What is a reading nook
28 Reading Nooks You Could Read in Forever
By
Kaitlyn McInnis
Kaitlyn McInnis
Kaitlyn McInnis is a lifestyle expert and writer specializing in global interior design trends and styles which she is able to experience first-hand through her extensive travels. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Homes & Gardens, and Real Homes. Kaitlyn also worked for AskMen.com, where she managed an international team of writers and experts.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 01/20/22
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
In our chaotic lives, a responsibility-free afternoon or even five minutes is a luxury. But if we dedicate spaces in our homes to peaceful activities, such as reading a novel, working through a stack of magazines or even putting on a mud mask and meditating, they can serve as reminders to slow down and find time for self-care amid hectic schedules.
A reading nook can achieve this. Although a soft chair, plush throw pillow, and ottoman is an invitation to crack open a favorite read, a reading nook is a place where you can sit and take a breath. It should be a corner, or if you like, an entire room of your home dedicated to your needs and unique personality.
What are the things that make you feel cozy? Is it a warm, handwoven throw blanket you bought on Etsy? A small table filled with books, pictures, and flowers? Perhaps it’s being surrounded by a veritable indoor jungle of houseplants.
The trick is to think about the things that make you feel happy and soothed, and bring those elements into your reading nook. Here are some inspiring spaces to get you started.
The 9 Best Reading Chairs of 2023
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Incorporate Soft Materials
The House on Hillside Lane
Nothing says “cozy” more than a chair that you can truly sink into, just like this one softened up by The House on Hillside Lane.
This chair, rendered in cloud-like white, calls for a few restful minutes (or more) spent with a beloved book. Find a chair that feels sumptuous to the touch, then match it with a throw pillow that brings in color or texture, along with personal bits of decor, like family photos, or wall hangings brought back from a vacation. Learn How to Mix and Match Throw Pillows
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Include a Bookshelf
House of Harvee
Someday you’ll have a home library that rivals the one in Beauty and the Beast. For now, if you’re working with a small space, such as a window seat, flank your reading nook with a built-in bookshelf, like this one crafted by the interior designers at The Habitat Collective. A bookshelf that’s alongside your reading nook means your top tomes are always at the ready for an afternoon of reading. And with natural light like this, you won’t miss a word.
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Place Your Nook in a Bedroom Corner
Maite Granda
A reading nook doesn’t require a lot of space, and an ideal spot for one is that random, empty corner of your bedroom.
That’s what Maite Granda did in this bedroom. She created a classic reading nook with a simple white chair, flanked with a small side table and gold lamp—perfect for morning reading with the newspaper. -
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Consider Comfort
@reflektiondesign
“When we think of a reading nook we envision a small, cozy space where we can lounge, read, and simply escape from our day to day for a little while,” says Megan Dufresne, principal designer at MC Design. “Traditionally this would include a comfortable oversized chair, chaise, or sofa, a good light source, and of course a place to keep books, magazines, newspapers, or more likely a tablet these days.”
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Add Whimsical Details
MC Design
With the basics in place you can add your own creative touch to make it unique and fit your specific needs. “Consider adding a vintage record player, a bar cart, or a fun art piece,” suggests Dufresne.
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Use Vertical Space
@masha_kindjer
Vertical space is worth taking advantage of—whether you’re working with a small space or you just want to keep your books up and off the ground.
Add a couple of additional decor pieces and you have yourself a sumptuous corner to get cozy in. -
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Make the Most of Angles
MC Design
Dealing with some weird corners in your space? Instead of trying to work around them you can embrace the space and turn it into a distinct nook. This will add visual interest and make your reading nook even more cozy and unique.
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Go Green
@thevisionaryhusbands
A bohemian design-inspired book nook is super easy to emulate: all you really need is a chunky wicker chair and a couple of plants. Consider adding a few colorful cushions to make the space even more welcoming and comfortable.
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Take Advantage of Small Rooms
@ourpnw_home
Those funny third bedrooms usually wind up being used as storage—but it’d be much better off using your teeny extra bedroom for a reading room. Consider installing a couple of shelves, add a pretty little lamp, and position a comfy chair next to the window for optimal coziness.
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Look Under the Stairs
@realtor_niafox
Harry Potter fans know that a cupboard under the stairs is more than enough space for a little reading nook. The dead space that can occur in an open concept staircase is one of the best spots to throw a couple of pillows or accent chairs for reading.
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Opt for Unique Wallpaper
@thecollectivedallas
If you don’t have the space to carve out a full corner or room for reading, you can easily make the distinction between social living space and reading nook by using a unique wallpaper for an accent wall. Add a comfortable chair and a lamp and you have the perfect spot for curling up with a good book.
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Take It Outdoors
MC Design
Indoor reading nooks are wonderful—but a spot to read under the stars is even better. Consider adding a couple of weatherproof pillows to an unused corner of your balcony or backyard patio—and don’t forget the steaming cup of coffee to keep you warm as you turn each page.
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Use Transitional Spaces
@itshomeyall
Wondering what to do with that awkward extra space in your bedroom or hallway? Consider adding a small bench and a cozy stack of pillows or blankets. The transitional space can easily be transformed into a reading nook as long as it doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic from other members of your household.
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Get Cozy in a Corner
@love_in_1000_square_feet
You really can’t beat an unused corner when it comes to reading nook real estate. Position a comfy chair kitty-corner, add a side table for your coffee and bookmark, and let the must-read stack of books grow.
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Take Advantage of Natural Light
@layeredhomeliving
If you’re lucky enough to have space in your home that becomes flooded with natural light, you might want to consider creating a reading nook that’ll allow you to bask in the sun. Consider a more minimal chair that won’t block the light and a simple side table or footstool for added comfort.
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Section Off Your Space
@trevorfulmerdesign
Reading nooks require tranquility—but if you have a hard time finding space in your home that doesn’t get foot traffic you might need to take matters into your own hand. A simple dressing screen can create a cozy space free from the distractions in the rest of your space.
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Hang Out
@i.hate.wednesdays
Cozy chairs and sofas are great—but a hanging hammock chair? Even better! An indoor swing or hammock instantly adds a sense of play and whimsy to your space and makes for a surprisingly soothing experience.
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Play With Scale
@darbywallisdesign
Reading nooks are always a more whimsical part of home decor—so you may as well lean into it. Playing with scale (like adding an oversized pouf or a micro-mini side table) will set your nook apart from the rest of your home while still remaining practical.
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Try Patterns
@selinalake
Texture and patterns can make or break a great reading nook—especially if you lean toward more colorful designs. Consider stacking multiple cushions of varying shades for a visually interesting and comfortable space.
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Use a Closet
@area3design
Lots of homeowners have leaned into the closet office trend over the past couple of years—but a closet reading nook might be even better. It takes a little more effort to create a fitted bank for the space but you can just as easily add a couple of chairs or a pile of pillows.
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Create a Window Seat
@homesweetlakehouse
A window seat is one of the best spots to create a book nook—it’s cozy and offers, quite literally, a window to let your mind wander. If you don’t have a window seat in your home you can add a chaise lounge chair for a similar effect.
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Take It To-Go
@thewellreadgram
If you’re lucky enough to have an abundance of cozy nooks and crannies in your space, you might want to forego one designated book nook and instead lean into the idea of a book cart.
This will allow you to roll your nook around to wherever it is that has the best light or the least amount of distractions at a given moment. -
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Take Advantage of Cushions
@little_weavers_cottage
The right cushions and pillows can turn just about any space into a comfortable reading nook. If you don’t want to invest in furniture or home improvement projects, a simple cushion thrown on the floor with a couple of pillows to prop yourself up will be just as cozy.
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Play With Lighting
@bokcily
The easiest way to make a space feel instantly comfy and inviting? The right string of fairy lights! Many of us forget just how cozy and magical fairy lights can be once we graduate from our college dorms—but a simple string of warm lights can make any space relaxing.
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Take Advantage of Dead Space
@masha_kindjer
Do you have dead space in front of your existing bookshelf or storage area? It might seem like a no-brainer but adding a comfortable chair and a couple of pillows will turn the dead space into your favorite nook in the house.
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Make Use of Odd Space
@reddalec
Whether it’s a cramped corner or a staggered part of your split-level, creating a book nook in an odd part of your home will instantly turn the space into your most-used part of the house—just add pillows!
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Create a Tent Space
@sorenshouse
Hoping to foster a love of reading in your little one? Creating a cozy reading nook for kids is pretty simple—all you really need is a pile of pillows and a canopy. Consider adding extra cushions on the ground if you plan on sharing the space.
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Go for a Multifunctional Space
@englisheccentriccottage
If you have more than one need for a quiet and cozy space—lean into it and opt for something more multi-functional. A booth by the window with a small side table will make the perfect reading nook during the day and cocktail spot for happy hour.
25 Kids Reading Nooks That Are Cool and Stylish
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.
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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.
Reading nook - a place of rest and relaxation
There are hardly any people who do not like to read: the main thing is to offer an interesting book and a cozy place where you can sit comfortably with a cup of aromatic coffee or tea with a new book.
In order to immerse yourself in the world of the book as a whole, to feel the whole atmosphere of the plot and to renounce the world around you, you need to arrange a comfortable place for reading.
Even if it's hard to call you a fan of books, a cozy place to read will change your perception of the world of books and give you the opportunity to be alone with yourself. nine0009 Especially since the area in the reading area can be comfortably accommodated with a laptop, the atmosphere of personal space is much more important.
So, today we will discuss how to equip a nest for reading and work.
Surely you have any chair, a soft blanket, a funny pillow and a mug in which drinks seem especially tasty - we take all these little things, find a floor lamp or a lamp and decide where we will build a nest of comfort.
If you prefer to get up early and reading in the morning with a cup of aromatic coffee inspires you, then you need to equip the reading room closer to the source of daylight. nine0003
A wide window sill is what we need.
A source of natural daylight will make reading especially comfortable, and the view outside the window will allow you to shift your gaze to relax your eyes.
To make it comfortable and soft, you can place a mattress and pillows and, of course, a blanket.
If the interior of the room allows, you can place bookshelves or mobile shelves on the walls so that your favorite books are at hand.
nine0002In fine, warm weather, there is no better place to read than a balcony or a loggia.
Depending on the size of the balcony, a small sofa or armchair can be placed for comfortable reading.
Grab a compact coffee table that will fit books and a mug of cocoa, and if the size of the loggia is limited, consider a corner shelf.
Another place for privacy can be a niche under the stairs. This decision is relevant for home owners. nine0003
The place under the stairs often remains unused, and to equip a cozy work area or library there is a very good idea.
Place a small sofa or a soft banquette in a niche and the place for rest and relaxation is ready.
If desired, you can make comfortable shelves and a tabletop, turning a niche into a real office.
For those who do not have the space and time for such solutions, there is a simple and quick option - an armchair with built-in shelves. nine0003
The armchair is cozy, soft and spacious, on the one hand, it is most often complemented by a high side, and on the other hand, with built-in niches with shelves.
Books and magazines are at hand and no effort is needed to set up a reading area.
Read, fantasize and find new solutions to decorate the interior and create comfort in your home.
Setting up a reading nook | Blog Angstrem
09/15/2020
532 Views , 0 Comments
To fully enjoy literature, you need not only good books, but also a cozy interior. If there is a comfortable reading corner at home, then you will read more. We help with advice.
1. The classic version is a couch or reading chair in the work area. So that you can, if necessary, take a break from work tasks without leaving home, give the brain the recharge it needs in comfortable conditions. nine0003
2. A place to read in a window niche is the dream of many. Such a magical option will surely become a favorite corner not only for reading, but also just for relaxing. There is a lot of natural light, comfortable soft pillows and a warm blanket. It remains only to get comfortable.
3. If you don't like to waste time in vain - organize a comfortable place for reading in the kitchen.
You can flip through the book while you wait for the meal to be cooked. A comfortable chair and thoughtful lighting will take care of your comfort. nine0003
4. If you live in your own house and there is an empty corner in the large living room, you can put a vintage armchair, a floor lamp and an ottoman there. It will turn out a secluded place for reading, where it will be very easy to immerse yourself in the world of the book, and most importantly, it will be convenient.
5. A great solution for your home is to create a cozy reading space in a niche under the stairs. You can just put a couch and a floor lamp. And the screen will help to fence off from everyone, so that nothing interferes with the process.
6. Make your reading nook special with large plants. Turn this area into a kind of winter garden. Then all year round you can feel like being in nature. Such reading will be especially appreciated. Choose a comfortable chaise longue, daybed, or interesting chair to make privacy with a book as comfortable as possible.
