There’s nothing better than curling up with a piping hot cuppa and a good book. Even better when you can do it in your very own reading nook!
A reading nook can be a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, giving you a chance to unwind with an old classic or that popular new novel that’s got everyone talking.
It can also be a good way to beautify those awkward or unloved spaces in the home, adding warmth and interest.
Everything, from the colour and style of your flooring, to the lighting and how you accessorise items, can contribute to your reading nook’s overall mood.
Here’s some tips to help get you inspired when it comes to bringing your own reading nook to life!
Find the Perfect Spot for Your Reading Nook
As with most things, it’s all about location, location, location!
To create the perfect reading nook, look for a spot in the home that doesn’t see a lot of foot traffic and is free of distractions, like a quiet corner in your study or bedroom.
A spot by an open window allows for natural light to filter in, especially if you’re a daytime reader. Or if you prefer to read in the evening, set the mood with a reading lamp or stylish floor lamp for a more intimate atmosphere.
Make sure there’s electrical outlets close by too, for table lamps, phone chargers or diffusers.
Another important part of any reading nook is flooring, which can add significant warmth and comfort to a space. One stylish yet durable option is hybrid flooring, which will add a luxe finish to your nook. Best yet, it comes in a range of tones to suit every type of design.
Selecting Furniture and Decor
The most important part of any reading nook is having a soft, comfy seat that you can sit back and relax in for hours on end.
Try a plush velvet or leather armchair with an ottoman or footstool, so you can put your feet up and relax while you read, or a small sofa or loveseat for a little extra legroom. Want something more casual?
Go chairless, snuggling up in a beanbag or laying down on floor pillows for a more bohemian vibe. Invest in a side table for a place to put a lamp, a book and reading glasses, and your favourite cuppa.
Other must-haves like cushions, throw blankets and rugs can be used to add a pop of colour to your nook and to make it feel a lot homier. Arrange cushions or throw blankets on an armchair or loveseat or lay down a patterned rug for added texture and to help soften your space.
Add mesh or woven floor baskets to keep your favourite books within reach. And don’t forget lush plants and scented candles, to create a more soothing vibe.
Whatever you choose, be sure it complements your home’s overall aesthetic.
Lighting that Sets the Mood
Good lighting is essential for any reading nook, helping to reduce eye strain and surrounding your space in a warm, calming glow.
Natural light is one of the best sources of light, so try to position your reading nook near an open window or a well-lit corner of the room. Don’t have a good spot that gets the sun?
Opt for soft, warm white lighting and find a balance between style and functionality. Use a reading lamp or wall lamp for added flexibility or install a dimmable light to adjust brightness to your liking.
For best results, have a mix of natural light, reading lamps and even fairy lights to create a friendly and more mellow atmosphere. Accent lighting like fairy lights can not only make a space feel cosier but also give your nook a more whimsical feel, adding a little magic to story hour.
Scented candles can also create warmth and ambience, feeling soft and intimate while releasing a beautiful and inviting aroma into the air.
Adding Personal Touches
A reading nook isn’t just where you go to read the latest bestseller. It should also be a place that reflects your unique personality and style, making it feel truly your own.
Use your favourite colours, patterns and motifs in furniture and other decor, like funky neon lighting or that leopard print blanket you love to snuggle up in.
Add some indoor plants for a touch of green or place a bunch of your favourite flowers in a vase that goes with your colour scheme.
Mix in sentimental touches with framed photos of loved ones or inspire creativity by lining the walls of your nook with stylish posters or artwork. Surround your space with souvenirs, trinkets and other mementos that are special to you.
And no reading nook is truly complete without a bookshelf. Show off your personal library by arranging books according to colour or size for a little creative flair and to add visual depth.
Keep them in a small bookcase or on floating shelves for a modern and minimalist look. Or for a more unconventional approach, organise books into stacks of different shapes and sizes!
Enjoy Your Cosy Reading Retreat
The goal when designing a reading nook should be to create a personal escape, a warm and cosy place where you can sit back, relax and lose yourself in your favourite books.
Whether it’s a seat by a window or in a quiet corner of the lounge or bedroom, you can transform any part of the home with a few simple touches.
Remember, like a good book, the perfect reading nook is memorable, satisfying and has you coming back time and time again…
