10 Cozy Reading Nook Ideas for Inspiration
Ready to create a perfect space where you never want to put down your latest page-turner? Get inspired with these 10 reading nook ideas, including the cute coastal book nook makeover we just finished for my younger daughter’s room.
Creating a designated reading space in your home is a non-negotiable for book lovers; it can help spark a new habit, too. Any time you create a space you love, the activities you do within it are more enjoyable.
And a reading nook is often a perfect solution for turning an odd, small space in your home into a usable retreat for a screen-free afternoon! Let’s dive into some of my favorite examples!
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Our Reading Nook Mini-Makeover
Until recently, we’ve only had general areas where I’ve staged furniture and lighting to encourage escaping with a book. Now, we have our first fully dedicated book nook in my youngest daughter’s bedroom. Since we are in the early stages of her coastal-style bedroom makeover, we started with this small project! What a difference it made!
You can read all the details about this easy and affordable weekend book nook project in its dedicated post. I will hit the highlights in the inspiration list later. But, before we get into those examples, I want to cover some planning essentials for your project.
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What to Consider When Planning a Reading Nook
While I know it’s most fun to start with the color scheme, textures and accessories, back up to the basics first. That will help you make even better choices when it comes to the fun stuff.
While your goal is always to create a functional, comfortable and inviting space, it’s important to keep some key aspects in mind during the planning process:
- Available Space: Evaluate the size and layout of the area you want to transform into a reading nook. This will help you determine the scale and type of furniture, storage solutions, paint color and decor.
- Purpose and Functionality: What will be the purpose of this particular book nook, and who is it for? All reading is not the same! Will it be a quiet retreat for solitary reading or part of a space for family members to enjoy together? Let its intended function guide your design choices.
- Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial for creating an inviting atmosphere and preventing eye strain. Depending on your space, incorporate a mix of natural and artificial light sources, such as floor lamps, table lamps, or wall sconces.
- Seating Options: Comfort is almost as essential as light in a reading nook. If you can’t have both, don’t bother! Choose seating options like an armchair, chaise lounge, or daybed that provide ample support for extended reading sessions. Even the smallest spaces have room for cushions, pillows, and throw blankets for added coziness.
- Storage: Determine how to store and display your books and other reading materials. You could do built-in bookshelves, floating shelves, or storage benches and ottomans, for example.
- Color Scheme and Décor: Choose a color palette and decor style that aligns with your taste and promotes relaxation within your home. Soft, neutral tones and calming patterns create a soothing ambiance and eliminate distractions from reading. You should add a few small personal touches though, like artwork, plants, and decorative accents.
- Privacy and Noise Level: Assess the area around the nook and add buffers as necessary. If your only available space for the nook is by a noisy part of your home utilize room dividers, curtains or soundproofing materials.
- Budget and Timeline: This goes without saying, but a realistic budget and timeline for these types of projects always help. They guide your choices for furniture, materials, and labor while keeping the project on track. (So you can move to the next, right?)
10 Reading Nook Ideas to Inspire Your Bookworm Retreat
With all of that out of the way, let’s get back to the fun stuff, shall we? Inspiration! I have gathered 10 of the best approaches to creating book nooks for all types of spaces and needs, starting with a bit more info about my recent project.
1. Delightful Dormer Alcove With Coastal Charm
Transforming this dormer window alcove into a reading nook kicked off a larger room makeover for my daughter’s room. Armed with my design board reflecting her coastal-style picks, I found everything we needed at Lowe’s. It included paint from the HGTV HOME by Sherwin Williams line, a roman shade, throw pillows, a pouf and sconce. Get all the details in the full book nook makeover post.
2. Built-In Bench and Shelves
A custom-built bench paired with surrounding bookshelves is an excellent way to create a multifunctional reading nook. Both of these beautiful built-in designs offer ample storage, personal touches and comfortable seating for relaxing and diving into your latest literary adventure. Soft cushions and warm throw blankets make them extra cozy.
3. Hallway Haven
Transform a narrow hallway into a secluded reading space by installing a built-in bench, plush cushions, and bookshelves. This clever use of space maximizes your home’s living space and creates room for retreating into a favorite novel and a cup of tea.
4. Closet Conversion
Turn an unused closet into a compact yet comfortable reading nook! Simply remove the doors, install shelves, and build a padded bench (more storage!). Or you can add a comfy chair, rug and lighting into the recess. This example shows a teen girl’s upgraded nook, with an elevated makeover to better suit her age.
5. Steal Away Under the Stairs
Maximize all or part of the space beneath a staircase by designing a reading nook with a built-in padded bench, storage, and plenty of cushions and lighting.
Without a built-in, you could just as easily add a large, cozy chair or small sofa, a slim table for tea and a floor lamp. This example from Studio McGee uses detailed trim molding with built-in shelves, decor and art. But patterned wallpaper is another way to set these spaces apart and create more visual interest.
6. Cozy Up in a Corner
Transform an unused corner of your living room or bedroom by adding a plush armchair, a matching ottoman, and a stylish side table. This simple arrangement creates a comfortable reading nook perfect for unwinding with a good book. While this example has the advantage of a recessed area and built-in bookcases, you could recreate a similar arrangement without them.
7. A Reading Room
Sometimes a home will have a tiny room that’s a little larger than a closet, but too small for a full bedroom. So, how about turn it into a reading room?
Layla at The Lettered Cottage did just that in one of her homes! They had a 6 x 6 room with a door casing, and decided to convert it into a reading room with cozy details and tons of down-time function!
8. Window Seat Retreat
Much like the dormer window seat transformation in my youngest daughter’s room, almost any window creates the perfect spot for a reading nook next to just about any window.
Position a bench beneath the window with soft cushions, a small table for a cup of tea, and a warm throw blanket. Add a pouf or footstool so you can prop up your feet. Rely on natural light by day and add a reading lamp or sconce for evenings. I love the curtains added here for softness and privacy.
9. Outdoor-Like Oasis
Transform a sunroom into an organic oasis by surrounding yourself with growing things, plenty of natural lighting, and cushions galore for lounging about with a stack of books. Bring the feeling of the outdoors in not only with your potted plants but outdoor-style lanterns for soft lighting.
10. Kid-Friendly Nook
Isn’t this so colorful and fun? A mom created this nook as a bonus space adjacent to a room her three daughters share. You can create a fun and functional reading nook like this for your kids with colorful cushions, bean bag chairs, and kid-sized bookshelves.
Having a dedicated space for relaxing and reading encourages literacy and a love for reading but also provides a fun and comfortable spot for them to unwind after a busy day at school. The dramatic curtains in a plush velvet fabric are a fun touch.
Final thoughts
Incorporating a reading nook (or nooks!) into your home has many benefits, from promoting your kids’ literacy to adding a relaxing space for everyone. I hope you’re feeling inspired by the ideas here to create your perfect nook, designed and decorated to become a favorite space in your home for years to come.
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