The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Cosy Reading Nook

 

Whilst it has always been there, the need to carve out some time for ourselves and our wellbeing is more important than ever. Forever spinning plates such as work, children, childcare, exercise, shopping and housework can be exhausting. With a lot of us collapsing onto the sofa at the end of the day, trying to relax and build up the energy to do it all again the following day.

And while watching a movie or your current favourite boxset can help you to unwind and forget about the stresses of the day, some time away from it all can really make a difference.

Rather than sitting in front of a screen, curling up with a good book, with some nice lighting and comfy furnishings can make all the difference to a stressful day. And it’s not just adults who need a break, time out to unwind can be a tonic for kids too.

The addition of a reading nook in your house, to give you that time to indulge in some self-care could be just what you are looking for.

If you need some inspiration to get started, here’s the ultimate guide to creating a cosy reading nook.

What Is a Reading Nook?

Also known as a reading corner, a reading nook is simply a small corner/area within a designated room, which has been created especially for you or the kids to go and relax with a good book.

The dictionary definition of a nook is that it ‘especially offers seclusion’, i.e. you wouldn’t find it in the middle of your lounge or kitchen, which tend to be the busiest rooms in your house. Instead, it’s a quieter area such as a bedroom, or playroom if it’s a children’s reading corner, or even an under the stairs reading nook.

The key is to make it inviting, cosy and peaceful – the furniture and furnishings you choose have a big part to play in creating the right atmosphere, and whether you go for floor cushions, a comfy reading chair or a beanbag, it all works together to create the perfect little retreat from daily life.

What Are Some of the Most Popular Reading Nook Ideas?

Location is key to a reading nook, with some reading corner ideas not actually corners at all! Window seats have proved popular for creating a reading nook, giving you not only a nice, tranquil space to relax in but also provide a view for you to enjoy at the same time.

If you have space under the stairs that isn’t being utilised, this could be the perfect location for a reading nook. A small reading chair, some warm lighting and some shelves for your favourite books and you can transform a space that hasn’t had any use or identity.

If you want to create a reading nook for kids, carving out a corner in their room which looks and feels different to the rest of their room works well. Injecting a sense of fun will make it more inviting, perhaps themed to their favourite author – a Harry Potter theme for want to be wizards or pictures from David Walliams’ wide-ranging collection will help their imaginations run wild as they delve into the next chapter.

Your reading nook doesn’t have to be inside, if you have a balcony, you could set up a lovely boho styled nook, and enjoy the sunshine at the same time. Or, if you have a garden shed that is sat gathering nothing more than spiderwebs, why not transform it in your own little reading room away from all the noise and activity ongoing in your house!

A deep clean, a lick of paint, some comfy furniture and the right lighting will create the perfect atmosphere and place for you to while away the hours with a cup of tea and some peace and quiet.

How To Create a Cosy Reading Nook

The furniture, colour and styling you choose for your reading nook will make all the difference to the look and feel of your reading corner. Given that a reading nook is a place for you to retreat and put your feet up, here are a few tips to consider on how to create your very own cosy reading nook starting with your reading chair of choice.

The Best Reading Chair to Use

Depending on the space available, a chair like the Harrow Snuggler is the perfect oversized reading chair. A loveseat, available in a range of fabrics, with a larger chair you can curl your feet up and get lost in your book.

If you only have a small space for a reading armchair, then there are still plenty of options available. A fabric armchair is a stylish, contemporary chair, which doesn’t take up much room, perfect for those smaller reading nooks. It could also double up as a living room chair, and you could move it to your reading nook as and when you need it.

Choosing the Right Colour

Colour also has an essential role in helping you to create the right environment for your reading nook. Your reading corner is a tranquil space for you to escape the stresses of the day, colours such as greys, creams and terracotta can create a sense of calm. If you want a more decadent space, richer colours such as dark blues, greens or even purples can provide you with a corner oozing in luxury

Bedroom Corner Options

If you’re creating a children’s reading corner in their bedroom, you may want to use something to create a boundary – there are several incredible curtain/tepee style options in a variety of colour, that can help you separate the reading nook from the rest of the room, and give it its own identity.

Styling the Nook Area

As well as your chair, your reading corner could be styled with additional furnishing and accessories. A reading table and chair is a great combination, giving you somewhere to put a drink and some biscuits, and perhaps a lamp if you want some additional lighting.

House plants bring a real sense of tranquillity into a room, adding some to your reading corner will help to create a sense of calm. If there isn’t enough light in your reading nook for real houseplants, some artificial foliage will still help to create the look you’re going for.

You could also add some storage to your reading nook – the likes of woven baskets or boxes to put a blanket or some of your favourite magazines can add to the look and feel of your space.

Candles and fairy lights can help to create a warm atmosphere, and shelves with your books and some pictures on the wall will all help to add to the décor and create a lovely, inviting atmosphere you can’t wait to spend time in.

Final Thoughts

While your reading nook may primarily be for curling up with your favourite read, you can use the space for plenty of other activities. Whether you want some privacy to call and catch up with friends, write some letters or do your nails, your reading corner is a space for you to stop spinning the plates for a short while and indulge in some well-deserved time out!