How to Create a Reading Nook at Home
Book lovers unite! It’s time for some serious interior design decisions. How about creating a room that is dedicated solely to reading? If not a room, a little nook in your bedroom or study would do the job too. A reading nook can be seen as the perfect space for you to relax and laze around while reading a book. You don’t necessarily have to be reading, since it is essentially a space just for you to enjoy an activity you like.
We are here with tips on how to create a reading nook at home whether you have a small space or a whole room.
Why do You Need a Reading Space?
Creating a space that is just meant for you and your hobbies can prove to be healthy for you in the long run. If you enjoy reading books, having a space that has all your book collection, a cozy chair and the perfect lighting along with decor would be ideal. Our daily lives can be stressful and having a small space where you can forget about everything and just do what you love is exactly what a reading nook is all about.
Reading Nook Must-Haves
It is a given that certain furniture and decoration choices are an obvious requirement for a reading nook. You need to make sure that you have space that is comfortable and makes you feel relaxed. But that can’t be possible if you don’t have the basics down.
Always Keep It Bright
Interior decoration ideas can be a little wild sometimes which is why you have to choose carefully. While dark colours look great if you’re going for a particular look, we would recommend sticking to bright colours for your reading corner. This is especially important if you have a small space. For a big room, you can go for darker colours. The idea is to incorporate as much light into the area as you can. Bright colours will reflect whatever light falls on them making the area look well lit which is something you need to consider for a reading space.
Always Opt For Reading Lamps
Downlights are a great way to add a wash of light to the whole room or corner. However, they are not enough especially when it comes to reading. It is always better to have a reading lamp handy with you. Whether it is a desk lamp, a floor lamp or one of those clip-on lamps, you will need to have one placed right next to your chair.
Give Your Arms a Rest Too
Along with relaxing your soul when you retire to your little reading nook, you need to relax your body too. Your legs and back can be supported by a comfortable chair but don’t forget about those beautiful arms. We recommend getting chairs with armrests so that you can truly relax every part of your body.
Create a Library at Home
If you have an extra room in the house, this could be a small room near the entrance or a room in the attic, you can convert the space into a library. Bookcases or open shelves are an important part of any library. You can opt for bookcases that can be closed to keep out the dust or go for big open shelves that can be screwed into the wall. Cover a whole wall with shelves and adorn it with books to create the perfect library.
Along with shelves, you will need a place to sit. A wide 2-seater couch with a round coffee table will give the room a very easy-going look. If the room is not big enough for a whole couch, then we would suggest going for a pair of armchairs and a small coffee table or nesting tables. You can either go for chairs with solid colours or ones with interesting prints on them. Additionally, downlights can provide a wash of light for the whole room and a lamp right next to the chairs should be added for some extra light.
Corner Under the Stairs
People often find themselves questioning what to do with the space they have under the stairs and here is your answer. If the space under your stairs is big, then add wall-mounted shelves or get some shelves built into the space. Along with that, you can add a small round rug for the floor, a big cozy accent chair and a lamp. Instead of a big accent chair, you can opt for a chair that comes with an ottoman as well.
Furthermore, if there isn’t enough space for shelves and the rest of the furniture. All you need is a comfortable accent chair, a European pillow and a knitted throw. The chair should be big enough for you to snuggle in. Additionally, for lighting just go for wall sconces instead of a floor lamp. A wall sconce or wall lights are just mounted in the wall, in turn, saving you some floor space and not overcrowding the area.
The Window Library
Everyone loves sitting on a window ledge, staring at the outside world and thinking you’re the protagonist of a romantic novel. In reality, you may not be in a romantic novel but you can definitely read a romantic novel in the same setting. Built-in seating next to a window offers the perfect reading space in any home. This is a great option for people living in apartments.
Along with seat cushions, you can add a few more colourful cushions, downlights for night-time reading and a throw to keep you warm. If the space allows, you can have some shelves built into the wall as well to keep all your books within your reach.
A Simple Bedroom Corner
Overcrowding your bedroom with furniture doesn’t always work which is why you need to find furniture that is simple. Creating a reading corner in the room is very common. All you need is a chair, a table and some light. For seating, go for a low-lying accent chair or a chaise lounge– something that allows you to really sit back and relax. A side table is perfect as it is just big enough to place your book and phone on it. A floor lamp or a wall lamp is the last thing you need to complete the reading nook area.
Furthermore, if you are struggling with the lighting in the area, you can add a wall-mounted mirror. The mirror reflects any natural light or light from the lamp making the area look bigger immediately.
Divided Study Room
If you have a study or work room at home then you can easily turn one corner of the room into a reading nook. Firstly make sure that you create a reading area near a window where you can get a lot of natural light. If that is not possible, we can always have extra lights and mirror decorations for the area. Secondly, you can divide the room into two areas with the help of a room divider. While room dividers are not commonly used nowadays they add a great aesthetic to any room and give you the opportunity to use any extra space in the room any way you want. Lastly, you can further divide the area with the help of floor shelves that either go up to your hips or up to the ceiling.
As far as the furniture and decor are concerned, we suggest getting an oversized accent chair. The contrast between your study furniture and the furniture in the reading area should be stark. The study desk and chair are meant for work, while the reading chair is meant for you to relax. Add a coffee table with a fun design and a floor lamp for some extra lighting. Another way to make the area even more calming is by adding a few plants.
Outdoor Reading Nook
If you like to enjoy your time outdoors but also like reading in a cozy setup then you can combine the two activities. Create a reading nook outdoors on your patio. You can get a fluffy and comfortable lounge chair to have the most chill reading session. On the other hand, opt for a wooden bench if you like or a hanging chair. Pair the furniture with cushions of different shapes and a throw to keep you warm outdoors.
Additionally, keep an outdoor heater handy for the colder months. As far as lights are concerned, you can do a lot for the outdoor area. Pendant and wall lights are great options along with some fairy lights to add to the mood.
