Create Your Own Reading Nook

We could all use a little corner where we could read and enjoy some quiet time at home. In today's post, we'll leave you with some ideas for inspiration. You'll love them!

In today’s post, we’d like to offer you some ideas for creating your own reading nook at home.

It’s not always easy to find time for ourselves. When we actually do, we really have to make the most of it.

So, having a comfortable space where we can rest and enjoy our hobbies is essential. Such a space could really improve the quality of our lives.

Even though nooks are on the smaller side, they still can be comfortable, cozy places where we can read, listen to music…

Below, we’ll give you some basic things to keep in mind when planning out your reading nook. We’ve also thrown in some ideas for a little inspiration.

Lighting

As much as your circumstances allow, try to use as much natural light possible. So, try looking for a spot that’s as close to windows or the patio as possible.

You could try closing in a space with glass walls, which we often see for patios or decks. This kind of space will provide you with plenty of light for reading and a more or less consistent temperature all-year-long.

You also might want to consider placing a small bench right underneath a window to make the most of the natural light that flows in.

In addition, look for a bench that has a lower storage area. It might be in the form of an open shelf or a compartment that’s covered by curtains. If you opt for the exposed shelf, try using it as a bookshelf for all of your books.

If you don’t have spot under the window for your nook, you’ll have to go with artificial lighting to create a warm, cozy area.

Using a staircase as an example, if you’d like to create your nook from the space underneath your stairs, you’ll have to make sure that you have appropriate lighting to read comfortably.

On a further note, remember that using mirrors and the color white can help you create more light and brightness, which always comes in handy.

Shelves

We can’t imagine a reading nook without shelves where we could keep our books.

As we mentioned earlier in our post, you can use the space underneath your bench to keep some of them.

You could also try installing some shelving units on your wall, which you can easily do yourself. Some other ideas are staircase shelves, pallets, recycled wood…

If you don’t have enough space for a full bookcase, you can always opt for a few shelves. That way you won’t use up all your free space. If you have a corner in your nook area, a great idea is using an L-shaped bookcase.

Another idea to try is installing three shelves on the higher areas of the wall, at mid-height. With the shelves resting above, you could place some seating in the lower area.

Seating

Choosing seating that really makes us feel comfortable is essential. Some people find floor cushions to be great options for relaxing.

If you’re not really into floor cushions, you could try poofs, armchairs, an ottoman, chairs, a hanging chair… or even a  chaise lounge as long as you have enough space for it.

For even more comfort, try buying a footrest or stool.

Other accessories for your reading nook

Lastly, we’d like to go over some must-have accessories for your reading nook.

Let’s start with textiles:

1. Curtains and blinds: go for lighter ones to avoid blocking out too much light, which is fundamental for reading.
2. Pillows: mix and match different sizes and patterns for pops of color.
3. Blankets and throws: look for ones that match your pillows for a balanced atmosphere.
4. Rugs: if you’re a fan of sitting on the ground, you’ll need a rug. You can opt for shaggy or wool rugs for maximum comfort.

It’s also not a bad idea to have a side table nearby to leave your books or a cup of coffee on; that way you’ll always have them at an arm’s reach. You could even make it yourself by, for example, recycling a fruit box; you just need to set it up vertically and you’re good to go.

We’ve already gone over the importance of good lighting. You could try standing lamps or table ones, and even ceiling lamps. For a more intimate, cozy nook, add some lanterns or string lights.

Plants are also a great option and they boast plenty of health benefits while beautifying any space. They can bring a little nature into your nook.

Conclusion

We hope that you find yourself spurred on to make a reading nook after reading this post. Don’t forget about all of the added benefits that reading or listening to music has for us — so don’t miss out on these great habits.

As you’ve read today, you don’t even need too much space. You just need good organization skills and an eye for design.