The Costco Chair With So Much Functional Storage — 'Perfect Place To Put My Books'
Did you play with Transformers as a kid? Even if you didn't, chances are you can appreciate things that have more than one purpose, especially if one is kind of a secret. Costco is selling a grown-up version of a Transformer: The Thomasville Gilroy Chair and Ottoman provides you with comfy seating and a chic storage solution at the same time. The word "chair" is a bit of an understatement for this piece; at 64 inches long, the Gilroy is on the larger end of an average loveseat. The chair is more than capable of fitting a couple of affectionate humans or you and your best furry friend. Best of all, it's just right for curling up your legs and cuddling under a blanket with a book in a reading nook you'll never want to leave.
What's immediately visible about the Gilroy Chair is pretty impressive. The neutral beige-gray upholstery is sturdy, and the chair comes with two matching throw pillows and a wooden tray that fits over the armrest. However, for the pièce de résistance, pull a couple of sturdy cloth tabs, and both the seat and the ottoman open to reveal cavernous storage space. It's currently a steal at $799 online, but you might be able to score it for cheaper; while listed as online-only, a deal-hunting TikToker spotted a Gilroy available for $599 at their local store, so keep your eyes peeled.
There's storage and more included with the Gilroy Chair
The Gilroy's extras are what set it apart from other oversized chairs or loveseats. Both the ottoman's top and the chair's seat lift up to reveal storage space that's ideal for corralling clutter that comes with comfy lounging. One happy reviewer christened the Gilroy as the best reading chair with its storage space, "I LOVE the storage, perfect place to put my books." The hidden compartments are also ideal for holding remotes, charging cords, reading glasses, and even to keep living room blanket storage out of sight.
Finding a charging port hidden behind a throw pillow on a chair is a small thrill. A port for both USB-A and C cords is tucked along the inner edge of the left armrest, so you can keep reading as your Kindle charges. The wooden armrest tray sports a dark finish and is removable. (Since the other arm contains a charging port, this tray is the best fit for the right-side arm.)
Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive, with 78% of them giving the Gilroy a five-star score. However, a few recurring criticisms are the chair's firmness and both the feel and the look of the upholstery. Several customers reported that they returned the Gilroy in favor of something more cushy. Along with the fabric feeling a bit scratchy, one reviewer commented that the color is marled with flecks of black rather than consistent coloring.