlate with better quality, effective and affordable options exist, and the most critical factor is a chair's ability to offer essential adjustments for personalized comfort and support. #OfficeChairs #ErgonomicDesign #HomeOffice #BackSupport #Comfort #Workspace #Productivity #FurnitureReview #AdjustableFeatures

This comprehensive guide explores the top 23 reading chairs available in 2026, categorized by price point, to assist individuals in selecting the ideal chair for their home. The selection process considered various factors including price, overall value, design aesthetics, physical footprint, and durability, with insights from interior designer Emily Henderson and Esther Parkhurst, senior director of product design and trends for Lowe's. The article highlights several top picks across different budget ranges. For those under $1000, options include the Delta Children Cozee Flip-Out Lounger, an affordable and machine-washable option for kids; the Better Homes & Gardens Ezra Accent Chair, noted for its solid wood construction and versatile design at a budget-friendly price; the West Elm Modern Lounger, made with sustainable vegan leather and recycled materials; the Bigsyy 4-In-1 Convertible Chair, a versatile piece that transforms into an ottoman, sofa, or single bed; the Kelly Clarkson Home Sydney Boucle Swivel Armchair, a space-saving design with a U-shaped back and swivel base; the Willa Arlo Interiors Alta Recliner, a modern take on a traditional recliner available in faux leather and polyester; the Kelly Clarkson Home Bransford Upholstered Armchair, which offers an antique aesthetic; the West Elm Penn Chair, known for its minimal assembly and medium-firm seating; the Birch Lane Westmere Manual Club Recliner, combining genuine top-grain leather with faux leather for cost efficiency; and the West Elm Lucia Wing Chair, a contract-grade velvet option with customizable leg finishes. Moving to chairs under $2000, the guide features the La-Z-Boy Marietta Chair, specifically designed for petite individuals; the Anthropologie Bixby Chair, an ornate yoke back armchair with a wide range of vibrant colors; the Burrow Nomad Velvet Armchair with Chaise, which includes a built-in USB charger for convenience; the Lulu and Georgia Rue Swivel Chair, offering bold patterns like tiger print; the Sixpenny Neva Chair, a highly customizable option with various fabrics and fill choices; the Crate & Barrel Family Oversized Chair and a Half, a large, cozy option upholstered in shearling-style fabric; the AllModern Anya Upholstered Slipper Chair, providing a modern look with an extra-deep seat; the Room & Board Eos Swivel Chair, prioritizing comfort with plush cushions and accent pillows; the Room & Board Lars Leather Lounge Chair, a quality investment piece made with Vermont wood and Minnesota leather; and the Pottery Barn Champlain Wingback Leather Armchair, a classic wingback design with adjustable levers for stability. The high-end selections include the Lulu and Georgia Harlowe Media Lounger, a spacious extended sofa designed to comfortably fit two people, and the Serena and Lily Magnolia Swivel Chair, offering extensive customization with over 170 fabric options and sustainable materials. The article also provides essential buying considerations, advising readers to evaluate material, size, and style. Material choices range from leather and velvet to performance fabrics, with suggestions for family-friendly options. Size considerations emphasize how the chair will be used—whether for curling up, stretching out, or as a focal point—and stress the importance of measuring space for the chair and complementary accessories like side tables and lamps. Style guidance encourages matching the chair to existing home decor or using it as an accent piece, with specific recommendations for modern, classic, and cozy designs. #ReadingChairs #HomeDecor #FurnitureReview #InteriorDesign #CozyNook #AccentChairs #ChairBuyingGuide #HomeFurnishings

Choosing the right couch involves balancing style, comfort, durability, and practicality for your home environment. This comprehensive guide, informed by over 1,500 hours of testing and insights from interior designers Margaret Carroll, Emily Mackie, Jennifer Stephan, and Lauren Figueroa, aims to simplify the selection process. The article evaluates 31 couches based on comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and value, with specific considerations for households with children and pets. The Room & Board Metro Sofa is recognized as the Best Overall, receiving perfect scores for its durability, quality, comfort, and value. Its seamless ordering process, timely delivery, and balanced soft-yet-supportive feel contributed to its high rating. The sofa's robust frame, resistance to movement, and extensive customization options, with 243 color and fabric choices, make it a versatile choice. After a year of heavy daily use, including exposure to pets, it maintained its buoyancy, support, and pristine appearance, demonstrating exceptional longevity and ease of cleaning. For those on a budget, the Ikea Uppland Sofa is highlighted as the Best Budget option, also achieving perfect scores across all categories. Its comfortable, springy, and plush cushions, combined with a sturdy frame, offer excellent value. A key feature is its removable, machine-washable slipcover, making it ideal for families and pet owners. The availability of various cover colors allows for easy style updates without replacing the entire couch. After one year, it retained its condition, with cushions maintaining shape and fabric resisting wear and tear, proving its durability and cost-effectiveness. The Maiden Home Varick Sofa is presented as the Best Splurge, a statement piece defined by its modern aesthetic and high-quality materials, such as a kiln-dried hardwood frame and performance velvet upholstery. Its single, long bench cushion provides an elevated look and prevents sinking between cushions, appealing to those who prefer a firmer, supportive seating experience for formal settings. The sofa maintained its shape and appearance after a year, indicating its premium construction. For larger spaces, the Albany Park Kova Pit is the Best Sectional, earning perfect scores for quality and value. Its modular design allows for flexible configurations, making it suitable for media rooms. While assembly involved some challenges with corner pieces, the overall process was straightforward. The sectional offers comfortable, sturdy seating, and its velvety fabric proved easy to clean, resisting stains and pet marks. Despite minor cushion lumping after a year, daily fluffing maintained its comfort and appearance. The Burrow Nomad Collection Block Nomad Sofa is the Best for Pets & Kids, featuring a durable construction and easy-to-clean olefin fabric that resists scratches and stains. Its modular design allows for reconfiguration and expansion without tools, making it a practical starter sofa. After a year, its upholstery remained largely unchanged, demonstrating its resilience to active household conditions. The Article Abisko Couch, as the Best Velvet option, introduces a touch of luxury with its Midcentury Modern flair. It is praised for its comfortably firm, deep design, suitable for lounging and naps, and its easy-to-clean velvet upholstery, even in pet-friendly homes. The sofa maintained its quality, firm texture, and appearance after a year. The Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa is identified as the Best Sleeper, offering a comfortable sleeping experience comparable to a standard mattress. While initially firm, the sofa became softer with use. Its efficient transformation mechanism and durable, easy-to-clean performance fabric make it a practical solution for guest accommodations. After a year, it remained in good condition, with cushions holding their shape and stains easily removable. The Coastal Living Kiawah Sofa is the Best Customizable option, providing extensive choices for body fabric, cushion fill, leg finish, and cushion fabrics. Its high-quality construction, soft down-filled cushions, and thoughtful design details, such as rounded legs with casters, contribute to its impressive appearance and functionality. After a year, it continued to impress with its durability and minimal wear. The Crate & Barrel Lounge Deep 2-Seat Sofa is recognized as the Best Modern choice for its exceptional comfort, durability, and versatility. It received perfect scores for its performance in a home with pets and young children, with stains easily removed and cushions retaining their plumpness. Its superior construction and comfortable design make it a worthwhile investment. The 7th Avenue 2-Seat Modular Loveseat is the Best Loveseat for small spaces, offering comfort and versatility with water-repellent and stain-resistant covers. Despite a lengthy assembly process, its comfortable design and easy-to-clean features make it ideal for families. After six months, it remained in excellent condition, with cushions retaining shape and fabric resisting wear. The Ashley Furniture Emilia 5-Piece Modular Sectional is the Best Modular for accommodating multiple people and pets. Its sturdy frame, comfortable cushions, and easy-to-clean leather upholstery make it suitable for family movie nights. While some minor wear was observed after a year, its overall durability and flexibility were commended. The Article Sven Sofa is the Best Leather option, combining style, durability, and ease of care. Its semi-aniline leather upholstery and comfortable design make it suitable for frequent use. After two years, it exhibited only minor fading and cushion drooping, confirming its long-term durability. The Albany Park Lido Sofa is deemed the Most Comfortable, earning perfect scores across all categories. Its thoughtful design, deep seat, and high back cushions provide exceptional support and comfort. The boucle fabric, despite its delicate appearance, proved durable and easy to clean. After six months, it maintained its luxurious look and feel, showcasing excellent value for its price. Prospective buyers are advised to consider dimensions, upholstery material, and the number of seat cushions. Measuring the space and entryway is crucial to ensure the couch fits. Upholstery choices should align with lifestyle, with performance fabrics like Sunbrella, Crypton, or microfiber recommended for active households. The number of seat cushions affects seating capacity and aesthetic, with bench cushions offering a modern look and more flexible seating. The average life expectancy of a couch ranges from three to five years for low-quality models to over 20 years for high-quality, hand-tied constructions. Reupholstering, while costly, can extend the life of a cherished or well-made piece. #CouchReviews #SofaSelection #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FurnitureTesting #PetFriendlyFurniture #KidFriendlyFurniture #ModularSofas #SleeperSofas #CustomizableCouches

This article highlights the creation of a home cinema in a loft conversion, initiated by an anonymous voiceover artist after being inspired by another attic installation. The project involved professional assistance from Truss Loft for the structural conversion, including a new staircase, and RB Vision for the installation of cabling and electronics. The system is built around an Onkyo TX-NR1009 receiver, paired with KEF CI in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, and a Bowers & Wilkins DB1 subwoofer. Visuals are provided by a Panasonic DMP-BDT310 Blu-ray player, a Samsung SMT-7800 Freesat receiver, and a Sony PlayStation 3, projected onto a 110-inch screen by a Panasonic PT-AT5000E projector, enabling 3D content. Control of the entire setup is managed via DemoPad software on an Apple iPad, complemented by a Rako lighting system which includes floor-level LED light strips. The project encountered some challenges, notably a large, two-part sofa that could not be maneuvered into the loft space, requiring a replacement. The owner also opted to repaint the walls around the projector screen in a dark grey to reduce reflectivity. Despite these minor setbacks, the owner expressed high satisfaction with the professional installation services, emphasizing that the cost was justified by the expertise and time saved. He noted that while he could have attempted some aspects himself, the efficiency and quality provided by professionals were invaluable. Cost-saving measures were implemented in certain areas, such as foregoing acoustic plasterboard for soundproofing, relying instead on existing Kingspan insulation. This decision led to an amusing incident during an initial loud demo session that caused concern among neighbors due to realistic sound effects. The owner also chose to defer the installation of acoustic panels due to budget constraints, instead opting for a DIY solution involving MDF, foam, and fabric, with assistance from his partner. However, he deemed picture calibration non-negotiable, investing in a 12-hour professional calibration session from DisplayCalibration.co.uk. This expert intervention significantly enhanced the visual quality, particularly improving black levels and shadow detailing from the Panasonic projector. The completed cinema room is actively used for movie sessions multiple times a week, showcasing a growing Blu-ray collection, with DVDs explicitly excluded. Favorite demo scenes for guests include the opening of 'The Dark Knight,' the sandstorm sequence from 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,' and 'Blade Runner' to highlight the subwoofer's performance. The owner expresses immense satisfaction, stating that the home cinema eliminates the need to visit commercial movie theaters, achieving his decade-long dream. #HomeCinema #LoftConversion #AVInstallation #HomeTheaterDesign #KefSpeakers #BowersAndWilkins #PanasonicProjector #CustomInstall #AudioVisual