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It’s National Read a Book Day, and we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather be than curled up with one of the latest finds to hit our sister site, Woman’s World’s book club. There’s just one thing missing: The perfect cozy reading chair, of course! A truly great book deserves the type of undivided attention you simply can’t muster if you’re fussing about in an uncomfortable seat. That’s exactly why we’re cluing you in to the best reading chairs of 2019.
Health Benefits of Reading at an Older Age
While reading has shown to be both cognitively and socially beneficial in people of all ages, as it increases empathy and enhances problem-solving skills, it’s especially important for those in their golden years.
A 2013 study of 294 elderly subjects published in medical journal Neurology stated that those who engage in mentally stimulating activity, such as reading and writing, showed slower mental decline than their non-reading counterparts. “Habitual participation in cognitively stimulating pursuits over a lifetime might substantially increase the efficiency of some cognitive systems,” Robert Wilson, neuropsychologist and Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center research team lead, wrote.
What’s more, Wilson noted that more frequent cognitive activity had the potential to “counterbalance the cognitive loss associated with neuropathological conditions.”
A separate study one year prior suggested that keeping one’s brain active may lower levels of beta-amyloids — a series of amino acids that are a crucial part in forming the plaques that are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Though a study 2018 study published in Frontiers in Psychology failed to prove the correlation between reading later in life and protection against cognitive decline, it did find that there is an “enduring relationship between book reading and [the] level of cognitive ability across the adult life span.”
So what are you waiting for? Crack open a brand new volume — right after you treat yourself to a brand-new space to devour it in, that is! Keep scrolling for FIRST’s picks for the best reading chairs of 2019.
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.
Most Affordable Reading Chair — Mainstays Bucket Accent
You don't have to spend a fortune on a great spot to kick back with a page-turner as Mainstays proves with this gorgeous bucket chair find. Made of a plush microfiber that's as cushy to the touch as velvet, this cozy accent piece, which also comes in a gray print, will provide a welcome respite from winter's harsh chill in the months ahead. "Just the chair my ... daughter wanted to go in her bedroom to make a nice cozy reading nook," one Walmart shopper wrote. "She absolutely loves it!"
If you want a bean bag chair that doesn't look like it belongs in a dorm room, check out this oversized lounger from Urban Outfitters. At 30 inches wide, it's plenty roomy, and its unique square design is every bit as posh as one, too. While it would certainly be a great pick for gaming or plopping down in front of the TV, we think its best suited for settling in with a good novel. A velvet version takes the luxe factor up even further, while a smaller option allows you to make it work for any size space.
Best Leather Reading Chair — World Menagerie Hotchkiss Club
Where to buy: $1,029.99 (Originally $1,499.99), Wayfair
Nothing makes for a more luxurious reading spot than a big leather chair! Soft, cushy, and plenty durable, World Menagerie's leather club seat, which is upholstered in genuine Italian leather and supplemented with a faux leather back and sides, is an investment piece you'll be enjoying for years to come. Elegant details, such as the hammerhead nail trim and a kiln-dried hardwood frame, add to its appeal, but even if you're not one of the growing chorus of 5-star reviewers singing this chair's praises upon purchase, you'll be covered — it comes with a one-year warranty.
If you love the look, but can’t quite afford the $1,000+ price tag for the real deal, there are plenty of faux options available, as well — we like this Noble House Norvil Recliner ($689, Macy's).
Where to buy: $319.99 (Originally $739.99), Wayfair
We don't know about you, but when we read, we like to lie back and really relax. But many reading chairs make that slightly difficult in practice, due to their rigid, upright natures. The curved silhouette of Woodbine's faux-leather slipper chair and ottoman set couldn't be more perfectly designed for sinking your teeth into your next book. The ottoman is included in the price, giving you plenty of bang for your buck, and it comes in three different colors to better match your décor.
Better Homes and Gardens has the right idea with this oversized reading chair. With a width of 29 inches and open flared arms, this seat affords plenty of room to stretch out as you get lost in a riveting story. Better yet, you can up the relaxation ante even further when you buy it as an ottoman set for $355.05 to $421.03! It comes with a one-year warranty.
Help develop your little one's love of reading early on by creating a warm and welcoming environment for him or her to sit down and read in. This fuzzy plush elephant-shaped number from Trend Lab, which features contoured support for your child or grandchild's bottom, should definitely do the trick. 11 other animal characters are also available.
Best Hanging Reading Chair — Mistana Anner Tear Drop
Where to buy: $283.99 (Originally $323.99), Wayfair
For a reading chair that works just as well outdoors as it does inside, look no further than Mistana's Anner teardrop-shaped wicker hanger. Side handles allow for easy entry and exit while a sturdy hammock stand ensure you'll feel safe while swinging in the breeze — or from the comfort of your living room. This 4.6-star product, which has shoppers waxing poetic, is also a better value than many on the market, as the hanger, stand, and the cushion all come included with purchase.
You won't need a large place to create your own reading nook with this compact YEEFY chair around! Measuring in at a compressed 25 inches — a good 10 inches shy of a standard 35-inch armchair — it will fit in just about any corner you've got available. It doesn't sacrifice on comfort or style, however, thanks to an extra-thick padded seat and an aesthetically pleasing, ergonomically curved design that's easy on your back.
Most Comfortable Reading Chair — Project 62 Massey
Where to buy: $183.99 (Originally $229.99), Target
Just try not to fantasize about all the reads you could breeze through while snug as a bug in the fuzzy arms of this faux fur armchair! A padded seat serves to up its comfort factor, while a wood frame and sleek black legs offer up support for up to 250 pounds. Best of all, according to customers, it's every bit as restful as it looks. "It is extremely soft and very comfortable," wrote one buyer, with another adding, "Love this chair it is so soft and very cute!"
Choose from one of three gorgeous jewel tone hues in this eye-catching seashell-like masterpiece. Though slightly pricier than some of the other find on our list, this breathtaking piece from award-winning furniture designer Bethan Gray is crafted of a quality woven cotton velvet that will make curling up in it for your next book club pick an act of pure indulgence. It's plenty sturdy thanks to a kiln-dried birchwood frame, and you can also remove its metal legs with for easy mobility.
Those who enjoy rocking along as they read will surely take to this minimalist contoured Baxton rocker. A wood frame, a fill foam seat, and polyester upholstery make up this sleek design, which can be spot-cleaned in the event of a spill. Those rocking for two should take care, however, as this chair has not been weight tested. Shoppers will also earn $100 in Kohl's cash with purchase from Sept. 12 through Sept. 22.
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