You love your reading chair

November 18, 2022 2:23 PM

... and it's not (necessarily) an Ikea Strandmon

We would like 2 comfortable reading chairs for a front room reading nook. We are carving this space out of an incredibly awkward rectangular space that also includes our front door, 3 other passageways, and 4 windows. It's going to be a bit small (2 chairs, 2 bookshelves, and a rug to anchor the zone) and also one of the first things people see. More interesting colors/styles are fine because everything else is quite neutral.

We are on an Ikea budget (also browsing FB marketplace!), but I don't love the options at Ikea.

I already have a Strandmon in my office and they are now $80 more expensive. The non-replaceable non-velvet fabric shows cat scratches (the cats aren't intense and we keep nails trimmed when we remember). I don't particularly like the emerald green velvet choice Ikea offers, but that's definitely the best fabric option. Don't like the farmhouse slipcover look either. And custom covers are $200-300 a piece from places like Bemz.

I like this and top-grain leather a lot, but it's not a wise expense right now. I also really like the Ikea Flinshult's profile, but same fabric problems as the Strandmon. I've also seen "swivel gliders" (also nursery chairs) that look really comfy, but we don't particularly need those features. We aren't set on style, but it can't be a huge lazyboy recliner.

Black Friday sales abound! Do you have a small-medium microfiber/velvety textured reading accent chair you love? Can I get 2 for under ~$1000? There's a lot of "fast-fashion" crap below our threshold, but it's really hard to judge it on a screen.

posted by rawralphadawg to Home & Garden (7 answers total)

Have you checked out floorfound.com? They have a lot of nice furniture for Ikea prices, and a good selection of accent chairs under 500 a piece.
posted by MFZ at 3:40 PM on November 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

I got this simple recliner at Wayfair, it's smallish and comfortable for me (average size). Not sure about cat scratches, but I do like the simple cottonish fabric. Comes in several colors. There's a non recliner version too, but I couldn't find, which is slightly less long. Wayfair has a pretty good selection in general, with excellent prices and customer service.
posted by j810c at 3:48 PM on November 18, 2022 [2 favorites]

You can check West Elm's outlet stores, where all the returns go, even if, as with the sofa I bought, it just didn't fit up the curved staircase of the original buyer and was returned to the store. Stuff is generally 40% lower than list, but the selection is limited though varied, lots of linens, lamps, tables and so on, but the furniture is in the fabric originally ordered. and you have to pick it up or arrange for someone to pick it up within 48 hours of purchase. You can also set up alerts when items you identify are received in the outlet, but then you have to respond quickly before they go out on the sales floor. I think the quality of West Elm furniture is better than either Ikea or Wayfair.

My daughter bought a marble-top coffee table, leather sofa and leather chairs from West Elm doing just this, and they've held up well.
posted by citygirl at 4:54 PM on November 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

It's like recommending a big mac to someone asking a question about fast food burgers to try, but god I love my Poangs.
posted by phunniemee at 8:13 PM on November 18, 2022 [4 favorites]

I got this cover for my cat-encumbered Strandmon and I'm quite pleased with how comfy it is. Cats can still hook claws into the main fabric through it, but the cover is elastic and undamaged so far (a month or so). Good fit as long as you tuck it into all the crevices, gapes a little bit in the bottom of the back but I keep meaning to add a strap that'd go under the bottom of the chair to provide proper tension.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:19 PM on November 18, 2022 [2 favorites]

I have the Ekero armchair and spend a lot of time reading in it. I have a firm throw pillow and read hammock-style, legs over chair arm. The chair is comfortable if you like reading that way.
posted by Morpeth at 5:34 AM on November 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

I love my Article Mod Accent Chair! It is definitely more expensive than your standard Ikea but is super comfy and looks great. (You could get two for under a thousand!) And my experience with their furniture is that it holds up super well.

It may be slightly too big for your needs but thought I would throw out the suggestion anyway.
posted by kserra at 4:49 PM on November 20, 2022