A cozy reading corner starts with a seat you can sink into, and a nest chair is one of the best choices because its round, deep seat lets you curl up, tuck your feet in, and lean into soft pillows for hours. Around that chair, you need just a few things: a warm reading light, a side table within reach, a soft rug, a throw, and a spot for your books.
This guide is for anyone in Calgary who wants a quiet place to read, whether it is a corner of the living room, a bedroom nook, or a spare spot by a window. It explains what to look for in a nest chair, how to choose the right size and base, and how to build the rest of the corner around it. If you are still deciding which room should hold your chair, our companion guide on finding the right spot to unwind covers placement room by room.
What Makes a Nest Chair Calgary Readers Love for a Reading Corner
A nest chair is an oversized, rounded accent chair with a deep, cushioned seat and a curved back that wraps around you. Some people call it a cuddle chair or a loop chair, because larger versions have room for one adult to stretch out sideways, or for a parent and child to share a story. Most nest chairs come with several loose back pillows, so you can lean in any direction.
That shape is exactly what a reading corner needs. In a typical lounge chair, club chair, or wingback, you sit facing forward with your feet on the floor. In a nest chair, you can sit cross-legged, tuck your knees up, lie back against the pillows, or sit sideways with your legs over the edge. Changing position every so often is what keeps a long reading session comfortable, and the deep, plush seat makes that easy. It is the reason the nest chair Calgary readers pick for their reading corner so often becomes the most fought-over seat in the house.
Nest Chair Calgary Sizes: Picking One That Fits Your Corner
Nest chairs come in a wider range of sizes than most people expect, so measuring is the first step. At Showhome Furniture, the 59 inch Custom Loop Nest Chair is an oversized round cuddle chair, about 59 inches across and 35 inches high, with room for two to curl up together. The 44 inch Lennox Mini Cuddle Nest Chair suits smaller rooms while keeping the deep, pillow-filled seat. The Globe Custom Nest Chair is more compact still, at about 37 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 31 inches high, so it fits a bedroom corner or a condo nook.
Measure the corner from wall to wall and out into the room, then mark the chair's footprint on the floor with painter's tape. Leave room on at least one side for a small side table, and keep a clear path of about 30 to 36 inches past the chair so no one bumps it on the way through. A round nest chair needs a square of floor at least as wide as its diameter, plus a few extra inches if it swivels. Measure doorways and stairwells too, since an oversized nest chair Calgary condo owners order still has to fit through every turn.
Swivel Chairs or a Stationary Base: How You Like to Read
Many nest chairs come in a swivel or non-swivel version, and the right choice depends on how you use the corner. A swivel base lets you turn toward the window for daylight, toward the fireplace in winter, or toward the rest of the room when someone wants to chat. It also makes a deep chair easier to get in and out of, which is a big part of why swivel chairs Calgary families choose for open-concept living rooms are so popular.
A stationary base suits a corner where the chair always faces the same way, such as a nook between two bookcases or a spot tucked under a window. It stays put when you shift around, which some readers prefer for a calm, settled feel, and it is a good choice for homes with small children who like to spin. If you choose a swivel base, leave a few extra inches between the chair and the walls, lamps, and side table so it can turn without knocking anything. Sit in both versions in the showroom, and compare the swivel chairs Calgary readers like for how smoothly and quietly they turn.
Choosing a Quiet Corner With Good Natural Light
The corner itself matters as much as the chair. Look for a spot away from the TV, the kitchen, and the busiest walkway, so you can read without constant noise or people passing by. A corner near a window is ideal, since natural light is easy on the eyes during the day and gives you something to look at when you pause between chapters. An empty wall corner works too, since two walls make the space feel sheltered.
Think about glare and drafts as well. Strong afternoon sun on a south or west window can make pages hard to read, so sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds help soften it. In Calgary, windows can feel cool in January, so keep the chair a little away from the glass and away from heat vents, which can dry out fabric and foam. Check for a nearby outlet, since a floor lamp, a phone charger, or an e-reader will need power.
Reading Light: Floor Lamps, Wall Sconces, and Warm Bulbs
Good lighting is what makes a reading corner usable after dark, and overhead lighting on its own is rarely enough. Add a dedicated reading light close to the chair. A floor lamp with an adjustable arm or an arc design works well beside a nest chair, because it can reach over the curved back. Wall sconces and plug-in wall lamps save floor space in small rooms, and a table lamp on the side table adds a softer glow. Our layered lighting guide covers ambient and accent light for the whole room, so here we focus on the reading lamp itself.
As a general guide, place the reading lamp about 12 to 18 inches behind and to the side of the shoulder you read over, so light falls on the page without shining in your eyes. Warm bulbs of around 2700K to 3000K feel cozy while still giving clear light, while cooler bulbs above 4000K can feel harsh in the evening. A dimmable lamp lets you go from bright reading light to a soft glow when you set the book down. Lampshades that point light downward help prevent glare on glossy pages.
A Side Table Within Easy Reach
Every reading corner needs a landing spot for your tea, glasses, phone, and the next book in the stack. Choose a side table you can reach without stretching, ideally within about 12 to 18 inches of where your hand rests. A round side table, a small end table, or a pedestal table works well beside a round nest chair, since there are no sharp corners to bump. A C-shaped table slides under the edge of the seat, which is handy in a deep chair where the arm sits farther from your reach.
Height matters too. A tabletop that sits about two to three inches above or below the arm of the chair is easy to use, while one that is much higher or lower makes you twist to set down a mug. A table with a lower shelf or a small drawer gives you a place for coasters, a bookmark, and a reading light remote. Nesting tables give you a second surface when a friend joins you. Keep the top clear, with just a lamp, a coaster, and your current book.
Pillows, Throws, and Soft Textures for Curling Up
Soft textures are what make a reading corner feel inviting. Most nest chairs come with several back pillows, and you can add a lumbar pillow for lower back support or a smaller throw pillow to tuck behind your neck when you lean back. Mixing textures, such as a chunky knit, a soft velvet, and a nubby bouclé, adds depth while keeping the colour palette calm. Two or three colours are usually enough to keep the corner restful.
A throw blanket is essential, especially in a Calgary winter. Keep one draped over the back of the chair or folded in a basket nearby, so it is always within reach. Fleece and knit throws are warm and cozy, while cotton and linen throws are lighter for summer evenings. A sheepskin-style or faux fur throw adds extra warmth in January. Washable covers and throws make it easy to keep the corner fresh, which helps if kids or pets share the chair. Swap pillow covers and throws with the seasons to give the corner a new look without changing the chair itself.
Ottomans and Footrests for Stretching Out
Even in a deep nest chair, there are times when you want to stretch your legs out in front of you. A matching ottoman turns the chair into a lounging spot, and Showhome offers a Custom Nest Chair Ottoman designed to pair with our nest chairs. A round pouf or a small footstool works well too, and it can double as an extra seat or a spot for a tray when you are not using it as a footrest.
A storage ottoman adds even more value in a reading corner. Use it to hold extra throws, a book light, reading glasses, or the books you plan to read next, so the corner stays tidy. Choose an ottoman about the same height as the seat or slightly lower, so your legs rest comfortably without straining your knees. If kids use the reading corner, a soft, padded ottoman gives them a place to sit beside you while you share a picture book or a chapter of a longer story.
Rugs That Define the Reading Nook
A rug anchors the reading corner and makes it feel like its own space, even in an open-concept room. For a single chair and side table, a rug of around four by six feet is a good starting point, as long as it is large enough for the front of the chair, or the whole chair, to sit on it. A round rug echoes the shape of a nest chair and softens a square corner, while a rectangular rug works well when the corner sits against a straight wall or a window.
Choose a soft, warm texture underfoot, since you will often have bare feet or socks in a reading corner. Wool, plush, and shag rugs feel cozy, while low-pile and flatweave rugs are easier to clean and keep a swivel chair turning smoothly. A rug pad keeps the rug from sliding and adds extra cushioning. On Calgary's cold hardwood, tile, and basement floors, a rug also adds a layer of warmth in winter. A colour that ties the chair and throws together finishes the look.
Book Storage: Shelves, Baskets, and Bookcases Nearby
A reading corner feels complete when your books are close at hand. A slim bookcase or bookshelf beside the chair holds your collection without crowding the space, and a depth of around 16 inches or less keeps it from sticking out too far. Floating shelves on the wall above the side table save floor space, while picture ledge shelves let you display covers like a small bookshop. In larger rooms, built-in shelves on either side of a window frame the reading corner beautifully.
Not everything has to go on a shelf. A basket beside the chair holds the five or ten books you are reading now, along with magazines and a throw. Storage bins and cubbies keep kids' books low and easy to reach. A small cabinet with doors hides chargers, puzzles, and journals so the corner stays calm. Leave a little open space on the shelves for a plant, a candle, or wall art. Keep the books you reach for most at the height of your hand when you are seated, so you never have to get up mid-chapter.
Fabrics That Feel Cozy and Hold Up: Bouclé, Velvet, and Performance Weaves
The fabric on your nest chair shapes how the corner looks and feels. Bouclé has a soft, looped texture that suits modern and Scandinavian rooms and feels warm to the touch. Velvet adds a rich, slightly glamorous look in deep greens, blues, and blush tones. Chenille and textured weaves feel soft and cozy, while linen blends give a relaxed, natural look. Faux leather and vinyl wipe clean easily, which helps in homes with young children.
For a chair that will be used every day, performance fabrics are worth a look. They resist spills and stains, clean up with a damp cloth, and hold their colour well in a sunny window. If pets share the chair, a tight, flat weave resists claws and is easier to brush clean than loose loops. Showhome's custom nest chairs are made in Canada and come in hundreds of fabric choices, so you can match the chair to your rug, walls, and existing furniture. Ask for swatches, take them home, and look at them in both daylight and lamplight.
Pairing a Nest Chair With Accent Chairs and Living Room Chairs
A nest chair does not have to stand alone. In a living room, it can sit across from a sofa as a statement accent chair, or beside a pair of smaller living room chairs to create a conversation area that doubles as a reading spot. When you browse accent chairs in Calgary stores carry, look for pieces that share a colour, a leg finish, or a texture with your nest chair, so the room feels connected rather than matched exactly.
Balance is the key. A large, round nest chair has a lot of visual weight, so pair it with lighter pieces, such as a slim armchair, a slipper chair, or a chair with exposed legs, to keep the room from feeling heavy. The living room chairs Calgary families already own can often stay, with a new throw or pillow linking them to the nest chair. Mixing a nest chair with the living room chairs Calgary homes already have is often easier than starting over. If you are shopping for several pieces at once, compare a few accent chairs Calgary homeowners have chosen for similar rooms.
Small-Space Reading Corners for Condos and Bedrooms
You do not need a big room for a reading corner. In a condo, a compact nest chair such as the Globe can tuck into the corner beside a window, with a wall sconce instead of a floor lamp and floating shelves instead of a bookcase. A small round side table or a C-shaped table keeps the footprint tight. Choose a chair that leaves at least 30 inches of walkway in front, and keep the colour palette light so the corner feels open.
In a bedroom, a reading corner gives you a place to unwind that is separate from the bed. A nest chair in a corner near a window, with a small lamp and a basket of books, creates a calm retreat for winding down in the evening. Under-window spaces, the end of a hallway, or a landing can also work, and mirrors and a light rug help small spaces feel larger. Keeping the corner simple, with only the chair, a light, a surface, and a few books, is often what makes a small reading nook feel the coziest.
A Reading Corner for Two, Kids, and Pets
One of the best things about a larger nest chair is that it can hold more than one person. An oversized round chair like the Loop has room for two to curl up together, which makes it a lovely spot for a parent and child to read bedtime stories, or for a couple to share a quiet evening. Kids often love a nest chair because it feels like a little den, especially with a few extra pillows and a soft throw.
If the reading corner will be shared, plan for it. Choose a durable, easy-care fabric, add washable throws and pillow covers, and keep a basket of kids' books on the floor where little hands can reach. A stationary base may suit a corner used by young children, while a swivel base is easy for older kids and adults. Pets are often the first to claim a nest chair, so a tight weave, a washable throw, and regular brushing keep it looking good. A nest chair Calgary families share soon becomes a favourite place for quiet moments together.
Calgary Seasons in Your Reading Corner: Winter Warmth and Summer Light
Calgary's seasons change how a reading corner feels through the year. In December, the sun can set before 4:30 pm, so a warm reading lamp, a soft throw, and a candle or string of warm lights make long winter evenings feel cozy rather than dark. Keep the chair away from cold windows and heat vents, and add a thicker rug and a few extra pillows for the coldest months. Calgary's dry winter air can also affect wood legs and fabrics, so keep the corner away from heaters and dust the chair regularly.
In summer, the sun can stay up until close to 10 pm in late June, and a reading corner by a window becomes a bright, airy spot. Swap heavy throws for lighter cotton or linen, use sheer curtains to soften strong sunlight, and rotate the chair or pillows occasionally so one side does not fade faster than the other. A swivel nest chair is handy here, since you can turn toward the light in summer and toward the fireplace or lamp in winter.
Common Reading Corner Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple mistakes can keep a reading corner from feeling right. The most common is choosing style over comfort. A chair that looks lovely but feels too firm, too shallow, or too upright will not get used for long reading sessions, so always sit in a nest chair before you buy and try curling up in it. Another is relying only on overhead lighting, which casts shadows on the page and feels harsh at night. A dedicated reading lamp makes a big difference.
Other mistakes include a side table that is too far away, too low, or too high, a rug that is too small to anchor the chair, and a side table so crowded that there is no room for a mug. Placing the chair in the middle of a busy walkway or right beside the TV makes it hard to focus. Forgetting to measure is another, since an oversized round chair can overwhelm a small corner or block a door. Measure first, test the chair, add a good light, and keep the corner uncluttered.
Nest Chair Calgary: A Cozy Reading Corner Checklist
Before you shop for a nest chair Calgary readers will enjoy for years, keep this checklist handy so you can plan the whole corner at once:
- Choose a quiet corner away from the TV and busy walkways, ideally near a window.
- Measure the corner, doorways, and hallways, and mark the chair's footprint with painter's tape.
- Pick a nest chair size that leaves room for a side table and a clear walkway.
- Decide between a swivel and a stationary base based on how you like to read.
- Add a reading lamp with a warm bulb of around 2700K to 3000K.
- Place a side table within easy reach, close to the height of the chair's arm.
- Layer pillows and a throw blanket for comfort and warmth.
- Add an ottoman or pouf for stretching out, with storage if space is tight.
- Anchor the corner with a soft rug of at least four by six feet.
- Keep books close with a slim bookcase, floating shelves, or a basket.
How Showhome Furniture Helps You Create Your Reading Corner
At Showhome Furniture, we have helped Calgary families furnish their homes since 1987, and our nest chairs are some of the most loved pieces in our showroom. You can sit in different sizes, from the oversized Loop to the compact Globe, try swivel and non-swivel bases, and lean into the pillows to see which one feels right for the way you read. Our team can help you choose a nest chair Calgary homes can fit comfortably, in a size that suits your corner and a fabric that suits your style.
Our custom nest chairs are made in Canada, and you can choose from hundreds of fabrics, a swivel or non-swivel base, and a matching ottoman. More than a third of what we carry is hand-made in Canada, alongside pieces from trusted American and European manufacturers, including accent chairs, side tables, rugs, and lamps to complete the corner. Book a free design consultation, bring your room measurements and a few photos, and one of our designers will help you plan a reading corner that feels like your favourite place in the house.
Visit Showhome Furniture in Calgary
Showhome Furniture is located inside North Hill Centre at 1616 14th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, in a 70,000 square foot showroom where you can sit in nest chairs, swivel chairs, and accent chairs before you buy. We are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, closed Sundays, and our free design consultations run Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 5:30pm.
We offer delivery through a trusted third-party partner, including white glove service and old furniture removal, and in-store pickup is also available. Every purchase includes a one-year manufacturer warranty, with an optional Guardsman five-year protection plan for extra peace of mind. Financing is available through Fairstone. With over 5,300 Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our customers can tell you what it is like to furnish a Calgary home with us. If you are ready to find a nest chair Calgary evenings will feel cozier in, book a free design consultation and let our team help you create your reading corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nest chair?
A nest chair is an oversized, rounded accent chair with a deep, cushioned seat, a curved back, and loose pillows. It is designed for curling up, which makes it a favourite for reading corners.
Is a nest chair good for reading?
Yes. The deep, round seat lets you sit cross-legged, lean back into the pillows, or sit sideways, so you can change positions comfortably during long reading sessions.
What size nest chair do I need for a reading corner?
Measure your corner first. An oversized chair around 59 inches across suits larger rooms and fits two, while compact chairs around 37 to 44 inches wide suit condos and bedrooms.
Should I choose a swivel or a stationary nest chair?
A swivel base lets you turn toward a window, a fireplace, or the room, and makes getting in and out easier. A stationary base stays put and suits a fixed corner or homes with young children.
What kind of lamp is best for a reading corner?
A floor lamp with an adjustable or arched arm, a wall sconce, or a table lamp placed about 12 to 18 inches behind and to the side of your shoulder works well. A warm bulb of around 2700K to 3000K feels cozy.
How high should a side table be next to a reading chair?
A tabletop within about two to three inches of the chair's arm height is easy to reach without twisting.
What size rug works for a reading corner?
A rug of about four by six feet is a good starting point for one chair and a side table. Make sure at least the front of the chair sits on the rug.
Can two people sit in a nest chair?
An oversized nest chair, like a 59 inch round cuddle chair, has room for two to curl up together. Smaller nest chairs are best for one person.
What fabric is best for a nest chair?
Bouclé, velvet, and chenille feel cozy, while performance fabrics resist spills and stains. A tight, flat weave is best if pets share the chair.
How do I make a small reading corner feel cozy?
Use a compact chair, a wall sconce, floating shelves, a small round side table, a soft rug, and a throw. Keep the corner simple and uncluttered.
Where is Showhome Furniture located in Calgary?
We are inside North Hill Centre at 1616 14th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, in a 70,000 square foot showroom.
What are Showhome Furniture's store hours?
We are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and closed on Sundays.
How do I book a free design consultation at Showhome Furniture?
Book a free design consultation with one of our designers, available Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 5:30pm. Booking ahead is recommended, and bringing your room measurements and photos helps us make the most of your visit.
Are Showhome Furniture's nest chairs made in Canada?
Yes. Our custom nest chairs are made in Canada, with a choice of fabrics, a swivel or non-swivel base, and a matching ottoman.
Does Showhome Furniture deliver in Calgary?
Yes. We offer delivery through a trusted third-party partner, including white glove service and removal of your old furniture. In-store pickup is also available.
