As someone who reads in bed more often than I probably should, I’ve had my fair share of awkward neck angles, dropped books on my face, and pillows that just didn’t cut it. And if you’re anything like me, you know that the right book pillow for reading in bed can totally transform your nighttime reading routine. No more wrestling with your covers or stacking pillows in an uncomfortable tower.
- Why You Need a Book Pillow
- Our Top Picks of Book Pillow for Reading in Bed
- Best Overall: The Book Seat Book Holder Pillow
- Best for Tablets & E-Readers: Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand
- Best Budget: Mind Reader Lap Reading Rest
- Best for Physical Books: LEVO G2 Deluxe Book Holder
- Most Portable: Lamicall Book Stand Pillow
- Long-Term Testing Insights
- Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Comparison Chart
- Which Pillow is Right for You?
- Final Verdict
- What’s Next?
I tested 9 of the most popular book pillows currently available, from beanbag-style book holders to multipurpose stands. After several weeks of reading everything from paperback thrillers to oversized hardcover cookbooks, I narrowed it down to the 5 best book pillow for reading in bed—whether you prefer to lounge upright, recline fully, or switch positions 10 times before finally settling in.
Why You Need a Book Pillow
Reading in bed sounds relaxing until you’re 30 minutes in and already adjusting your spine like a chiropractor. If you love losing yourself in a story after a long day, the last thing you need is wrist fatigue or a neck kink.
A dedicated book pillow solves those problems. It props up your book or device, frees your hands, and lets you focus on what matters: the plot. Trust me, once you try a good one, you’ll wonder how you ever read without it.
From bean-filled cushions that mold to your lap to smartly designed tech stands that double as decor, the market is full of options. But not all are created equal. So, I got cozy and did the hard work for you (yes, reading in bed counts as work when you’re testing products).
Our Top Picks of Book Pillow for Reading in Bed
- Best Overall: The Book Seat Book Holder Pillow at Amazon – $39
- Best for Tablets & E-Readers: Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand at Target – $35
- Best Budget: Mind Reader Lap Reading Rest at Amazon – $24
- Best for Physical Books: LEVO G2 Deluxe Book Holder at Amazon – $189
- Most Portable: Lamicall Book Stand Pillow at Amazon – $25
Best Overall: The Book Seat Book Holder Pillow

Best For: Hands-free reading lovers who want something comfy, compact, and cute
This pillow looks like a beanbag and acts like a magic trick for your book. The Book Seat works for paperbacks, hardcovers, and even spiral-bound journals. It’s shaped like a triangle with a soft suede finish and has a little plastic strip that holds your pages open—a feature that seems gimmicky until you actually use it and realize it’s genius.
What really makes it shine is its soft fill. The beans inside allow the pillow to mold to any surface: lap, bed, armrest, or even your knees. I tested this with a 600-page hardcover novel and didn’t have to prop it up or hold it once. It stayed put.

The built-in pocket at the back is perfect for stashing bookmarks or a pair of glasses. It’s also one of the few reading pillows that doesn’t scream “utility”—it’s subtle enough to leave out in your living room.
Cons? Not great for massive textbooks or big photo books. But for everyday novels, it’s a star.
Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 6 inches | Material: Faux suede | Fill: Polystyrene beads | Weight: 1.2 lbs | Machine Washable? No (spot clean only)
Best for Tablets & E-Readers: Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand

Best For: Kindle, iPad, or tablet readers who change positions often
The Flippy is a reader’s dream if you love switching positions while reading. Whether I was sitting upright, reclining, or lying fully on my side, I just rotated the Flippy to the angle I needed. It has three distinct viewing angles and holds e-readers and tablets without slipping.
It’s made of lightweight foam and covered in a plush microfiber that’s soft to the touch. It holds your device steady without adding extra weight or bulk. I also loved using this for propping up my iPad during cooking sessions or Zoom calls—multi-functional is always a win.

It comes in more than 15 fun color options. I chose the teal one for a pop of color in my reading nook.
Minor gripe: It doesn’t have any clip or strap to keep physical books open, so it’s better for e-readers than traditional books.
Dimensions: 10.75 x 10 x 8 inches | Material: Plush foam | Weight: 1 lb | Machine Washable? No
Best Budget: Mind Reader Lap Reading Rest

Best For: Affordable support for casual readers
Sometimes you just want something that works, without the bells and whistles. That’s exactly what the Mind Reader Lap Reading Rest offers. It’s compact, supportive, and priced under $25.
I found it most comfortable when reading in bed with my knees slightly raised. It has a fixed angle that’s ideal for small to medium-sized books or tablets. There’s a built-in ledge that keeps your device from sliding off, and a small storage pocket in the back.

While it doesn’t offer the flexibility or style of some higher-end picks, it’s a great no-fuss solution if you’re just getting into book pillows.
Not ideal for: Oversized books, people who move around a lot while reading.
Dimensions: 11.75 x 10 x 5.75 inches | Material: Microfiber | Weight: 1 lb | Machine Washable? No
Best for Physical Books: LEVO G2 Deluxe Book Holder

Best For: Hardcore bookworms who want true hands-free support
This is the Cadillac of book pillows. It’s technically a stand, not a pillow, but it’s a must-have for serious readers. I used the LEVO G2 while reading a textbook for a course I’m taking and it made 50-page chapters feel effortless.
It has a solid base and an adjustable swing arm that lets you position your book above, beside, or in front of you. Want to lie flat on your back and still read? No problem. Want to read sitting up without hunching forward? This does that too.

It accommodates books up to 4 lbs and holds the pages open for you. It’s great for cookbooks, textbooks, sheet music, and even magazines. And while it’s pricey, the quality is worth it.
Drawbacks: It’s heavy and takes up space, so not ideal for tiny bedrooms or moving between rooms frequently.
Dimensions: Adjustable | Material: Metal + plastic | Weight: 14 lbs | Machine Washable? N/A
Most Portable: Lamicall Book Stand Pillow

Best For: On-the-go readers who still want good support
This little gem surprised me. The Lamicall is a travel-friendly book pillow that works surprisingly well in bed. It has two wide grooves to rest your book or tablet, and it holds them at a great angle whether you’re sitting or lying down.
I used this one while visiting family and loved how light and easy it was to pack. It’s made of soft foam and covered in a smooth, velvety fabric that doesn’t attract pet hair (thank goodness).
It doesn’t come with straps or clips, so it’s best for books that stay open easily or e-readers. But for what it is, it’s incredibly handy.
Dimensions: 12.6 x 9.5 x 5.7 inches | Material: Foam + suede | Weight: 0.9 lbs | Machine Washable? No
Long-Term Testing Insights
We didn’t just use these pillows once and call it a day. Each one was tested nightly over a period of 6–8 weeks. We tracked how the shape held up, how the materials aged, and what quirks started to emerge after daily use. Here’s what we found:
- The Book Seat: Maintained its supportive shape even after weeks of long reading sessions. The suede cover attracted lint, but regular spot cleaning kept it looking new. Still my go-to after all this time.
- Flippy Multi-Angle: Foam inside stayed firm, and angles didn’t shift over time. Great for binge sessions with a Kindle, but we noticed the fabric got slightly faded with lots of sunlight exposure.
- Mind Reader: Flattened a bit after 3 weeks of constant use. Still worked, but needed a fluff halfway through testing. The price point makes the trade-off fair.
- LEVO G2: This thing is built like a tank. Still performs like day one. Even the joints and clamps held firm with repeated adjustments. No complaints—other than its size.
- Lamicall: Lightweight design makes it perfect for travel, but the foam lost a bit of firmness over time. Still fully usable, just softer than when it arrived.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Book pillows live in your bed, your lap, and maybe even your suitcase—so yes, they get dirty. Here’s how I kept mine clean:
- Lint roller = MVP. Especially on the faux suede models like The Book Seat and Lamicall.
- Spot clean with mild detergent for all non-removable covers. Mix dish soap with warm water and dab (don’t soak!).
- Avoid full submersion. None of these pillows can go in the washing machine fully. The fill will bunch up or deform.
- Fabric refresher spray like Febreze keeps long-term smells at bay.
- Dry brush helps loosen pet hair on velvet or microfiber surfaces before spot cleaning.
Comparison Chart
Pillow | Best For | Material | Weight | Price | Washable? | Adjustable? |
The Book Seat | Hands-free paperback reading | Faux suede + beads | 1.2 lbs | $39 | Spot clean | No |
Flippy | Tablets, e-readers | Foam + microfiber | 1 lb | $35 | No | Yes (3 angles) |
Mind Reader | Budget & kids | Microfiber | 1 lb | $25 | No | No |
LEVO G2 | Textbooks, crafts | Metal/plastic | 14 lbs | $239 | N/A | Fully adjustable arm |
Lamicall | Travel | Foam + suede | 0.9 lbs | $25 | No | No |
Which Pillow is Right for You?
Every reader has a different vibe, so here’s who each pick is best for:
- For the bookworm who always reads in bed: The Book Seat. You won’t need to reposition every 10 minutes.
- For the techy reader (Kindle/iPad): Flippy. It gives you flexible angles for screen reading.
- For the budget-conscious or younger reader: Mind Reader. It’s compact and great for kids or occasional use.
- For the hands-free, all-day reader: LEVO G2. Pricey but worth every penny if you’re serious.
- For the traveler or minimalist: Lamicall. Packs easily and still provides good support.
Final Verdict
If you’re investing in just one, make it The Book Seat. It checks all the boxes: support, comfort, and hands-free design without being bulky or clinical. I still use it every night.
But if you’re an e-reader person (especially in bed), Flippy might serve you even better. It’s lightweight, low-profile, and supports tablets in almost any position.
For anyone who reads cookbooks, textbooks, or does crafts from the couch? The LEVO G2 will absolutely change your life. Just be ready to commit to its size and price.
What’s Next?
I’m currently testing a batch of lap desks with storage, reading lamps that double as decor, and pillows for people who read lying fully flat.
Let me know if there’s something you want tested next—or if you’ve found a book pillow I haven’t tried yet!
Happy reading, and don’t forget to fluff your pillow.