Building a reading nook

25 Cozy Reading Nook Ideas for Small Spaces 2022

Though a true book lover could curl up just about anywhere for hours on end, there's a reason why certain spots—a hammock between two trees or a plush armchair beside the fire, for example—are ripe for reading. These areas are comfortable and feel special—like they were put on this earth just for turning pages.

If your home lacks a spot that evokes those sorts of feelings, don't despair. Creating a cozy reading nook in your bedroom, living room, or even an unused corner of your attic is easy.

Sure, you can go the extravagant route, hiring a contractor to construct a built-in bench under the stairs or totally transform a closet into your own personal library. But some of the most inspiring reading corners are actually way less fussy. For toddlers and kids, consider a simple floor cushion under a canopy, a fluffy blanket-lined tent, or even a DIY hammock. For adults, a sophisticated leather armchair styled with easy-to-grow indoor plants or a colorful window seat do just the trick.

No matter which reading nook route you go, making it a comfortable place doesn't take much, either. Style your space with plenty of soft, plush textiles—think throw pillows and fuzzy or knit blankets. Mood lighting—scented candles, task lights, or string lights—also make the private space feel warm. And, if you're feeling up to it a little more styling, don't be shy about adding art prints, and anything else that makes you feel at home.

So what are you waiting for? Grab the next book on your list, a cup of tea, and consider yourself warned: If you couldn't put that novel down before, good luck now.

Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss

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Use a Closet

If you're lucky enough to have a spare closet, make it a haven for reading—not a place to stash junk. If you make clever use of the space, you might even be able to fit in a comfortable built-in bench with extra storage space below.

See more at Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss.

@kajal8212

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Add a Pop of Color

Colorful trim—in a cheerful shade like bright blue—makes a window seat stand out as a unique area of the home ripe for reading.

See more at Kajal8212.

Sarah Joy Blog

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Transform Extra Space

If your home has an odd little nook, don't let that space go to waste. This area, which boasts a comfortable bench, shiplap walls, and even a light fixture, looks like it was meant to be there all along.

See more at Sarah Joy Blog.

@hannasanglar

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Build an Enchanting Outdoor Hideaway

Who ever said your reading nook has to be indoors? Both adults and kids will fall in love with a dreamy hideaway tucked under a bountiful bush.

See more at hannasanglar.

@thewoodentoolbox

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Construct a Built-In Bench

What was once wasted space is now a wide daybed-sized built-in book nook that lifts up to reveal tons of hidden storage space for extra linens, blankets, pillows, and more.

See more at The Wooden Toolbox.

@bibliovino

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Make Your Reading Nook Portable

For small spaces, tuck your favorite books into a utility cart, like this one from the IKEA. This way, you can turn any old lounger, chair, or bed into your personal reading corner.

See more at bibliovino.

@lessthingsbigdreams

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Add a Curtain to the Closet Door

If you're turning a closet into a place to get lost in your favorite novel, make the space extra cozy by adding a curtain to the door. This allows light to flow in, but still lets you feel tucked away from the rest of the world.

See more at Less Things Big Dreams.

@s.u.s.a.p

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Bring in Tons of Textiles

Give curling up with a good book a whole new meaning by styling your reading corner with comfortable textured throws and pillows.

See more at s.u.s.a.p.

@mimirella_aus_liebe

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Use Empty Wall Space

You don't have to have a corner or a nook to fashion a spot for reading. An empty bedroom wall—like space between the closet and dresser, for example—can feel just as private. To make the area seem like a designated spot, add shelves, a floor cushion, pillows and some fun accents, like a wall decal and string lights.

See more at mimirella_aus_liebe.

@love_forhomedecor

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Capitalize on a Sun-Drenched Corner

If you're working with a small space, try squeezing a comfortable chair in the corner, then flanking it with a few items—plants and a side table for a cup of tea, for example—to help set the scene.

See more at love_forhomedecor.

@ chloeuberkid

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Enhance the Playroom

Encourage toddlers and kids to pick up a book during playtime by adding a few bookshelves and a special chair to their play space. We love the look and feel of this rattan armchair draped in faux sheepskin.

See more at chloeuberkid.

@my.little.victorian.house

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Drape Twinkle Lights Under the Stairs

Unused space under the stairs is one of the best areas for a built-in reading nook. In this particular space, the dark paint and the twinkling string lights really set the right vibe for a reading marathon.

See more at my.little.victorian.house.

@halliereads_

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Use a Bean Bag

Don't have the time or the budget for built-ins? With little more than a bean bag and a few pillows, you can easily create a reading corner next to your bookshelf.

See more at halliereads_.

@silkreads

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Add Plenty of Plants

Not sure how to decorate your reading nook? Fill the space with plenty of organic decor, like a rubber tree, succulents, or hanging plants that—quite literally—breathe life into the room.

See more at silkreads.

@gznbalik

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Let Your Personality Shine With Photos

Reading nooks don't have to be streamlined and sophisticated. This one is filled with all kinds of knick-knacks that speak to the reader's personality, but feels just as relaxing as any other space.

See more at gznbalik.

@our_little_home2020

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Add Soft Lighting

Whether decorating a reading nook for kids or adults, a little warm lighting goes a long way to make the area feel nice and relaxing. Here, string lights surround the chair, plus adorn a piece of wall art. The result? A magical glow for story time when the overheads are off.

See more at our_little_home2020.

@iris_inspiredinteriors

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Carve Out a Space in the Bedroom

If you like to read in the bedroom, but prefer to reserve your bed for sleeping, add a plush armchair to the opposite side of the room. Here, a clever paint job helps designate the area as its own.

See more at iris_inspiredinteriors.

@everydaygracedesigns

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Hang a Swing

Chances are you don't have many (any?) swings inside the house, which makes this area extra desirable—especially for kids who need a little incentive to crack open a book.

See more at Everyday Grace Designs.

A Beautiful Mess

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DIY a Hammock

Alternatively, you can DIY a hammock seat, so you can feel the joy of sitting in one even on days when the rain is pouring down.

Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.

@nayeli.tirado

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Use a Canopy

Use a canopy typically reserved for beds to cordon off an area of the bedroom or living room—it's an especially great decorating idea for small spaces, like a studio apartment.

See more at nayeli.tirado.

@sophia.at.home

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Set It Up Fireside

Name a better pair than a roaring fire and a book you want to rip right through. We'll wait...

See more at sophia.at.home.

@thehalcyondaysofsummer

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Create a Wall of Books

This little bench, completely surrounded by beloved tomes, proves that you can keep all of your favorites close at hand without making your reading corner look messy.

See more at The Halcyon Days of Summer.

@wilsonaesthetic_

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Opt for a Small Chair

While a big, plush armchair is ideal for lounging, this boho corner shows you can make a stylish and comfortable reading nook even if you're working with limited space. Just tuck a smaller, more decorative chair as far back into the corner as you can, add some task lighting, and bring the whole thing together with a few cohesive accent pieces. This, of course, works well for kids, too.

See more at wilsonaesthetic_.

@a.bookish.rainbow.sanctuary

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Color Coordinate

To really make your reading nook stand out, lean into a rainbow theme. Pick an armchair in a vivid shade like yellow, add a colorful shag rug, and—of course—arrange your books in ROYGBIV fashion.

See more at a.bookish.rainbow.sanctuary.

@themoderncolonial

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Build a Fluffy Fortress

It's no secret kids love forts, so why not make their personal reading corner extra fun by constructing a teepee that not only provides privacy for quiet time, but also encourages imaginative play in between reading sessions.

See more at The Modern Colonial.

10 ways to create a cozy hideaway for relaxing with a book |

(Image credit: Future)

Reading nook ideas can take advantage of a home’s features such as a bay window or an alcove. But they can equally be designed into a square or rectangular room, allowing these regularly shaped spaces to provide the cozy surroundings you crave.

A reading nook should be intimate, so creating one or even a few around a home won’t involve the sacrifice of large amounts of space. What is crucial, though, is seating to spend time on, and colors and textures that are appealing.

To provide inspiration, we’ve collected favorite reading nook and bookshelf ideas together with wisdom on their design from the experts.

Reading nook ideas

On the list of potential reading nook ideas are spaces in corners, alcoves, and even under the stairs that feel cocooning. But consider custom-building as a way to create book storage ideas and reading nooks as well as using furniture to demarcate a snug and quiet place to enjoy spending time. You can also incorporate these ideas when learning how to decorate a den.

1. Build a nook into bookshelves

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch )

Looking for reading nook ideas suitable for larger spaces? Consider building a nook into custom bookshelves. This is one of those clever home library ideas that could have the proportions to fit a living room sofa in a larger room, or be armchair-sized in a smaller one.

‘This used to be a formal living room,’ says Kim Armstrong, owner and principal designer of Kim Armstrong Interior Design . ‘The client had a large collection of books that were one of the items that were able to be salvaged after a house fire completely destroyed her previous home. 

‘I added these built-in living room shelving ideas to hold the few surviving items. I left space to nestle a sofa, which I think creates a cozy living room. We used a complimentary color scheme of soft orange and turquoise blue to create a warm and vibrant reading room.’

2. Combine a reading area with storage

(Image credit: Neptune)

You may not be designing a home library, but bear in mind that living room storage can do double duty in providing a reading nook if you opt for a design like this one from Lauren Ramirez Interiors which includes a window seat made comfortable with an upholstered pad and pillows. The drawer below the seat and the cabinets either side can provide the additional space for books when library shelving is filled, but could equally tidy away household items.

While this nook offers good daylight, a wall light introduces the task lighting needed for reading after dark.

3. Maximize comfort

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)

Designing a home library might be your desire, but if a separate space isn’t available, the same cozy sanctuary atmosphere can be created in another room.

‘It could be in a sitting room, study, bedroom or even a well thought-out space under the stairs,’ says Louise Wicksteed, design director of London and Gloucestershire-based interior designers Sims Hilditch . 

‘Use this opportunity to get creative with furnishings by choosing cozy pillows and throws to create your relaxing haven. Downlighting or wall lights are great options that look aesthetically pleasing but also work well for reading. 

‘We also recommend recessing shelves into the walls of the nook to store books. ’

4. Use a bay window  

(Image credit: Lucas Eilers Design Associates Photograph: Julie Soefer Photography)

A home’s architecture can provide reading nook ideas, and one of the options with the ideal characteristics could be a bay window. A larger bay might have room for a pair of readers in twin armchairs in the cocooning space – as in this interior by Lucas Eilers Design Associates . 

A large bay window area can additionally provide space for living room bookshelves along with seating, but even a small bay offers all the potential required to create a peaceful solo spot furnished with a single armchair to curl up in. 

5. Give kids a reading nook

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Davide Lovatti)

Think reading nook ideas for a kid’s room ideas to lead them into loving books from an early age. This nook is built into the wall of bedroom storage and the circular design is exclusively child-sized, which any kid will appreciate.

Follow the example of this design by upholstering a kid’s nook all round to create the snugness that makes it an extra tempting space to occupy.

6. Use enticing color  

(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors Photograph: Meg Lovoi)

Draw the eye to a reading nook by opting for upholstery that introduces a pop of color, attention-grabbing pattern, or both, for the seating as in this design from Meg Lonergan Interiors . The warm color of the bench seat makes it an inviting spot to take it easy with a favorite novel. 

When building a nook into custom shelving, think: bookcase styling, using the same color for the storage and the backdrop to the nook, as here, is a good tactic to make it a more enclosing – and therefore tantalizing – niche.

7. Opt for a spot with a view

(Image credit: Future/ Brent Darby)

A window seat makes for a fabulous reading nook and, in an interior from Lucinda Loya Interiors , this one is a contemporary take on a traditional home feature that maintains the clean modern lines of the space.  

Obscure glass for the lower part of a window can maintain the sitter’s privacy in a nook that’s overlooked without stopping daylight entering the room, while clear upper panes allow a beautiful view to be seen when you look up from the pages of a book.

8. Use a landing

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: James Balston)

The proportions of a staircase landing can make it – like a bay window – a natural candidate for a book nook, and turn it into a destination in its own right rather than merely a circulation space.

A striped carpet leads the eye to the armchair in this home and bookshelving is located in the opposite corner so reading material is at the ready.

9. Recline in style

(Image credit: Meg Lonergan Interiors Photograph: Tria Giovan)

Think about selecting a chaise longue in place of an armchair for ultimate reading comfort. It’s a choice that signals luxury – this is a perfect partner for bedroom bookshelf ideas.  

In this Meg Lonergan Interiors design, neutrals rule for the reading nook’s chaise, drapes, the Roman, and the walls to soothing effect. Even the books on the shelves follow suit with colorful spines turned towards the back of the shelves. 

10. Let architecture take the lead

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Use a space with impressive architectural features – like the beams in this home – to provide the super cozy niche needed to spend quality time with a novel. 

Here, the timber makes an alcove into which a chair can be nestled, while the horizontal beam above doubles as book shelving that’s been supplemented with a simple rustic shelf above. 

Dark wood for the chair and side table make a subtle contrast with the lighter aged timber of the old beams.

How can I make my reading area cozy?

To make a reading area cozy, the seating you select, the extra touches of comfort, and the atmosphere created are all crucial.

‘Whether a window seat, comfy chair and ottoman, chaise lounge, or even a small sofa, finding a cozy spot in one’s home for a reading nook is vital,’ says Maggie Griffin, founder and lead designer of Maggie Griffin Design . ‘Make it a fun, relaxing space where you can wind down at the end of the day.’

Whichever seating you use, add throw pillows as well as blankets to make your seat comfortable, warm, and tactile. Think comfort underfoot, too, with a deep pile rug layered on to hard flooring. 

And while good task lighting for reading is essential, think mood lighting, too, to make the area atmospheric and warm. 

What is the best color light for reading?

The color of light ranges from cool white light to warmer yellow shades and this ‘color temperature’ is indicated in kelvins (K).

‘For studying or in the work place cooler light temperatures from 3000 to 6000K are usually used to keep the brain stimulated, awake and help it retain information,’ explains Estefania Marquez, a senior lighting designer at John Cullen Lighting .

‘In the residential environment, using warm task lights from 2700 to 3000K are ideal as this color temperature helps to relax the eye while reading and improves your sleep quality. Look for products with around 450 lumens from 6 to 9 watts that are low glare with a long lifespan and dimmability for added flexibility. 

‘In addition the reading light source should be a focus beam to cast light in the area required.’

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator.  

Cozy Reading Nook Ideas