Reading nook in living room

If you have a little alcove on your porch or a built-in cabana on a pool deck, make it cozy and outdoor-friendly with the right mix of materials. John Houshmand added cushions and a rug to soften things up.

Our book recommendation...

READ NOW Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, $14

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16

Utilize Transitional Spaces

To utilize this indoor/outdoor transitional space at Rae's On Wategos, Tamsin Johnson made a little day bed by simply added a cushion and some throw pillows. The architectural cut-outs create visual intrigue in the minimalist environment while also allowing sunshine to leak through for reading light and to create flow from outside to inside.

Our book recommendation...

READ NOW Year of the Monkey by Patti Smith, $13

17

Get Inspired

Give yourself something inspiring to look up at when you're getting ready to dream during a nap or while you ponder your reading material. to look at Artist Rajiv Surendra embellished the black chalkboard paint walls and ceiling in this Montreal writing room to mimic elaborate moldings. It feels fresh and modern, but also classic.

Our book recommendation...

READ NOW Misfits by Michaela Coel, $11

18

Optimize For Studying

If you turned a spare room or stair landing into a homework zone for your family, optimize it for every kind of study activity. Sometimes reading requires a comfier seat, like this one, but in close enough proximity to a desk when it comes time to complete other assignments. Take note of this calming mint green study nook designed by Heidi Caillier for inspiration.

Our book recommendation...

READ NOW On Freedom by Maggie Nelson, $14

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19

Stick to the Staples

This hallway landing could've looked just fine with a classic console table situation, but instead, it's a cozy little reading nook to retreat to. (Plus, a console table would've blocked that natural light.) All it took was a coat of crisp white paint from floor to ceiling with a traditional gallery wall, a modern armchair and reading light, and then warm things up with a fur throw rug.

Our book recommendation...

READ NOW The Topeka School by Ben Lerner, $14

20

Find Your Light

Surrounding a window and outfitted with overhead sconces, this lounging zone by Chloe Warner of Redmond Aldrich Design is both cozy and roomy. The wallpaper, Gondola by Cole & Son, energizes with color and pattern.

Our book recommendation...

READ NOW Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino, $14

Hadley Mendelsohn

Senior Editor

Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House. When she's not busy writing about interiors, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, researching ghost stories, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again. Along with interior design, she writes about everything from travel to entertainment, beauty, social issues, relationships, fashion, food, and on very special occasions, witches, ghosts, and other Halloween haunts. Her work has also been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Man Repeller, Matches Fashion, Byrdie, and more.  

37 Amazing Reading Nooks You'll Never Want to Leave

I don’t think there’s a cozier place in the house than a reading nook. Whether you have an entire room to dedicate to reading and installing a grand library, or you just want to create a quiet corner to get away from things, a reading nook is a great idea for all homes.

You may be wondering how to design and decorate a reading nook. What are the popular trends for reading nooks? Well, that’s what we’re going to talk about today. Let’s get started with the best reading room ideas for your space.

Reading Nook Essentials

Before we dive into the decorating ideas, let’s talk about some of the very basic essentials that you must have in your reading nook. The bare minimum reading nook essentials, if you will! To create the perfect reading corner, you should have the following furniture and home accents.

Here is what we think you need in order to create a practical reading room:

• Comfortable Chair
• Side Table
• Good Lighting Source
• Storage for Your Books

That’s it! Do you think something else is necessary for this reading space? A few bookmarks perhaps? A candle to set a relaxing mood?

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Reading Nook Ideas

There are lots of different ways you can configure a reading nook in your home. Here are the most popular ideas and designs when it comes to reading nook inspiration. Whether you are an avid reader or just an occasional browser, we’re sure you’ll be inspired by these reading rooms!

Go with a Giant Egg Chair

This egg chair creates the perfect nook for a long reading session! A pouf sitting nearby is perfect for popping your legs up on.

Pick a Plush, Oversized Accent Chair

The most simple and easy way to create a cozy reading nook is to get a comfortable, padded accent chair with armrests and stick it in an empty corner of your home. If you have bookshelves installed, all the better. Otherwise, throw some books on a side table next to the chair!

Organize Your Books by Color

You can organize your books on shelves by color to create an eye-catching arrangement. Pair it with neutral sitting chairs to keep the place friendly.

Sway in a Hanging Chair

I dream of installing a hanging chair like this one in my home! It’s the perfect place to hang out and read. Swingasans make great seating for reading corners.

Recline Your Seat and Put Your Feet Up!

Take a break by using a reclined chair and matching footrest to create the ultimate relaxation mood in your reading nook.

A Neo-Traditional Nook with Bright Colors

This neo-traditional home got a gorgeous upgrade with lime green built-in bookshelves and a blue tufted accent chair. The leopard print carpeting and floral wallpaper give the space character.

Add Some Throw Pillows

For a quick transformation, add some throw pillows to a corner in your home and stack the tallest bookshelf you can find next to it!

This extra wide and extra deep sofa looks divine in front of a bright window and tall bookshelves. The ottoman in front is a great place to rest your feet and curl up with a throw blanket.

Double it as a Breakfast Nook

This multi-purpose space works great as a breakfast nook and a reading nook at the same time. You can munch on avocado toast in the morning, and catch up on your favorite books in the evening.

Make Use of that Empty Corner in Your Home

If you’re not sure what to do with an empty corner in your home, then create a cozy and warm reading nook with floating shelves and a cushioned corner banquette!

Transform the Attic

Many people let their attics gather dust, but you can be savvy and install bookshelves to create a cozy reading nook in your attic to get away from it all.

Construct Built-in Bookshelves Near a Large Window

You can install built-in bookshelves and built-in benches to create a gorgeous reading nook. Built-in reading nooks are becoming more and more common in new home builds! I love how this one has a large window overlooking the swaying trees outside.

Go With an Oversized Pink Tufted Accent Chair

For a girly look, go for an oversized pink tufted accent chair. Pair it with a small white accent table and some built-in bookshelves.

Make Use of the Wide Window Light

If you have an extra wide window, think about installing some built-in benches and creating a cozy reading nook like this one. Add a wall sconce above the shelves for easy light.

Put Quotes on the Stair Backs

I love this charming idea of adding a written quote on the stair backs of your home!

Cozy Up in a Shearling Accent Chair

I would love a cozy Scandinavian shearling accent chair in my reading nook with warm wood shelves.

Install Bookshelves in a Corner

Create a cozy cushioned nook with floating bookshelves in a corner of your home.

Chaise Lounges

Stretch your feet out and relax with a chaise lounge. You can also create this look with a comfortable chair and matching foot rest to stretch your legs out! A magazine stand to the side lets you store a variety of publications.

Go Monochrome

This bright yellow monochrome nook is impossible to miss! The matching throw pillows create a sunny corner for reading.

Store Books on Rolling Metal Cart

This neutral reading nook is easily served by books on a rolling metal cart!

Hang Out in a Brown Leather Chair

Brown leather chairs are the perfect addition to any reading nook. Abstract art and a black wall are optional!

Use the Floor!

Don’t be limited to just chairs. You can create a cozy floor nook with rugs, blankets and floor pillows, too. It’s simple and budget-friendly!

Go with Upper Bookshelves

If you want to keep your books high and make the most of a space, install a banquet beneath upper bookshelves in a corner of your home. Add wall sconces for additional lighting!

Opt for a Minimal Design

If you find it hard to focus, then go with a really simple and minimal design like this one for your reading nook. The white and cream tones will help reflect light so you can see what you’re reading, too!

Hang a Swingasan

If you love the boho look, then consider a swingasan for your home, next to a long wall of bookshelves!

Re-Purpose Your Upstairs Loft

If you have an upstairs loft, why not install a bench, small table, and bookshelves to create a cozy nook?

Put it Under the Staircase

Your nook can fit snugly under the staircase of your home. Lower storage drawers can store your favorite books. Add some tube throw pillows on each end and you’re good to go!

Install a Built-in Banquette

This U-shaped banquette has turquoise cushions for several people to sit and read. The little space is opened by bookshelves and an indoor stepping ladder for reaching the high shelves.

Put a Pop of Color

Add a pop of color to attract people to sit in your little nook! The yellow cushion catches the eye in this window reading nook, inviting people to come sit and read.

Re-Purpose Your Staircase Landing

Don’t let your staircase landing be empty and boring. Instead, turn it into a reading nook staircase landing! You can stop to read by a window when you like, no matter what floor you’re on!

Use a Ladder to Get to Your Built-in Reading Bench

I love this design of this space, with a cute ladder to reach a high reading nook near the window.

Put a Nook in Your Hallway

The hallway is a great place to install bookshelves if you have the space. The white side chair and wood accent table with a chess board create a welcoming atmosphere to read.

Decorate with Farmhouse Shiplap Walls

This modern farmhouse reading nook is inspiring with its black lighting accents and white shiplap walls!

Add a Nearby Fireplace

Is there anything better than reading near a warm fireplace? If you can install a fireplace near your reading nook, I’m sure you’ll spend all winter long there!

Have it Double as a Built-in Daybed

This reading nook doubles as a built-in day bed, where you can lounge in or have guests spend the night.

Furnish It With Matching Green Accent Chairs

The matching green accent chairs in this staircase landing reading nook are a cozy choice. One is draped with a faux fur blanket and both are surrounded by black bookshelves.

Make Your Guest Room Reading Friendly

These two twin beds in a guest room are placed below several shelves with books. If your guests love to read, they will welcome the lovely surprise!

I hope this post gave you plenty of ideas on how to decorate a reading nook! I hope you found these reading rooms as inspirational as we did. They would make a voracious reader very happy, but they can also serve as a relaxing oasis for someone who just likes to read once in a blue moon, too.

Reading Nooks by Style

Since many people already have a particular decorative style in their home, we have created specific guides for designing a beautiful reading nook according to your home’s aesthetic.

• 7 Coziest Scandinavian Reading Nooks
• 5 Inspiring Farmhouse Reading Nooks
• 10 Amazing Coastal Reading Nooks
• 7 Bohemian Reading Nooks
• 7 Cozy French Country Reading Nooks

You can also follow our Reading Nook board on Pinterest for more ideas!

Since we all have more time to lounge around the house these days, creating a cozy reading corner of your home is a smart idea that will serve you well!

Let us know your favorite reading room idea in the comments below.

Happy curating!

Where and how to place a reading nook: 8 options

It is not necessary to install bulky shelving and give half of the living room as a library. You can arrange a very small corner, for example, by the window. Or under the stairs if you live in a private house. There are many such mini-places in the house to comfortably sit with a book.

No time to read? Watch the video!

1 On a balcony or loggia

Instagram @remont_na_kablukax

Instagram @remont_na_kablukax

An open balcony can become a wonderful summer library. Consider mosquito protection and lighting so that you can read even at night. It is easier to organize a small library on an insulated loggia. And if the loggia is connected to one of the rooms, it is even easier to arrange a secluded corner: put a small rack and add cozy textiles.

2 In the living room

Instagram @nataligunin

Instagram @remont_krasnoyarsk_ellis

Instagram @simple_scandi_things

Instagram @simple_scandi_things

Instagram @simple_scandi_things

In the living room, as a rule, there are many functional areas combined, so it’s quite difficult to allocate a separate space for reading. However, if you have an empty corner or a couple of meters of free space left, this is already enough. Hang a couple of shelves, attach a light fixture to a clip, and set up a compact mini or bean bag chair. It can be used not only while reading, but also as the main furniture in the room, for example, when guests arrive. Try to arrange the books in an interesting way. For example, if you have a decorative fireplace, you can place a couple of shelves inside and place books on them, and put an armchair and a lamp next to it.

3 On the windowsill

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Instagram @_. _la_beaute_._

An excellent way to save space is a reading corner right on the windowsill. You can arrange books and magazines there, and put a chair next to it. Or, if the width allows, arrange the seat directly on the windowsill: a pair of soft pillows or a voluminous blanket is enough for this. This way you will save the space of the room as much as possible, but the curtains will have to be removed completely or replaced with more concise short models.

4 Nursery

Instagram @mamangelinas

Instagram @sweet_kids_home

Instagram @mamangelinas

If your child loves to read and already has a small library, why not join it? Set up a shared reading area for you and your child. Hang in the children's shelves or put a small rack where your books and children's publications will stand. You can add a couple of armchairs: for children and adults, or do without furniture and sit comfortably right on the floor on a rug.

5 Under stairs

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Instagram @olechka_rodkina

As a rule, the space under the stairs in a country house is either empty or used as a warehouse for extra things. In the meantime, you can organize a great secluded corner with books there. To prevent you from being disturbed by household members passing by, provide a curtain. So you can arrange a real home library without spending a single meter from the space of the rooms on it.

6 In the bedroom

Instagram @wegroup.design

Instagram @wegroup.design

Instagram @irina_marenina

Instagram @irina_marenina

on the shelf. A handy trolley with shelves on wheels can act as a mini-shelf for storing books. They can be laid out in beautiful containers or boxes to make the bookcase look as neat as possible. Drive her to the bed instead of the bedside table and the reading nook is ready. And when books are not needed, the bookcase can be removed.

7 In the hallway

Instagram @irma_interior

The reading nook in the hallway can be combined with the main decor. Empty one or more shelves in your closet and arrange your books there. Add an armchair to the hallway: it will be comfortable to put on shoes, as well as read. Local lighting can be arranged using a wall sconce so as not to take up space on the floor and other surfaces.

8 In the kitchen

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Instagram @autentico.leather

Instagram @i.books.dream

Despite the fact that cookbooks have given way to recipes from the Internet, the kitchen is still a convenient place to read. In addition to culinary publications, kitchen cabinets can store fiction or magazines. It is convenient to pass the time while the broth is being cooked, or sit down with a book on a small sofa with a cup of tea.

Prepared by

Elena Perlova

How to arrange a reading area in any corner of the house

1. This nook in the living room was obtained by adding a balcony. Designer Olesya Sitnikova created a separate area here, ideal for reading, and a vintage Japanese screen makes it especially cozy.

2. Customers Ivan and Natalia Trofimov from Blockstudio chose an unusual place for the reading area - in the combined kitchen-dining room. At the same time, it is extremely functional: a comfortable chaise longue, shelves, a stand for magazines, directional light. It is not surprising that this is the favorite place of the hostess of the apartment.

Blockstudio apartment in Moscow, 77 m². Photo: Sergey Ananiev. Stylist: Natalia Onufreychuk.

3. An armchair under the stairs, as in this project by Anastasia Komarova, is most likely not the place where you want to spend the whole evening reading a fascinating novel. But leafing through a magazine while other households are preparing for a joint publication, you can definitely be happy there. Just think how many family conflicts can be avoided with the help of such a corner!

Guest house in the Moscow region designed by Anastasia Komarova. Photo: Mikhail Stepanov.

4. Iconic furniture models often look monumental, as a symbol of the owners' involvement in the great history of world design. But not in the Minsk apartment of designer Maria Stepanova: it is clear that the Eames deck chair is absolutely in its place here and is used for its intended purpose. The designers wanted the chair to hug the rider like a baseball glove - a ball. These are the perfect conditions for reading.

Maria Stepanova's apartment in Minsk, 75 m². Photo: Sergey Krasyuk.

5. Designer Valeria Dzyuba has found the right use for the staircase hall in the attic floor of her two-level apartment. The chair of Gaetano Pesce works here both as a sculptural object and as a “nest” in which you can hang out for some interesting reading for a long time. And the living light from the attic window will make this process especially pleasant. This area of ​​the house will definitely not be “dead”.

6. This corner is part of a classic composition: a sofa plus a couple of armchairs facing the fireplace or TV. Having added a floor lamp and a table to one of the armchairs, decorator Irina Tatarnikova also received a full-fledged reading corner. This is a good option for small rooms that cannot be divided into different zones, especially since a multifunctional space always looks more interesting.

Apartment in Moscow designed by Irina Tatarnikova, 113 m². Photo: Mikhail Stepanov.

7. In the apartment designed by Ariana Akhmad and Tatyana Karyakina, everything is tied to large windows, behind which fir trees are green. And this daybed in the bedroom is designed primarily to enjoy the views. But when you get tired of admiring the conifers, you can read there with no less pleasure. Fortunately, in addition to the window, there is also its own source of artificial light.

8. In the country house of the entrepreneur and collector Oleg Baibakov, which was designed by Gulya Galeeva, a separate area in the office is allocated for reading. The fireplace is located not quite usually - not in the center, but in the corner of the room, but it is within easy reach of the bookshelves. The only thing that can be added to this composition is a floor lamp or some other local light source: lamps mounted in the ceiling may not be enough for comfortable reading.

The house of the collector Oleg Baibakov in the Moscow region, designed by Gulya Galeeva. Photo: Stéphane Juliard. Stylist and producer: Natalya Onufreychuk.

9. Decorator Inna Soltmann's apartment is almost completely furnished with vintage furniture, and this part of the office is no exception. Most often, a floor lamp is paired with a reading chair, but an ordinary table lamp on a high table perfectly replaces it. But it is inconvenient to hold a cup of tea at such a height, so a second table is added to the composition, lower, on which, in moments of relaxation, you can also stretch your legs.

Apartment in Moscow designed by Inna Soltmann, 43 m². Photo: Sergey Ananiev.

10. Rocking chairs are rarely used in modern interiors. The project of the A3 studio shows how cozy it looks, especially when combined with a fireplace.

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