Why you Need a Reading Nook (& some Great Ideas for Nooks!)
A reading nook is a quiet, relaxing and comforting area of your home where you can go to read in peace. Learn why you need a reading nook, and check out our amazing ideas for reading nooks!
I’m a huge reader – there really isn’t ever a time that I can remember that I haven’t had a book ‘on the go’ that I am currently reading (and trying to find the time to read!)
I read in bed, or sitting on my sofa in my home. I love nothing more than a rainy day outside when I can sit cuddled up in a blanket on my sofa, with a cup of tea and roaring fire in the background to just enjoy the pleasure of reading.
I don’t read well in public spaces that are noisy. I want to concentrate on what I am reading, and savor what I am reading. I need a quiet area away from everyone else.
One of my favorite TV shows is Escape to the Chateau where they have been fixing up an old Chateau in France.
One of the things the owners did was create a little library in one of the turret rooms. They installed beautiful bookcases, including a ladder to reach the books up top, and put in comfortable chairs. What an incredible place to read!
So it got me thinking about reading nooks – a special place that you create or use in your home (inside or out) to just sit and quietly read.
What is a Reading Nook?
A reading nook is a cozy and comfortable space in your home that has been specifically designed for reading.
A reading nook can be just an area or corner of a room, where you have seating such as a comfortable chair, cushions, or a small sofa, along with good lighting and possibly a small table or bookshelf nearby.
Or a reading nook can be a special window seat, or a place tucked away in quiet corners or alcoves of a room, providing a retreat-like atmosphere conducive to reading and relaxation.
Reading Nooks are popular among avid readers and book lovers as a dedicated space to enjoy their favorite books in relaxation, peace and comfort.
What you Need for a Reading Nook
Your reading nook can be as simple as a place that you go to read in peace and quiet. Or it can be a special place that you have designed in your home especially for reading.
If you are creating a special reading nook, here are some things you may want to consider:
Seating. A reading nook needs to have comfortable seating. Either a chair, sofa, or cushions scattered somewhere. A nook can of course be on the floor, but it needs to be comfortable and inviting.
Bookcase. If you planning on using the nook just for reading you will need somewhere to store all those books that you plan to read.
Good lighting. Natural lighting is the best for a reading nook, that is why a window seat will make a great place to read. But if you are reading at night, or on gloomy days, you will also need some artificial light. So your reading area should have a mix of natural lighting and some well selected artificial lighting too.
Plants. Plants are great to have in your reading nook as they provide some greenery, they are nice and relaxing to look at, and they are a calming addition to any space.
Cushions. Comfortable cushions are essential for a reading nook – either scattered on a bench, chair or sofa. They provide comfort while you are reading, and make a space look more inviting too.
Throws and Blankets. On a chilly day or evening there is nothing better than wrapping yourself in a blanket while you sit back and read a really good book.
Side Table. A side table is a good item to have either beside a chair or sofa, as you can place a drink on it, a candle, plant or more. Plus it is a place to set down your book too!
Reading Nook Ideas
Window Seat Nook: Utilize a bay window or create a window seat with cushions and throw pillows. Add a small side table or shelf for books and a reading lamp.
Cozy Corner: Transform a corner of a room with a comfortable armchair or chaise lounge, a soft rug, and a standing lamp or wall-mounted sconces for lighting. Hang some artwork or shelves for books nearby.
Hammock Nook: Install a hammock in a corner of your room or in a secluded area of your backyard. Add some plush cushions and blankets for comfort and enjoy reading while gently swaying.
Closet Nook: Convert a walk-in closet or under-stair space into a reading nook by adding a small armchair or bean bag chair, shelves for books, and soft lighting. You can even add curtains or a canopy for privacy.
Outdoor Retreat: Create a reading nook in your backyard or on a balcony with a comfortable outdoor chair or hammock, surrounded by potted plants or a garden. Add outdoor lighting such as string lights or lanterns for evening reading sessions.
DIY Fort Nook: Build a fort or teepee using blankets, sheets, or curtains draped over a frame made of chairs or a clothesline. Fill the inside with plush pillows, blankets, and fairy lights for a magical reading hideaway.
Bookshelf Nook: Create a reading space within a built-in bookshelf by adding a cushioned bench or floor pillows in an alcove or underneath the shelves. Install a reading light or use the built-in lighting for ambiance.
Elevated Platform Nook: Build a raised platform or use a lofted space to create a reading nook. Add a comfortable mattress or cushions, surrounded by curtains or drapes for privacy, and install shelves or a small table for books and drinks.
The Best Spot for a Reading Nook in Your Home
If you want to create a reading nook, either look around your home for the ideal spot, or create that place.
Your nook should ideally be in a quieter part of your home, away from constant traffic and noise. Try to find a space that is not a main thoroughfare in your home – where your family will constantly be walking through to get to other parts.
Choose a space that can be kept tidy and clean. The last thing you will want to do is sit in a cozy place to read a book that is messy and dirty!
A reading nook is a quiet, relaxing and comforting area of your home where you can go to read in peace. Learn why you need a reading nook, and check out our amazing ideas for reading nooks!