7 Sustainable Reading Chairs For Small Corners

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Our editors have researched and relaxed on sustainable and nontoxic furniture for years. These are our favorite cozy reading chairs for your perfect nook.

Nothing quite compares to the joy of setting our phone on Do Not Disturb, settling into a cozy chair with our favorite blanket, and getting lost in a good book. And finding the perfect chair that allows us to slip away from reality into cozy reading bliss is key. We rounded up some of the comfiest chairs from our favorite sustainable brands to help you design your dream reading corner. And when you decide to spend your entire weekend “busy” (reading) instead of going out? Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone. 😉

Why consider sustainable reading chairs?

Most furniture from big box stores these days is made from cheap, mass-produced materials that not only aren’t made to last but also offgas VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Not to mention that because they are made from cheaper, low-quality materials, they end up in landfills more quickly. That’s why we look to brands that are making their furniture with sustainable, natural materials and processes with the intention of their pieces lasting a long time — or being recycled or refurbished.

The brands on this list also hold third-party certifications that verify that they are using sustainable practices, making products with high-quality and natural materials, and that the products aren’t releasing harmful chemicals like VOCs into our homes or the environment. A few certifications to look for when shopping for sustainable, mindful furniture include:

GREENGUARD: This certification tests for emissions from VOCs, formaldehyde, and other airborne compounds. If a product is GREENGUARD Certified, this means that it ensures the safety of the air inside your home.
Made Safe: Products are screened for and free from ingredients known or suspected to harm human health or the environment, like known carcinogens, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals, to receive this certification.
OEKO-TEX Standard: This third-party certification tests finished textile products for 350+ harmful substances. It specifically tests for the concentrations, not just the presence, of substances.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): This certification ensures wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forests.

Other things to look for include natural materials like solid wood, organic cotton, linen, or wool, natural latex, because these materials are better for the environment, for our homes, and for ourselves and our families. Plus, they’re more likely to be built to last when they’re not made from cheap and engineered materials.

Our criteria:

Our editors have researched, relaxed on, and decorated our homes with sustainable furniture for over a decade. For this guide, we’ve selected our favorite reading chairs that are sustainable and use natural and recycled materials at a variety of price points. We regularly update this guide with emerging favorites that meet the following criteria:

SUSTAINABLE & NONTOXIC | The brands on this list are transparent about the sourcing of their materials, manufacturing processes, and environmental impact. Many hold third-party certifications, including GREENGUARD and Made Safe, to verify their claims.
COMFORTABLE | Comfort is essential to a good reading chair. We chose chairs that are comfortable, ergonomic, and cozy from our favorite sustainable furniture brands.
NATURAL & RECYCLED MATERIALS | We’ve prioritized brands that use real, natural wood and other natural materials like cotton and wool in their products.
AFFORDABLE | We understand that furniture can be an investment. We’ve included reading chairs at a variety of price points on this list, as well as a few with payment options.

Not sure what to read next? Check out our list of 99+ incredible books and get extra cozy with a weighted blanket.

1. Avocado

Best for | Organic reading chairs
Materials | Walnut, maple, alpaca fiber, GOLS-certified organic latex
Price Range | $1,556-$2,069

Avocado is a TGT favorite for sustainable furniture and mattresses, and for good reason. They hold an arsenal of third-party sustainability and social responsibility certifications, including GREENGUARD Certified, GOLS Certified, 1% for the Planet, Climate Neutral, and Made Safe. And on top of that, their products are made from high-quality, organic, renewable materials that are better for the environment and your home. Their Lounge Chair and Ottoman are a cozy, sustainable option for your reading nook. The mid-century-inspired chair is made of solid maple or walnut with GOLS-certified organic latex cushions covered in a renewable alpaca fiber cover. It’s handcrafted in Avocado’s Los Angeles woodshop and shipped with optional in-home delivery for folks in the U.S. Avocado is also diverting 85% of its waste away from landfills, working toward being zero waste. And being a part of 1% for the Planet, Avocado donates over 1% of revenue from its mattress sales to environmental causes.

Customer Review | “So beautiful and comfortable! The cushions are incredibly soft and the craftsmanship of the wood is great. Some reviews mentioned that the cushion slips but this has been addressed and does not happen with my chair.” – Carolina C. [Read more reviews.]

A wooden armchair with white cushions and a gray throw blanket is paired with a matching ottoman, an open book, a small round side table, and a vase on a textured rug.

A person sitting in a wooden chair, wearing a white t-shirt and gray pants, reads a book in a brightly lit room.

2. Sabai

Best for | Nontoxic reading chairs
Materials | FSC certified plywood, recycled velvet, hemp fabric, natural latex foam, rubberized coconut fiber, high-resiliency foam
Price Range | $745-$1,795

Sabai is creating luxury, nontoxic, and ethically-made furniture that’s easy to order and assemble. Their furniture is made without toxic chemicals like PFAs and flame retardants in ethical factories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Michigan. The pieces are also made-to-order and custom, giving you exactly what you want without overproduction and waste. Sabai has several beautiful lounge chairs available that would make great reading corner chairs. The Eclipse Sleeper Chair is perfect for those who want something versatile. It’s incredibly plush and converts to a Twin XL bed in less than five minutes. We love that it’s made from FSC certified plywood and either recycled velvet or hemp fabric upholstery, and it’s completely PFAs- and flame-retardant-free. So is the Bacana Armchair, if you prefer something a little more polished. This is a great choice for those with pets or kids, as it’s made with durable materials and a low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finish. Check out all of Sabai’s stunning lounge chairs that are great for reading here. Sabai also offers secondhand options through Sabai Revive. Shop furniture they’ve bought back or open box returns at 50%. Just email them here to see what’s available.

Customer Review | “The Bacana Chair is everythingggg I hoped it would be! It’s truly the perfect blend of comfort and my own personal style. The design is super sleek, minimal, and the wood frame is so warm and I can tell crafted with care. I also love Sabai’s sustainability efforts—it makes me feel so good about where I put my money and what I bring into my home.” – Anoni K. [Read more reviews.]

An older woman sits barefoot in a chair by large windows, reading a book. Sunlight streams in, with a garden visible outside. A mug and stacked books are on the rug nearby.

A woman in jeans and a white shirt sits relaxed on a large light blue armchair in a modern living room with shelves and decorative items in the background.

3. Joybird

Best for | Plush reading chairs
Materials | Responsibly sourced wood, water-based and low-VOC glue, GREENGUARD Gold upholstery, foam
Price Range | $1,049-$1,860

Joybird has an extensive selection of high-quality lounge and reading chairs. We love that when we’re browsing them all, we can easily see which chairs are GREENGUARD Certified, ensuring they meet third-party standards for low-VOC emissions. The Bryant Chair and a Half is one of their GREENGUARD Certified chairs. The oversized chair is perfect for cuddling up with a good read after a long day. So is the Eliot Chair, if you prefer a more mid-century-inspired look. The Bryant Corner Chair is a great choice if you are looking for something that’ll fit snug into a corner space. Or if you like a swivel chair, the Eliot Swivel is as cozy as it is versatile. All of these chairs are GREENGUARD certified and made from high-quality materials that are built to last. For all of Joybird’s upholstered furniture, you can request a free swatch kit that includes all of the possible fabrics you can choose from.

Customer Review | “I had an excellent time purchasing this swivel chair from the store. From the moment it arrived both myself and the cat have made it our favorite place to sit and unwind.” – Stephanie M. [Read more reviews.]

Modern living room with a gray armchair, black vase with branches, a wooden sideboard, a knitted pouf, and a patterned rug. Light enters through two arched windows.

A blue upholstered armchair sits on a rug in front of a wooden slat wall, surrounded by various green indoor plants.

4. Cozey

Best for | Mid-century modern chairs
Materials | Solid wood, powder-coated steel, polyester
Price Range | $295-$395

Cozey is a Montreal-based furniture brand that creates modular, easy-to-assemble pieces that are customizable, durable, and long-lasting. And, of course, they’re cozy too! Cozey’s three lounge chairs are perfect for a reading corner, and each offers a different vibe. The Vela Lounge Chair is a laid-back mid-century Scandinavian-inspired chair without armrests that’s perfect for those of us who love to sit criss-cross when we snuggle up to read. It’s also a great choice for smaller spaces. The Naos Accent Chair is a Danish-inspired mid-century chair that balances design and ergonomic comfort. And for an option with extra-cushion and a sleek design, the Mira Lounge Chair has a comfy sling cushion with a metal frame and wood accents. All three are made with solid wood and have a 30-day trial period and a 5-year warranty. Cozey also offers secondhand options through Cozey Certified Refurbished. Returned products are tested and inspected, resold at a 25% off price, and kept out of landfills. And through Cozey Cares, they give back to their communities, too. They partner with organizations across Canada and give away hundreds of sofas, and their teams volunteer their time to work with local orgs.

Customer Review | “Great little chair! Solid, high quality materials that are easy to assemble! Looks and feels exactly as shown on the website.” – Fraser [Read more reviews.]

A green cushioned armchair with a black frame sits on a checkered rug in a modern living room with wooden floors and light-colored furniture.

A woman sits on a modern lounge chair in a living room with a yellow sofa, striped rug, and green slippers on the floor.

5. Medley

Best for | Reading chairs with natural materials
Materials | Natural latex, FSC certified solid wood, cotton, jute, wool
Price Range | $1,615-$2,650

What sets Medley apart is their dedication to timeless furniture made from natural materials like jute, cotton, wool, FSC-certified wood, and natural latex. And their beautifully crafted reading chairs are no exception. The Lala Chair or Franklin Swivel Chair are exactly what we want to be curling up in after a long day. If you love armrests to cozy up in, these are great for that. They’re made with natural latex foam, wool fiber, and needled wool to create a comfy, plush cushion over the FSC-certified wood frame. Or if you prefer a chair with less cushion but the same comfort, check out the Burr and Elm accent chairs, which we can envision reading in with our feet up on a cute little ottoman or stool. Both are made with FSC-certified hardwood and breathable cotton upholstery. Medley’s furniture is made to order in the U.S., reducing waste by making furniture only as needed.

Customer Review | “I got the chair in chestnut leather and white oak which is a nice combination. The chair is sturdy, yet comfortable and does not smell at all (not like other wood furniture that emits the smell of glue, or tanned leather). The seating is firm but soft enough to feel comfortable. The design, the wood lines of the frame, make it visually light and it fits therefore visually in a smaller space like mine, too. The leather has a strong grain which gives it a patina and lived in feel which is wonderful as the leather becomes alive. I might get a second one later. It is really one of my best Medley pieces.” – Andreas T. [Read more reviews.]

A close-up of a light beige modern sofa with a plush cushion, set against a cream-colored wall with decorative molding.

A cushioned armchair with a wooden frame and beige upholstery sits on a tan carpet next to a round side table with a vase of flowers.

6. Urban Natural

Best for | Unique reading chairs
Materials | FSC-certified woods, organic latex, cotton, linen
Price Range | $900-$10,000

Urban Naturals has an extensive collection of unique lounge chairs in several styles and aesthetics. So if you’re looking for a reading chair that stands out, this is the place to search. They source from eco-friendly and sustainable small businesses and brands that often handcraft their highly customizable pieces to order using natural materials. To show the range of options, we wanted to spotlight a few of their unique reading chairs. The Baronet Chair is a classic upholstered piece from Cisco Home. You can choose from one of their upholstery options or use your own fabric. The Elton Re-Invented Recliner from sustainable and made-to-order Dallas-based brand American Leather is reminiscent of the classic IKEA Poäng chair, but made from sustainably sourced materials. Other chairs we have our eye on include the Allie Swivel Chair, Leander Sherpa Oversized Swivel, and Revie Chair. But there are so many more to browse to find one for your own aesthetic.

A modern gray cushioned lounge chair with wooden arms sits on a woven rug in a room with paneled walls and natural light.

A red-patterned upholstered armchair sits on a matching rug beside a rustic wooden table with a glass vase of flowers, against a weathered blue wall.

7. Sundays

Best for | Modern reading chairs
Materials | Solid wood, foam, feather-down, cotton, linen, polyester
Price Range | $790-$2,750

Four friends started Sundays in 2019 to craft furniture that’s relaxed, modern, and made to last. We love their modern yet plush lounge chairs for our cozy reading corners. The Frame Lounge Chair has a sleek design that’s comfy, too. The frame is made of solid oak and paired with a soft foam cushion and a cotton and linen cover. For an even more plush option, check out the Pillow Talk Lounge Chair, with sling arms and pillow-like cushions that are filled with a foam and feather-down blend. Or if you prefer a chair that feels like a hug, the In the Groove Lounge Chair might be your best choice. We can so easily imagine ourselves curling up in this chair with a good paperback for an entire day. Sundays’ upholstery is stain-resistant, making these chairs perfect for those with pets or children. They offer a 30-day return window and a 5-year warranty. The brand is also a supporter of One Tree Planted, which means they plant trees for every table they sell.

Customer Review | “I bought two and I couldn’t be happier. They are firm but very comfortable, and the quality is superb. I made sure to visit the show room before purchasing to sit on the irl. And the customer service doesn’t get any better than the Sunday team. So so so happy, it was worth the wait!” – Anjelica R. [Read more reviews.]

A mustard-yellow velvet armchair sits in front of light wood shelves displaying various decorative bowls, vases, and a lamp.

A brown cushioned lounge chair with wooden legs sits on a wooden floor next to a small white side table with two books.

Featured image is from Avocado

Brianna Schubert is a writer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade, an editorial assistant at Motley Bloom, and a freelance writer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or yapping with her friends at a café. Say hi on Instagram!

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