An armchair in the bedroom is often underestimated, even though it creates a private retreat within just a few square meters. If you don't want to go straight to bed in the evening or prefer to enjoy a quiet coffee in the morning, you need a place that invites you to linger. Two square meters are enough to set up a reading nook that is functional and harmoniously blends into the room. The challenge lies in choosing furniture and lighting that optimally utilize the available space without overcrowding the room. In this guide, you will learn which dimensions are relevant, how to calculate the footprint, and what to consider when selecting an armchair and lamp.
How much space does a reading nook actually need?
The footprint of an armchair is usually between 70 and 85 cm in width and 80 to 95 cm in depth. In addition, there is the space you need to comfortably sit down and stand up. Allow at least 60 cm of movement space in front of the armchair; 20 to 30 cm of distance to the wall or other furniture is sufficient on the sides. A floor lamp with a round base takes up about 30 to 40 cm in diameter, while an arc lamp can extend over the armchair with its arm, thus saving floor space. Overall, this results in a usable area of about 1.8 to 2.2 square meters, which you should plan for a complete reading nook.
Which armchair shape fits into small bedrooms?
Compact lounge chairs with a slim silhouette are particularly suitable when space is limited. Models without sprawling armrests or with inwardly sloped sides appear less bulky and can be placed closer to the wall. Pay attention to a seat height between 42 and 46 cm to make getting up easy. The seat depth should be 50 to 55 cm, allowing you to sit comfortably without your legs dangling or your feet not reaching the floor. Armchairs with visible metal or wooden legs visually free up more floor space and contribute to a more airy room impression.
Floor lamp or wall lamp: which illuminates better?
A floor lamp offers the advantage that you can position it flexibly and move it if necessary. The lamp head should be at a height of 120 to 140 cm so that the light falls over your shoulder onto the book from the side and does not glare. Wall lamps save floor space but require permanent installation and cannot be moved later. For a reading nook in the bedroom, a light color of 2700 to 3000 Kelvin is recommended, which has a warm and relaxing effect. Dimmable models allow you to adjust the brightness to the time of day without needing a second light source.
How do you arrange the armchair and lamp in the room?
Place the armchair so that you receive daylight from the side when sitting, without looking directly at the window. The floor lamp ideally stands to the right or left behind the armchair's backrest, with the lamp head slightly extending over the seat. Avoid placing it directly in front of the heater, as warm air can cause upholstery fabrics to fade more quickly. A small side table with a diameter of 30 to 40 cm can be placed next to the armchair to hold a book, cup, or reading glasses. Before purchasing, measure the available wall length and subtract the width of the armchair and lamp, as well as the side clearances, to ensure everything fits.
Which materials harmonize with the bedroom?
Velvet fabrics in muted colors such as grey, taupe, or dark blue blend into calm bedrooms and gently reflect the light from the reading lamp. Leather appears cooler and is suitable if the room already contains many textiles. Metal frames in brass or bronze set subtle accents without being obtrusive. Ensure that the lamp's surfaces correspond with the handles of the wardrobe or chest of drawers to create a harmonious overall look. Wooden legs on the armchair should match the color of the bed frame or bedside table; deviations of more than two shades often appear restless.
| Element | Width (cm) | Depth (cm) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Armchair | 70–85 | 80–95 | 85–95 |
| Floor Lamp (base) | 30–40 | 30–40 | 140–160 |
| Side Table | 30–40 | 30–40 | 45–55 |
| Movement space in front of armchair | , | 60 | , |
What should you pay attention to when test-sitting?
Sit down as you would actually read later: back leaning, book in hand, feet flat on the floor. The armrests should be high enough to comfortably rest your forearms, but not so high that your shoulders are hunched. Check if the backrest supports your lumbar spine and if you can stand up without effort. A good armchair allows you to change positions without constantly having to readjust. If you sit for more than 20 minutes, you will notice if the seat is too hard or too soft.
- Measure the available wall length and subtract the armchair, lamp, and clearances.
- Choose a seat height between 42 and 46 cm for comfortable getting up.
- Opt for a light color of 2700 to 3000 Kelvin for relaxed reading.
- Position the floor lamp to the side behind the armchair's backrest, not frontally.
- Plan at least 60 cm of movement space in front of the armchair.
- Match metal colors and wood tones with existing furniture.
You can find suitable pieces under Armchairs and Floor Lamps. Information on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Armchairs and Eichholtz Floor Lamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an armchair fit into a 12 square meter bedroom?
Yes, provided you plan for the footprint of about 2 square meters and place the armchair in a corner or next to the window. Measure the free wall length beforehand and check if the door and wardrobe allow enough clearance. Compact models with a slim silhouette take up less space and appear less dominant in small rooms.
Which light sources are suitable for a reading lamp in the bedroom?
LED light sources with 2700 to 3000 Kelvin produce warm white light that does not glare and is easy on the eyes. Look for a brightness of at least 400 lumens so you can easily read even small print. Dimmable light sources allow you to adjust the intensity to the time of day without having to replace the lamp.
How far should the floor lamp be from the armchair?
The lamp base ideally stands 10 to 20 cm behind the armchair's backrest, with the lamp head extending sideways over the seat. This way, the light falls over your shoulder onto the book without dazzling you. For arc lamps, the base can be further away, as the arm directs the light cone over the armchair.
Do I additionally need a side table?
A side table with a diameter of 30 to 40 cm is practical but not essential. It holds a book, cup, or reading glasses and prevents you from constantly having to get up. If space is tight, a narrow console against the wall or a small tray on the windowsill will suffice.