Maybe you could find a used Saarinen womb chair?

I would recommend an old fashioned google search for "modern recliners" :) I know recliner sounds scary but you will be pleasantly surprised. Crate & Barrel, Lazyboy. There are some great transitional designs that are way comfortable & stylish. You will not find them for $500 but it's worth a little bigger investment. Good luck :)

Thanks for the suggestion. The Saarinen chair is not the style I'm going for. I probably described my style poorly! I'm thinking of the type of chair you can like sink into. Like I like this look: https://secure.img2-fg.wfcdn.com/im/7570d199/resize-h299-p1-w299%5Ecompr-r85/3034/30347531/Rogersville+Button+Tufted+Armchair.jpg but it doesn't look comfy.

I hate this look but it looks comfy: http://bendbiz.com/i/2017/05/cecelia-arm-chair_comfortable-arm-chair_soft-comfort-level_high-enough-to-rest-head_pillow-top-arms_hardwood-frame-material_microfiber-upholstery-material.jpg

Something like this is in the neighborhood but don't know what it is or if I could get something like it in a blue: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/75/19/ac/7519ac455517df51bf7cf2145d69f285--bedroom-reading-chair-comfy-reading-chair.jpg

OK this is the closest thing that I have seen to my idea: https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_742w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2016/03/09/LocalLiving/Images/Slub%20Velvet%20Willoughby%20Chair,%20Hickory%20(6).jpg?uuid=zuaX4uY5EeWw_Qc9WTCntw

But it's velvet which I'm not totally in love with and $1000.

I found this chair- but I have no idea of what it costs. Laurel Bern suggests it and she tends not to suggests outrageously expensive things.

http://www.georgesmith.com/US/Catalogue/2/signature_chairs/1/C001/Standard_Arm_Signature_Chair

Ok I think this is the best representation: https://www.hayneedle.com/product/taftonclubchairgrey.cfm?source=pla&kwid=UpholsteredChairs%20level02&tid=BSHD666-1&adtype=pla&kw=&lsft=adtype:pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrNSbmOOn1gIViFcNCh1DGA2IEAkYByABEgJLBvD_BwE But blue!

@auntthelma, I agree. Problem is that we live in a fairly stereotypical suburb. Furniture stores are all the mega chains. So quality is iffy. But I agree a trip is in order.

I like Rita's suggestion and that Washington Post velvet chair a lot

the problem-with chairs, armchairs, and sofas-everyone and his comfortable, to some degree. Depends on your height, on how you like to sit, many things. So the best bet to try them. Whatever seems comfortable might be not. whatever is comfortable to me might be not for you

say I know a very cute and comfy chair for under 500, but it's tiny..I myself am small so good for me..but my DH banned it upon seeing it..:) and he's not tall either. It just looks like fairy's toadstool..in terms of the size..:)

I think finding both new and quality under 500, nowadays, will be tough..

Do you consider combing though your Craigslist? or local Chairish? Some sellers completely refurbish chairs too, reupholster and all. You can even try and look by the brand name, if you know you'd like such and such brand.

No matter what you choose, you must sit in it before buying, shouldn't order unless you at least sit in a floor sample first.

The George Smith chair that Rita posted is way over your $500 price limit...WAY over! It's a nice chair, though. :)

Agreed - you have to try it before buying. The George Smith one above is quite pricey -

George Smith

Signature Standard Arm Lounge Chair

George
Smith has become synonymous with traditional design and excellent
craftsmanship. The Signature standard arm lounge chair is luxuriously
upholstered in Jim Thompson silk. The down pillow fill adds to the
lushness and comfort, while mahogany wood legs are outfitted with
castors for easy movement.

Retail $8500 Listed $4250

Here are many blue chairs on Wayfair that are under $500.00. You might be able to find one or two of them locally to try - https://www.wayfair.com/filters/furniture/sb3/accent-chairs-c416225-a2308~436272-a75218~274795-p466~250~500.html

Did you filter the Hayneedle site you linked for the color blue? There are several like the one you said you liked that come up if you do that. Easy peasy to search by color.

Not quite but on sale at Horchow...I don't think they have crappy stuff :)

ETA 20% off coupon code WELCOME works with this...

For your budget, your best bet is to find consignment stores in your area that deals in better furniture. They will have chairs at reasonable prices and you will get to try it out before you buy. You may have to make several trips to find one you like and is in good condition, and be prepared to buy when you see it because good items do not last at these places. There is nothing more satisfying than getting a quality piece of furniture at a bargain price!

I don't think you are going to find something that meets all your criteria for $500 unless you run across the perfect used pair. A single maybe. A pair to meet your criteria more like 1000 a piece would be more reasonable.

Craigslist! Keep your eyes peeled daily. You might find something for a steal and then you can reupholster it. Today on my local town's FB page I saw an amazing upholstered chair and ottoman that were only 60! Just keep your eyes peeled and something will show up!

The Willoughby Chair you linked above from WP comes in many many fabrics--though still starts at $1000

https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/willoughby-chair

well, in order to have a chair you believe to be comfortable you have to sit in it. in order to have choice and reasonable you have to order online. free shipping good return policies. Ok, i know much of Amazon has no shipping charges, they have 100s of most everything- and yes, these stores may carrry cheap stuff but online they carry much of the same and better as pb, overstock, wayfair, etc. Walmart, delivers and often returns for free, or you can return to store always free, money same day. believe Target and pier 1 is the same. pier 1 is one of my treasures. Lowes and home depot, i do not know what their return etc. policies are but it seems they should be the same and their stores carry designer furnishings, one had a $12000 couch. hope it helps.

I sat in the Pier 1 'Chas' chair and found it very comfortable. It's on my list for when I get to my sitting/reading room. Gorgeous blue color as well, plus they have a blue & white print if you prefer. It's on sale for $400 and I believe you can get a matching ottoman for $200. https://www.pier1.com/chas-navy-blue-velvet-armchair/2759995.html

Sorry, forgot link to above blue chair if it interests anyone..

http://www.horchow.com/Martyn-Club-Chair-martyn/cprod127420003___/p.prod?icid=&searchType=MAIN&rte=%252Fsearch.jsp%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dmartyn%2526_requestid%253D67619&eItemId=cprod127420003&cmCat=search

Have you considered a "cuddle chair"? Wide enough for two people to cuddle on, but really comfortable for one person with an ottoman and pillows on the sides (that you can adjust to support your arms while holding a book). Also if you get one with a taller wrap around back/arms, I like laying a bit sideways and kind of sprawling a leg up along the back...

this is over your budget but kind of shows the idea:. http://www.horchow.com/Haute-House-Harper-Tufted-Cuddle-Chair/cprod124890052/p.prod?ecid=HCCS__GooglePLA&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=HCCS__GooglePLA&utm_campaign=HauteHouse

I have these chairs and they are very comfortable ans big enough to curl up in:

https://www.havertys.com/furniture/chairs/villa-sonoma-swivel-glider