Whether you're an avid bibliophile or simply long for a serene place to unwind after a long day's work, a reading corner is the ideal relaxation zone where you can leave everyday stress behind.
What's more, a reading nook can be a convenient way to keep all your books organized in one place, rather than scattered around your home. But as with everything else in your home, designing one of these cozy spaces is an art. That's why we spoke to the experts to find out how to create a reading nook you'll never want to leave. Read on for their tips.
Choose a quiet, comfortable space
Creating a reading corner can be a great way to make use of the cluttered or dead space you have in your home. A cluttered alcove too small to accommodate a closet or a pitched roof too low to be functional are two excellent examples. All you have to do is add a few shelves and seats, and you've created a whole new space in your home without taking up valuable space. You want to choose a space with little foot traffic and noise so you won't be distracted or disturbed during your pleasant reading sessions. Creating zones is one of the most important ways of creating structure in the home. Reading nooks work best in a bedroom or living room, but you can also decorate them in large hallways, a children's playroom and family rooms. Another excellent option is under a staircase. This often underutilized space can be put to good use by building a cozy retreat.
Choose a comfortable seat
One of the best ways to add a reading nook is to create a built-in bench seat, ideally with a window. A thick banquette cushion covered in a textured fabric to add interest, and a range of decorative pillows to really comfort the whole thing. If a window seat isn't practical in your home, comfort is always key when it comes to sitting in your reading nook. Use a small or medium-sized armchair or lounge chair that you know will be comfortable to snuggle up in for hours. Once you've chosen your seat, you can really build the rest of the corner design around it.
Focus on good lighting
As well as a comfortable seat, you'll obviously also need a light source to read your books. Depending on the amount of natural light the space receives, a sconce, pendant or floor lamp can be used. Just make sure that the lighting is positioned so that it's functional when you're actually sitting and reading, and also, ideally, that you can reach to turn the light off or on without getting up. The lighting in your reading corner also plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Choose a floor or table lamp with a warm, soft light.
Add comfort elements
A cozy reading nook wouldn't be complete without plenty of fluffy pillows. Add a soft blanket and you instantly transform your space into a potential napping spot. You can also add a small end table to your nook, so you can keep your reading glasses, a cup of hot coffee or tea, or a glass of wine close by.
Organize your storage space
Having enough storage space is crucial to creating the perfect reading nook. It will be difficult to relax when stacks of books are cluttering up the room because they can't fit on the shelves. If you don't have a lot of storage space, it's important to check in regularly and see which books you want to keep and which you can give away. This way, you can keep your reading corner calm, spacious and under control. Organize your books by color or size for a more visually appealing display. Be careful not to overload your reading corner with sentimental objects, at the risk of creating a cramped, cluttered space.
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