Years ago, I lived in a small, drab apartment that didn’t feel like much of a home. One of the ways I made it a little more cozy and homey was to create a cozy reading nook – a little space where I could curl up and read and tune out the world.

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I came up with this ideas because I didn’t have much space and I wanted a little reading corner that only had one purpose. A space where I didn’t do work or pay bills or make irritating business phone calls.

Sometimes I just want to turn off the TV, ignore my phone’s news alerts, sit down with a cup of something warm to drink and read a good book.

Whether you read, enjoy some knitting, work a jigsaw puzzle or just chat with a friend, this is a great way to feel like you’re a million miles from the outside world.

Find The Perfect Reading Space

The first step in creating your ideal reading nook is choosing the right space in your home. You want your spot to be tucked away from distractions and noise but still have good lighting.

You only need a few square feet of your living room, breakfast area, etc. Seriously, you only need about 5 square feet for this. Ideally for me it would have a window that has a nice view of the outdoors, but that’s not necessary. Even a wide foyer or the end of a hallway can work.

Look for areas that are naturally quiet, such as corners or alcoves in your living room or bedroom. It could be near a fireplace if you prefer warmer spots.

Use a Closet as your Reading Area

If you have a spare closet that’s big enough for a chair and a bookshelf, that can work, too. Just remove the door, and your closet becomes an alcove. 

The trick with using closets as reading nooks is that they don’t always have good lighting. You may need to install some lighting.

Alcoves

Alcoves make terrific reading nooks. As with closets, the only concern will be lighting.

Window Seat with Cushions

If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat in your home, you can just add a cushion and some throw pillows to it. Make sure there’s a bookshelf nearby, and you’ll have a cozy reading nook.

Create a Cozy Reading Nook

1. Pick Comfortable Seating

Comfortable seating is paramount when creating a reading corner. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable after only ten minutes of sitting down to read.

A beanbag chair may sound like fun, but they aren’t comfortable for long periods. Instead, choose a comfy chair upholstered with plenty of padding, like an armchair or chaise lounge.

A comfortable chair should support your back in an upright position while allowing you to sink into it, making it easy to read for hours without any discomfort. If you’re short on space, consider investing in a hammock-style swing chair that hangs from the ceiling.

2. Add Soft Natural Lighting

Lighting plays an important role in setting the mood of your reading nook while also helping you see what you’re reading properly. Harsh overhead lighting won’t do much for ambiance; instead, add soft lighting through floor lamps or table lamps with warm light bulbs that emit gentle glow throughout space.

I personally recommend craft lamps with daylight bulbs because I find them easier on the eyes for reading and hobbies like knitting.

String lights are also a great way to add ambiance and can be hung on shelves or around the windows. For some vintage charm, try using an old-fashioned reading lamp with a dimmer switch.

3. Side Tables

At least one side table is a great thing to have in this space, especially if you want somewhere to set a drink. A window sill in a window box works, too. 

4. Bookshelf

You don’t have to have your bookshelf in your reading nook, but it’s a nice touch. You can add something as simple as stacked wooden crates to make a storage space for books.

You could also install floating shelves that save floor space. These can add a great look to your space because the books on the shelf are the first thing you see.

If you’re short on space, store books in baskets or crates next to your chair or under tables. Adding a small side table next to your chair is also a great place for storing books, magazines, and newspapers.

5. Choose Cozy Decor

Decorating your book nook with cozy accents will help make the space more welcoming. Add throw pillows and blankets in soft textures like wool and cashmere. Don’t shy away from color; add colorful prints or patterns that remind you of your favorite season or scenery.

You can also include plants in the corner to bring life into the room while purifying the air you breathe. Use scented candles or incense sticks to create an inviting aroma that promotes relaxation.

6. Make Your Reading Nook Personal

Your reading nook should reflect who you are because it’s a personal space. This is where you curl up with stories that inspire, educate, and entertain.

Add artwork or photographs that speak to your interests””paintings of landscapes if you love nature scenes or illustrations from children’s books if they bring back fond memories of childhood days.

Add small pieces of decor like seashells collected from beach trips, antique figurines from grandparents’ homes, or any other trinket that brings joy when seen by the eyes.

7. Keep It Neat

This is definitely a minimalist sort of space, so you want to make sure it stays clean and organized. Clean out bookshelves periodically to make room for new additions and get rid of ones already read but not loved. Keep pillows and blankets fresh by washing them frequently.

Remove clutter regularly – drink cups, plates, and other distractions that may interfere with your reading experience. A tidy space will always be more inviting and cozy.