Many people ask whether a reading armchair is worth it — especially if your living room also needs seating for guests, lounging, and everyday use. The short answer: yes, if you choose for support (not softness) and match the chair to your reading posture.
If you’d like to compare options as you read, browse our armchairs available in NZ.
Quick Summary: What Makes a Good Reading Armchair
A great comfortable reading chair prioritises: arm support → back support → seat depth → room fit. If your shoulders tense up or you keep shifting after 5–10 minutes, the chair isn’t supporting you properly.
- Arm support that relaxes shoulders
- Back support that keeps posture neutral
- Balanced seat depth (relaxing but not slouchy)
- Easy room fit without blocking walkways
Is an Armchair Good for Reading?
An armchair can be an excellent reading setup because it supports a stable posture and lets you settle in for longer sessions. The key is choosing a lounge chair for reading that supports your arms and back — not one that only looks plush.
Reading posture: why you get tired in the wrong chair
If the back is too reclined or the seat is too deep, you’ll either slump forward or constantly adjust. A true reading armchair should feel “supported first, relaxed second.”
Armchair With Arm Support: The #1 Feature for Long Reading Sessions
If you read for more than 15–20 minutes at a time, armrests are not optional. An armchair with arm support helps you hold a book/tablet without lifting your shoulders, reducing neck and shoulder tension.
What “good arm support” feels like
- Your elbows can rest naturally without shrugging shoulders
- Your forearms feel supported while holding a book
- You don’t need extra pillows just to feel comfortable
Lounge Chair for Reading vs Regular Accent Chair
A lounge chair for reading is designed for sustained sitting: it usually has a more supportive back angle, a deeper (but still usable) seat, and more deliberate armrest design. Regular accent chairs can look great but often fail on posture support.
Top Picks: Comfortable Reading Chairs From Our Range
These picks work well as a comfortable reading chair because they balance support, seat comfort, and everyday practicality. (Links below are the direct product pages for consistency.)
- Tulo Linen Armchair - Dark Blue – a supportive reading armchair with a cosy tub-style feel; strong for longer sessions where you want your back and arms to stay relaxed.
- Niva Linen Armchair - Light Grey – a clean, calm option for a reading corner; works well when you want a lighter look while still keeping arm support and posture stability.
- Millo Velvet Armchair - Dark Green – a plush lounge feel for reading; best if you like a softer, more “sink-in” experience but still want structure and support.
How to Choose the Right Reading Armchair
1) Back support beats “extra soft”
Softness isn’t comfort if it collapses your posture. A reading armchair should hold your upper back comfortably so you can read without fatigue.
2) Seat depth: relax without slouching
Too shallow feels perch-like; too deep forces slouching. For a comfortable reading chair, aim for a seat that lets you settle in while keeping posture supported.
3) Arm height: shoulders must stay relaxed
If armrests are too high, you’ll tense up. Too low, and you’ll slump. The right arm support reduces shoulder strain during longer reading sessions.
FAQ: Reading Armchair Buying Questions
What is the best type of reading armchair?
The best reading armchair supports your back and has armrests that relax your shoulders. Look for stable posture support first, then choose the style you like.
Is an armchair with arm support really necessary for reading?
For longer sessions, yes. Arm support reduces shoulder and neck tension when holding books or tablets.
What makes a chair a comfortable reading chair?
Back support, usable seat depth, and armrest comfort. If you constantly shift or add pillows to feel right, the chair is not supporting your posture.
Is a lounge chair for reading better than a standard accent chair?
Often, yes. Lounge chairs are typically built for longer sitting with better posture support, while accent chairs can prioritise looks over sustained comfort.
Recommended Next Step
If you want to compare more options for your reading corner, explore our full armchair range here.
Last updated: February 2026
