How to Find the Perfect Reading Chair

There are certain essential items that a comfortable, but stylish living room or family room needs, and a reading chair is one of them. Whether you curl up in it with a good book and a cup of coffee or it is the perfect spot for television watching or video game playing, most people can’t go without a reading chair in their lives. If you are an avid book lover and are lucky enough to have a whole room designated as the library or even just a corner of the living room then a couple of reading chairs can really make the space more inviting.

The challenge with finding the perfect reading chair or chairs is there are so many options out there when it comes to height, width, material and color and everyone has their own preference when it comes to style and comfort level.

Here are some tips for finding the perfect reading chair:

Pay Attention to the Height of the Back

A lot of times we get so carried away worrying about the style and colors of the chair and how comfortable the seat part is that we forget the important role the back of the chair plays. If it is too hard or too short, your back might start hurting if you are sitting for a long time. For maximum reading comfort, make sure the height of the chair is just what you need. Design experts recommend a tall back for proper support for your head and neck, especially chair backs with a slight curve or a wingback design.

Choose the Leg and Arm Style Carefully

Besides the height of the reading chair, you need to also consider the types of legs and the arm style. Design experts recommend going for shorter legs and staying away from the spindly leg style. They also recommend upholstered arms for curling up in. While you want the chair to be aesthetically pleasing, in the end, it is more important that the chair is comfortable to sit in. Do you really want a chair that looks cool, but you never really sit in?

Always Try Them on For Size

When it comes to reading chairs, there is no way of getting around it, you need to test them out. Sit in a whole bunch of them to figure out what level of firmness and height of the back of the chair suits you best. Nothing is worse than bringing it home and finding it too uncomfortable to really use. Also, if you have family members that will use the chair, have them add their input too. If you know your kids will want to snuggle up in the chair with you, then also consider getting an oversized reading chair.

Remember that comfort should always be the number one priority. Shopping for chairs and couches is a lot like shopping for mattresses. The only way to truly know if it is the right type for you is to try it out.

Make It As Comfortable As You Can

Have you ever noticed that when you have been sitting for a long time that you need to stretch your legs? A big reason people go for a recliner instead of a reading chair is because you can stretch out your legs and get as snuggled down and as comfortable as possible. It is important to realize that you don’t necessarily have to choose comfort over style. You can have your stylish reading chair and be comfortable at the same time.

Just add an ottoman or a stool to go with the chair and you will be able to stretch full out while enjoying your book or watching television.

Don’t Forget to Set the Mood

For the best reading experience, you really need to set the mood. The reading chair is of course of most importance, but the lighting and the ambiance of the surrounding environment is also important. Make sure you have enough lighting so your eyes don’t feel a strain. Floor lamps with a dimmer are a good choice. Just make sure the lamp is about 50 to 60 inches high. While you don’t want to overwhelm your reading area with a lot of accessories, a small comfy pillow and a throw blanket can make you more comfortable, especially when you are up late trying to read just a “few more” pages.

Also if your living room or family room has hardwood floors, consider getting a real cowhide rug for the reading area. With its soft supple skin and rich colors and patterns, it will feel like a decadent treat for your feet. The other great thing about a real cowhide rug is that it is very durable and can withstand a lot of foot traffic. And it is soft enough that your kids can sit on the rug in front of the chair while you read them a story. To take care of the rug, all you need to do is vacuum it regularly and clean up any spills with a dry or damp cloth. When taking care of well, your reading chair and cowhide rug can last generations for you.

Measure Your Space Carefully

If your rooms are on a smaller scale and space is at a premium, then the exact dimensions of your reading chair are going to matter a lot. Don’t fret though. Reading chairs comes in lots of sizes and you can find smaller sized reading chairs that fit better in apartments and other smaller spaces. Just make sure you are double checking the measurements before finalizing your purchase. Overall, there are lots to consider when finding the perfect reading chair, but with the right approach you are sure to come up with a winner.

Don’t rush your purchase so you end up with what you really need instead of what just looked good in a catalog. Cowhide rugs are also a great addition to any reading nook or library.

For more information about real cowhide rugs and how they can complement your reading chair, call Cowhide Outlet today.