Leading from the central hall's east wall is a hallway with a candelabra designed by Edward F. Caldwell. Three arched portals at the end of the hallway lead into the main lounging room (now the Reading Room), which occupies the full length of the Fifth Avenue facade. The Reading Room contains a gilded ceiling with a central oblong panel surrounded by smaller panels. The room was designed like a Roman Renaissance apartments. The walls have with pilasters reaching from the floor to the entablature, with the arched windows in between along the south and east walls. The arched portals on the west wall have marble door architraves, and the fireplace also has a marble architrave. The pilasters have an ornate entablature, the paneled ceiling is gilded, and the frieze on the walls has marble panels. The pilasters and woodwork are of Italian walnut, while the walls are fitted with a deep-toned red velvet. The room was originally decorated with red, green, blue, and gold colors and had paintings. In addition, there was red velvet furniture.
