How to Choose an Oversized Reading Chair

On this page (11 sections)

1. How deep should an oversized reading chair be?
2. How wide should a reading chair be?
3. Which oversized reading chair dimensions should you compare?
4. Which of these reading chairs suits your habits?
5. Will an oversized reading chair fit your room?
6. Is a chair and a half the same as an oversized chair?
7. Should you choose storage, an ottoman or a plain chair?
8. How should you set up a reading chair?
9. How do you care for a chenille reading chair?
10. What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a reading chair?
11. How do you choose the right oversized reading chair?

Choose an oversized reading chair by matching its usable seat depth and width to how you read, then checking its full footprint against your room. A broad chair with a modest seat suits a different reader than a deep chair made for curling up.

Start with your normal reading position, not the chair's name. Decide whether you want your feet on the floor, your legs tucked beside you or a separate footrest.

For help separating seat, arm and overall measurements, see our accent chair dimensions guide. Below, we'll use those measurements to narrow the choice and build a reading spot you'll use.

How deep should an oversized reading chair be?

Choose enough usable depth for your preferred posture, without making it hard to reach the back cushion. Overall chair depth includes the back and frame, so it cannot tell you how much sitting space you have.

For upright reading, your back should reach the cushion while your feet rest on the floor or a footrest. The seat's front edge should leave some room behind your knees rather than pressing into them.

For curled-up reading, look for room to bend your knees and change sides. Extra depth helps only if the seat is also wide enough for your folded legs.

Back pillows change the fit. A pillow can bring the back support forward, but buying a much deeper chair than you need can leave you relying on several cushions just to sit upright.

How to measure seat depth for an oversized reading chair

Use a comfortable chair at home as your starting point. Measure from the front edge of its seat to the front of the back cushion, with your usual pillow in place.

Then sit in your normal reading position and note what you'd change. Wanting more room for your knees calls for a different adjustment than wanting more space beside your hips.

Also check seat height before ordering. A wide, deep chair can still feel awkward if your feet hang when you sit back or if getting up from the seat takes more effort than you want.

How wide should a reading chair be?

Choose usable seat width for your body and reading habits, then check the outside width for room fit. Thick arms can make a chair look generous while leaving a much smaller sitting area.

Upright readers may prefer arms close enough to support their elbows. If you hold a heavy book, arms that sit too far apart can leave you supporting its weight for the whole chapter.

Readers who sit sideways need room for bent knees and feet. Allow space for any pillow you expect to keep beside you, since it uses part of the seat.

Don't assume a broad chair is designed for 2 adults. Seat shape, arm placement and the stated weight limit all matter, and a wide single chair is not automatically a substitute for a loveseat.

Our chair and a half vs loveseat guide can help if shared seating is the main reason you're shopping.

Which oversized reading chair dimensions should you compare?

Compare overall width and depth, usable seat width and depth, seat height and weight capacity. Use the table to narrow these 4 options, with unresolved dimensions treated as a reason to pause before ordering.

Howjoe gives 38.58 in wide by 33.07 in deep in its description, while other dimensions differ. LUXSeatful describes a 41 in seat but gives an overall width of 40.2 in and depth of 56.7 in without defining the ottoman arrangement.

Rexulqo gives seat depths of both 24.5 in and 30.7 in. Ask the seller to resolve those conflicts and provide any missing measurements before ordering, especially when a doorway or narrow gap leaves little margin.

Overall height also matters beneath a window or shelf. It does not reveal how high the back reaches on your body, so compare back support separately if you want to lean your shoulders or head back.

Which of these reading chairs suits your habits?

Choose Howjoe for a smaller sitting area, LUXSeatful for a separate footrest, Rexulqo for storage or Landassy Home for seat width. Each solves a different problem, so start with the feature you'll use during a normal reading session.

Howjoe: for upright readers who don't need a sprawling seat

The Oversized Reading Armchair, Beige suits someone who wants a substantial armchair without an especially deep seat. Its sitting area is a more useful guide to fit than the oversized label.

It combines chenille upholstery, rounded arms, high-density foam and springs in the seat cushion. The wooden and iron frame supports up to 400 lb.

Choose it if you tend to face forward, want your arms within reach and don't need much room beside you. Howjoe describes the cushions as firm and shape-retaining, which makes this a better direction for buyers seeking support than a sink-in lounging style.

Skip it if your main goal is sitting cross-legged with a large pillow beside you. The narrower seat is the deciding tradeoff, even if the outside frame fits your room.

The chair arrives in 1 box, and Howjoe estimates assembly at 5–10 minutes. Plan around the parts and instructions rather than treating that estimate as a deadline.

LUXSeatful: for readers who want their feet up

The Chenille Chair and Ottoman Set suits readers who prefer a separate footrest to folding their legs onto the seat. You can move the ottoman away when you want to sit forward or stand up.

The chair has chenille upholstery, pillows, a solid wood frame and tapered legs. Its seat uses 32D foam and pocket springs, while LUXSeatful gives a maximum weight recommendation of 700 lb.

Choose it if extended lounging is your priority and the room can hold both pieces. A separate ottoman also lets you adjust the distance to your feet instead of accepting one fixed seat length.

Skip it if the reading corner doubles as a busy walkway. A footrest that must be moved every time someone passes can turn an appealing setup into a daily chore.

The set weighs 88 lb, so plan help for moving the package or larger components. Don't assume the chair's weight recommendation applies separately to the ottoman when using it as an extra seat.

Rexulqo: for a reading corner that needs storage

The Rexulqo Oversized Chair With Storage suits readers who want blankets and spare pillows close by without adding another storage piece. Its broad seat also gives you space to adjust your position.

It has a solid wood frame, a 7.8 in seat cushion made with 25D foam, 2 throw pillows and a 350 lb weight limit. The under-seat compartment measures 31 in long by 31 in wide by 7 in high.

Choose it if loose throws tend to collect around your reading spot. The included pillows can also help bring the back support forward when you want to sit more upright.

Skip it if you need frequent access to everything stored inside while someone is seated. Under-seat storage is better for items you take out before settling in than for things you reach for throughout a chapter.

Resolve the seat-depth conflict before choosing it for a particular posture. Also, don't infer a reclining mechanism from its category label; the described features center on seating and storage.

Landassy Home: for readers who need room beside them

The 43-Inch Chenille Reading Chair suits someone who values side-to-side space for changing position. Its 37.8 in seat width is the main reason to consider it over a chair with broad arms and a smaller sitting area.

It has a quilted backrest, padded arms, a 5.7 in foam seat cushion and solid wood legs. The 7.9 in clearance underneath gives you room to reach beneath it for cleaning.

Choose it if you want room for a pillow beside you without committing to a separate ottoman. Its raised legs may also suit a reading area where you need regular access beneath the furniture.

Skip it if you need a known deep seat for stretching out. Overall depth does not guarantee usable seat depth, and the broad seat should not be read as proof of head support or suitability for every body size.

Compare your robot vacuum's height with the under-chair clearance if that matters to you. Allow for rugs and thresholds rather than assuming clearance alone guarantees access.

Will an oversized reading chair fit your room?

Check the whole reading corner and the delivery route, not just the rectangle occupied by the chair. A seat can fit on paper while blocking the approach to it or leaving nowhere for a lamp.

Mark the outside footprint with painter's tape. Add a side table, footrest and the space needed to stand in front of the seat, then open nearby doors and drawers fully.

Walk through the room with the marks in place. Pay attention to the route people take naturally, especially between a doorway and a sofa or bed.

Next, measure the narrowest doorway and tight turns along the delivery path. Compare package dimensions and assembly requirements, since a box and a finished chair can need different amounts of turning space.

A chair delivered in parts may help with access, but don't assume the back or arms detach unless the instructions confirm it. Keep packaging until the chair is assembled and you've checked its fit.

For more layout options, see our best accent chairs for small spaces.

Is a chair and a half the same as an oversized chair?

The terms overlap, but chair and a half usually points toward extra width, while oversized can describe width, depth or a large frame. Neither name promises a particular sitting area.

Choose by measurements and posture rather than treating either label as a size standard. A broad chair can suit sideways sitting, while a narrower, deeper chair may better suit someone who curls forward into the seat.

Our chair and a half vs oversized chair guide explains the distinction in more detail. Use it to settle the type of chair you want before comparing finishes.

Should you choose storage, an ottoman or a plain chair?

Choose storage for tidiness, an ottoman for feet-up reading or a plain chair for simpler placement. Extra features earn their space only when you use them regularly.

Under-seat storage works well for soft items you put away between reading sessions. Avoid packing the compartment so tightly that it interferes with closing it, and keep heavy or sharp objects out unless the instructions allow them.

An ottoman offers more freedom to change leg position, but it needs a working spot and a parking spot. Check that you can move it aside without lifting it over another piece of furniture.

Our accent chair with ottoman guide can help you compare that setup. If you usually read with your feet on the floor, put the space toward a reachable side table instead.

How should you set up a reading chair?

Place light, books and drinks within easy reach, then adjust the cushions to your normal posture. You shouldn't need to twist around the arm or lean far forward every time you turn a page or set down a mug.

Put a reading lamp beside or slightly behind your shoulder and adjust it so your body doesn't cast a shadow across the page. Check the light while seated, since a bulb that looks fine from the doorway may shine into your eyes.

Use a stable side table rather than balancing a drink on a padded arm. Keep the route to the seat clear of lamp cords and loose rug edges.

During assembly, protect the upholstery and floor with a clean blanket. Follow the fastening order, check that the chair stands evenly and inspect connections before settling into it.

Use back pillows to fine-tune the fit, then remove anything that crowds your elbows or knees. Our guide to whether accent chairs are comfortable covers how seat shape and support work together.

How do you care for a chenille reading chair?

Follow the chair's care label before using water or upholstery cleaner. All 4 chairs here use chenille upholstery, but that fabric name alone does not guarantee a safe cleaning method.

Remove dust and crumbs with a suitable upholstery attachment, using gentle suction. Work around seams and cushion edges without pulling at threads.

Blot spills promptly with a clean cloth instead of rubbing them across the fabric. Check any allowed cleaning method on a hidden area first, and don't assume a removable cushion has a machine-washable cover.

Keep the chair away from strong direct sunlight where possible, and lift rather than drag it when moving. For a storage model, empty the compartment before moving the chair and keep its opening clear of trapped fabric.

What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a reading chair?

Avoid buying by the oversized label, cushion thickness or weight capacity alone. Those details describe parts of the chair, not how your body will fit it.

• Confusing outside width with seat width: broad arms use floor space without adding sitting room.
• Buying maximum depth for comfort: a deep seat can leave you reaching for back support during upright reading.
• Treating foam numbers as a comfort ranking: foam density and cushion thickness don't guarantee the finished chair's firmness.
• Expecting a tall-looking back to support your head: overall height includes legs and the seat.
• Forgetting exit space: leave room to move your feet forward and stand without catching an ottoman or table.
• Assuming all cushions are washable: check the care instructions before removing or cleaning covers.

Also separate personal fit from load capacity. A chair can support your weight yet still feel too narrow, too deep or awkward at the arms.

How do you choose the right oversized reading chair?

Choose your oversized reading chair by posture first, then eliminate any option that fails the room or access check. That keeps a useful feature from distracting you from a poor fit.

Pick Howjoe if you want a smaller sitting area within a substantial armchair. Choose LUXSeatful if a separate footrest is central to how you read.

Pick Rexulqo if hidden storage solves a daily clutter problem. Choose Landassy Home if usable width matters most, after confirming the remaining fit measurements.

If you still can't decide, compare the best oversized reading chairs using the measurements from your current favorite seat. For the wider room plan, our complete accent chair buying guide covers how the chair works with the rest of your furniture.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should an oversized reading chair be?

Choose a usable seat depth that supports your usual reading posture. You should be able to reach the back cushion with your feet supported when sitting upright, or have enough room to tuck your legs up when lounging; compare against a comfortable chair at home, including any back pillow you use.

What size room do I need for an oversized reading chair?

Room size matters less than the clear floor space around the chair. You need its full footprint, an open approach to the seat and working space for doors and drawers; mark the layout with tape, including an ottoman and side table, then check the walking route through the room.

Is a 24-inch seat deep enough for reading?

A 24-inch seat can suit reading, especially if you like sitting back or drawing your legs up. Your leg length and back cushion decide whether it feels roomy or too deep; compare it with a familiar seat and include your usual reading pillow before choosing by that measurement alone.

Should I get an oversized reading chair with an ottoman?

Choose an ottoman if you regularly read with your feet raised and have space to leave it within reach. A separate footrest lets you change position without needing a very deep seat; plan its working position and a parking spot so it won't block the route into the chair.