When you're trying to carve out space to unwind, there’s something deeply satisfying about having a dedicated reading nook. Tucked into a quiet corner, layered with soft lighting and your favourite books, these spaces invite calm in a way few others do. And at the heart of it all? A seat that makes you want to stay a while.
Mass-produced furniture might do the job, but handmade armchairs for reading corners do it better. Designed with thought, shaped with skill, and crafted for comfort, they bring a tactile presence into your home. Unlike off-the-shelf options, a handmade piece isn't just furniture. It's a decision. One that values quality over quantity, and individuality over uniformity.
Why Handmade Armchairs for Reading Corners Are Worth It
Choosing something made by hand means each armchair carries its own story—small marks from the maker's tools, natural variations in the grain, or the way the fabric settles differently with use. These are the kinds of things that can’t be replicated by a machine.
Matching Form With Function
When selecting furniture for a reading space, it can be tempting to go for style over substance. But nothing ruins a good book quicker than a chair that looks great but doesn’t feel right. The best handmade armchairs are shaped with ergonomics in mind. They offer support in all the right places—cradling your back, giving your arms somewhere to rest, and keeping your posture in check without asking you to compromise on comfort.
A high-back armchair works well for those who want structure, while a deep, cushioned seat invites you to curl up for hours. And with so many options for custom upholstery and timber finishes, these chairs can be tailored to fit seamlessly into your space.
What to Look for in the Perfect Reading Armchair
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to creating a comfortable reading nook, but there are a few details worth paying attention to:
1. Scale and Proportion
A chair that overpowers a small corner will feel out of place, while one that’s too small won’t provide enough comfort. Consider your room’s size before settling on dimensions. For compact spaces, slim arms and elevated legs can help keep things feeling light.
2. Material Matters
Opt for breathable fabrics like linen or cotton blends for all-season use, or go with tactile wools during cooler months. Timber frames bring a grounded feel, especially when stained or oiled to enhance their natural grain. Upholstery in neutral tones tends to outlast trends, while deeper shades can add visual warmth.
3. Supportive Design
Good posture shouldn’t be sacrificed for a soft seat. Look for structured cushioning, angled backs, and armrests that fall at a comfortable height. These details are often overlooked in ready-made pieces but prioritised in handmade ones.
4. Complementary Accents
Add a low side table to keep books within reach. A textured throw or a cushion with contrast piping adds interest without overwhelming the chair’s design. And don’t forget lighting—a well-placed floor lamp can turn a dark corner into your favourite retreat.
Handmade Armchairs in Small Spaces
Reading corners aren’t limited to grand libraries or large living rooms. In fact, some of the best ones are tucked into unused pockets of space—by a window, under a staircase, or even in a spacious hallway.
Choosing handmade armchairs for reading corners means you can work with the furniture maker to get the proportions just right. Need a narrower width? Prefer a taller back? Custom options let you take full advantage of your available space without compromising comfort.
The Shift Towards Thoughtful Interiors
It’s not just about having a beautiful home—it’s about having one that works for the way you live. More and more people are turning towards slow interiors: fewer, better pieces that serve a purpose and last for years. This is where handmade furniture, particularly handmade armchairs for reading corners, becomes more than a trend. It’s a shift in how we think about the spaces we create.
When you choose a handmade piece, you're not just investing in comfort. You're supporting craftsmanship, reducing waste, and making a more sustainable choice. It's furniture that holds value—in every sense.
Where to Place Your Reading Corner
If you're not sure where to begin, start by identifying a spot in your home that gets natural light. Corners with soft shadows during the day feel particularly welcoming. If daylight is limited, a warm lamp can create the right atmosphere.
Popular locations include:
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The bedroom corner near a window
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Living room areas away from the television
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A study nook with enough floor space
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Hallways with wide landings
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Underutilised corners in open-plan living areas
Add a plush rug underfoot, a low shelf with your current reads, and you’ve got a go-to place to escape the scroll and sink into a paperback.
Why These Handmade Armchairs Are the Smartest Addition to Any Living Room
If you're in search of the perfect handmade armchair to complete your space, MOMU’s made-in-Melbourne collection offers refined comfort, understated impact, and enduring style. With each piece crafted to order and backed by a 10-year warranty, these aren’t just armchairs—they’re investment pieces for your home. Here’s a closer look at three of MOMU’s standout designs.
Capri: The Statement-Maker
Price: $4,150 (includes MOMU fabric)
Size: W 100 x D 95 x H 84cm
Custom sizes available
Capri is the armchair that draws you in without trying too hard. Its slimline frame makes it ideal for both open-plan spaces and more intimate corners, while the generous seat and plush cushioning mean you’ll want to linger. Despite its airy appearance, it delivers on comfort in a big way.
Whether you're layering textures or seeking a simple contrast piece beside the sofa, Capri is versatile enough to work in a variety of settings. On display now in our Bentleigh East showroom.
Key Features:
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Slimline silhouette
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Generous proportions
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Comfortable, supportive cushions
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Made in Melbourne
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10-year warranty
Dali: The Refined Companion
Price: $3,950 (includes MOMU fabric)
Size: W 78 x D 80 x H 78cm
Custom sizes available
The Dali handmade armchair is a quieter design—subtle but incredibly well-resolved. With clean lines and careful proportions, it complements nearly any sofa configuration without stealing focus. It’s the kind of armchair that fits seamlessly into a thoughtfully curated home.
Dali is designed for longevity and ease, making it ideal for those who value pieces that hold their own without overwhelming the space. See it now in our showroom.
Key Features:
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Compact frame suitable for smaller spaces
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Balanced proportions
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Works well alongside all MOMU sofas
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Made in Melbourne
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10-year warranty
Arkie: A Modern Update
Price: $4,250 (includes MOMU fabric)
Size: W 94 x D 83 x H 80cm
Custom sizes available
Arkie takes the idea of a traditional armchair and pares it back for modern tastes. The curved frame introduces a sense of movement, while an optional swivel base adds practicality without compromising the overall aesthetic.
Arkie is ideal for anyone seeking a handmade armchair that offers both visual edge and functional flexibility. It’s available to view in our showroom.
Key Features:
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Contemporary curved shape
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Optional swivel base
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Customisable sizing
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Made in Melbourne
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10-year warranty
Why Choose a Handmade Armchair from MOMU?
Choosing a handmade armchair means investing in quality, attention to detail, and a piece that’s been built with purpose. Every MOMU armchair is crafted in Melbourne with a focus on comfort, proportion, and long-term durability.
Whether you’re designing a quiet reading nook or want to introduce a new seating option to your living room, a handmade armchair is a simple upgrade that delivers lasting impact. With custom sizing available across all three designs, you can be confident your armchair will suit your home perfectly.
Local Employment
1 in 5 furniture makers in Australia are employed in Melbourne
Craftsmanship
Handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring attention to detail and quality
Materials
High-quality materials used, ensuring durability and comfort
Warranty
Melbourne-made sofas come with a 10-year warranty
MOMU’s Armchairs Fit the Brief
At MOMU, the focus is on making furniture that’s designed for life. Every armchair is crafted in Melbourne, using carefully sourced materials and a made-to-order approach. Whether you're creating a reading corner in a small apartment or adding a new layer of comfort to your home office, MOMU’s handmade armchairs for reading corners are made to suit the way you live.
Their designs strike the right balance between structured support and relaxed style, with each piece able to be tailored in terms of fabric, leg finish, and dimensions. It’s this level of flexibility that makes them such a smart fit for creating a space that feels considered and complete.
Contact MOMU
Want to see our armchairs in person or speak with someone about custom sizing?
Phone
Our customer care team is available Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm (AEST). Contact us on 1300 052 495 for tailored support.
Email
Reach out to us at enquiry@momu.com.au with any questions or to request a quote.
Visit Our Showroom
Address: 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday, 10:00am – 3:00pm
All other times and virtual appointments can be booked [online].
Easily accessible from nearby Brighton, Hampton, and Sandringham. It's a straightforward drive south from Richmond and South Yarra, and the journey from Kew, Balwyn, and the northern suburbs, including Fitzroy, Thornbury, Ivanhoe, and Northcote, is a breeze. Visit the MOMU showroom at 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165. You can find MOMU here in Google Maps.