How to Choose a Reading Chair - Comfort and Design in One

A relaxation chair isn't an unnecessary whim, but the foundation of comfortable relaxation. You can place it in your living room, bedroom, office, or youth room. It will provide a moment of relaxation whenever you need it. A model with a comfortable seat and ergonomic backrest will definitely come in handy in a reading nook. It will enhance your favorite book and, more importantly, add a cozy touch to the interior.

Why is it worth having a separate reading chair?

Having a functional reading chair, located outside the TV viewing area, creates a private space just for you, where there's peace and a pleasant atmosphere. When you're in it, you know you're taking a break from everyday life. You can read peacefully without any distractions. Such a "library zone" can be created in the living room, study, or bedroom. All you need is a small amount of space for a bookshelf and an armchair. Ideally, a window right next to it provides unobstructed access to daylight. You can create such a nook in a corner, in the bedroom, or even under the stairs. The most important thing is that the furniture you choose provides maximum comfort.

Key Features of a Comfortable Reading Chair

When looking for the perfect armchair, pay attention to several important aspects:

• the style and colors of a given model
• size of the seat, backrest, legs
• possible amenities such as a footrest, USB input, movable headrest, etc.
• the material from which a given model is made
• seat backrest height.

Which armchair suits which interior? Style and fit.

Scandinavian-style armchair - light and bright

The Scandi aesthetic is characterized by simplicity, naturalness, and functionality. These are also the hallmarks of Scandinavian-inspired armchairs. Models with simple, geometric, or slightly rounded shapes, on tall wooden legs, and upholstered in light fabric, are perfect for Scandinavian-inspired arrangements. They are distinguished by their light form – they are not bulky. The seat and backrest are often adorned with subtle quilting or linear stitching.

Earthy tones, especially shades of beige, gray, and yellow, will look perfect here. Pastel upholstery fabrics, as well as bouclé materials, are perfect, as they align with the latest interior design trends.

Retro/vintage style - for atmospheric spaces

Furniture with soul is currently undergoing a renaissance. The trend is for vintage (or vintage-style) pieces, and as we know, timeless design will always be in style. So if you value uniqueness and enjoy surrounding yourself with beautiful objects with a long history, you'll find plenty of design inspiration in our Furnitop.co.uk store. We especially recommend the classic wingback armchair. A high-backed armchair is the perfect companion for an evening relaxing with a book. Gently rounded edges allow you to rest your head comfortably, and soft armrests make it easy to find a comfortable position. These models also provide protection from the cold, creating an incredibly cozy space where you want to linger.

Another interesting solution for a timeless book corner is a reading armchair modeled after the iconic Chierowski model. It features a simple wooden structure. The legs and armrests are also made of wood. The backrest is lower than in wingback chairs, but a major advantage of this piece is its compactness and lightweight design.

Minimalist design for a modern interior

Struggling to spruce up the decor of a modern living room with a reading nook? Opt for a designer armchair that will catch the eye and delight with its intriguing color. Choose from models with a metal frame, armchairs with a shell-shaped backrest, or a modern rocking chair with delicate tufting – a favorite of people of all ages.

You can also opt for a minimalist swivel model, covered with a plain fabric in a neutral shade.

Armchair colors - how to match it to the room?

The wide selection makes it easy to match the furniture to your room's décor. Pay attention to the upholstery fabric. You can opt for a velvet armchair with a velvety feel, or a leather model upholstered in bouclé, Alcantara, chenille, or corduroy. A light-colored armchair will work well in a small room, adding a touch of lightness to the space.

Subdued colors: beige, gray, navy blue

Lounge furniture in neutral shades is the perfect base for almost any décor. Subtle grays, beiges, fashionable cashmere, delicate pastels, as well as darker navy, anthracite, graphite, or black work perfectly here. Match the upholstery color to the overall color scheme of the interior. Create a cohesive arrangement where individual pieces harmonize perfectly. If you're unsure which model to choose, opt for subdued earthy tones, which always look good.

An armchair as a color accent - bottle green, mustard, burgundy

An interesting solution is to incorporate a play of colors into the room. A bold color accent, such as a red, mustard, or green armchair, will look great against a neutral background bathed in beige, white, and wood. It will enliven the space, attract attention, and complement the unique design of a home library.

Accessories that will create the perfect reading nook

When designing your dream reading area, don't forget about accessories. Lighting is essential. A floor lamp or wall sconce with adjustable light angle will be useful. Install a sunshade by the window, and place a small table next to the armchair for a book or a mug. A soft rug on the floor, an extra back cushion, and green potted plants on the windowsill or an elegant flower stand will complete the look. Add your favorite decorations – hang a movie poster or a painting on the wall. You can also decorate your reading nook with travel souvenirs or other valuables.

Another key element of the décor is the shelf. At Furnitop.co.uk, you'll find a diverse selection of models in various styles, colors, and sizes. On the open shelves, you can display books, magazines, a record collection, or decorative knick-knacks. For added impact, you can install spot LED lighting on the shelf. This will create a pleasant atmosphere conducive to relaxing with your chosen book.

A reading chair in a small apartment - is it possible?

Absolutely! Just choose a lightweight, adjustable model with tall metal or wood legs. A light-colored upholstery will work perfectly here, further brightening and visually enlarging the space.

Compact models with a rocking or swivel function

A designer swivel or rocking chair will enhance your relaxation experience, and what's more, it won't take up much space in the room. You can place it anywhere you like. This model will complement not only a bookcase, but also an office or a child's room.

Folding or lightweight sliding chairs

If space is tight in your apartment, you can opt for a lightweight folding chair that you can store away when needed. Be sure to choose a lightweight model, so you can easily move it around or carry it to another room.

An armchair by the window or in the corner of the room

The optimal solution is to arrange a book corner near a window or in a corner of the room. The windowsill can serve as an additional shelf for books. It's crucial that the library area be located as far away from noisy electronics as possible.

The most common mistakes when choosing a reading chair

• When choosing a comfortable armchair for your living room, bookcase, or office, carefully check the dimensions. It should be appropriate not only for the space but also for the user's height. A chair that's too small won't provide sufficient comfort. Ideally, you should be able to "snuggle" into the backrest, resting your arms comfortably.
• Adjust the seat softness to your individual preferences. However, if the chair becomes too firm over time, you can use a soft cushion that will provide additional lumbar support.
• Massive furniture may not work well in a small space, so for owners of small but cozy apartments, we recommend lightweight armchairs with high legs that can be freely moved, preventing them from blocking the passage.

Overview of reading chairs from Furnitop.co.uk

• The ATENA armchair is a modern version of the classic wingback armchair. It has soft, rounded edges and a black metal frame. The backrest is adorned with delicate quilting, providing a comfortable place to rest your head while reading. Available in a variety of fashionable colors, it will work beautifully in Scandinavian, industrial, and soft-loft interiors.
• The AGARA model stands out for its timeless design and vibrant upholstery color. It will perfectly complement a classic living room, but not only. The seat is equipped with reliable bonell springs. The backrest features vertical stitching. This piece will complement both modern classic and glamorous décor.
• The corduroy KASTEL armchair is a must-have this season. It stands out for its simple, geometric shape, dark piping along the edges, and exceptional softness. This model from this collection looks great, elegant yet very cozy. It comes with an additional pillow for lumbar support. We also offer stylish KASTEL corner sofas, available in several color options.

How to care for an armchair so that it serves for years?

First and foremost, care methods should be tailored to the type of material the chair is made of. To ensure the upholstery maintains its pristine appearance for a long time, it's essential to regularly vacuum the chair's surface and remove any dirt, stains, or water marks. It's also important to avoid over-wetting the upholstery during cleaning. To remove stains, it's best to use a damp cloth, and if that doesn't help, use a dedicated upholstery care product. If necessary, you can also use a pressure washer or hire a professional cleaning company specializing in soft surface cleaning.

Inspirations - the most beautiful reading corners with armchairs

An armchair with a footstool is a classic. The mere sight of it makes you want to sink into its comfortable seat and immerse yourself in reading. This furniture will be a key element of a home library in the living room, bedroom, or study. With its help, you can create a cozy, atmospheric nook, dominated by shelves full of books. The LAKCHOS armchair, with its tall black legs, fits perfectly into such a setting. It features generous, gently rounded armrests and a soft back cushion. It is available in several colors. The elegant LAKCHOS pouffe, which serves as a footstool, complements it perfectly. This collection also includes stylish chaise lounges, sofas , and corner sofas.

Is it worth investing in a more expensive reading chair?

Before purchasing the right model, check its features. Match the furniture to your needs. Consider not only price and aesthetics, but also practicality. Adjustable armchairs are an excellent option. They cost a bit more, but they guarantee the highest comfort for reading or everyday relaxation. An example is the SAFIR reclining model, which is equipped with an electric reclining function and even a USB port. The high-quality upholstery fabric will maintain its excellent appearance for years. It is pleasant to the touch, and its deep color will add character to any arrangement. Using buttons, you can instantly adjust the height and depth of the furniture to your needs.

Comfort as an investment in health and well-being

How we sit and relax has a significant impact on our health. Optimally adjusted backrests, seats, and armrests allow the body to relax, reduce spine strain, and reduce muscle tension, all while positively impacting well-being.

Summary - how to choose the perfect reading chair?

3 proven tricks for your dream reading corner

1. When choosing an armchair for a small apartment, avoid dark, bulky models with thick sides. Those with tall legs are ideal, as they will visually lighten the space and make it easier to keep the room tidy. Armchairs upholstered in light fabric will look good in a small space, especially if the reading nook is quite dark and has limited access to daylight.

2. You don't need a wall to separate your bookworm zone from the rest of the house. A light partition like slats, a tall flower stand, or a mesh shelf will suffice. You can also accentuate your reading nook. a different wall color or a rug on the floor. However, it's important that the entire interior design is as consistent as possible in terms of color and style.

3. Place the armchair as close to the window as possible, and if that's not possible, get an elegant reading lamp. Place a small coffee table next to the armchair and illuminate the bookcase with spotlights or LED strips.

Armchairs for the bedroom, office, or living room – at Furnitop.co.uk, you'll find a huge selection of models at attractive prices. With them, you can create a stylish and, above all, comfortable library corner wherever you want. We also recommend corner sofas and loveseats that will make relaxing for you and your loved ones a pleasant experience.