Create the Perfect Cozy Reading Nook for Escaping the Chilly Weather

Trista - December 2, 2019
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Bookworms know that there is nothing like a good book, and these avid readers need a comfortable place to open up their covers. You don’t have to have your own private library to curl up and enjoy the pages of a good book. Many homeowners have incorporated a cozy reading nook as a way to escape the world around them for a while.

The ambiance is everything, and the perfect place to read has to have certain qualities. It also needs to reflect the reader for which it is intended. Check out these ideas to ensure that your reading nook is a place you would like to visit time and time again.

It’s All About You

A reading nook should reflect who you are. Pixabay

Let the world melt away in a space tailor-made for you. You know what you need to find the right balance between functionality and comfort. This is something that you will want to do for yourself. You want it to be a place that will make you happy.

Some examples of personality could be a few favorite photos on an end table or an inspirational quote. Feel free to add your own style and personality. Readers who devote personal time can find ways to make the space work for them and reflect who they are as individuals.

Location Is Key

Figuring out where to place your reading nook is an essential first step. Pixabay

One of the first steps toward creating your own cozy reading nook is deciding where the perfect place for it to be. It does not have to cost a fortune; you would need to utilize the space you have to fit your basic needs.

A few options could be a corner of a living room, a portion of the office, a small space under the stairs, or even a section of your bedroom. You may also have space in an extra room that is not being used to its full potential. Reading nooks are perfect in just about any quarter.

Finding The Right Place

Your house can have several options for a reading nook. Pixabay

Once you make up your mind that you would like to create a cozy reading nook, you must take a look at what options you have. You want to choose a place that is not too cluttered, and it is free from other distractions, like a TV or radio.

You want to ensure that your little slice of reading heaven potential has enough space for a sitting area and a place to your stacks of reading materials. Once you have made your selection, you can move on to finding a throne that is fit for royalty.

The Perfect Seat

Where to sit can be an important decision for your cozy reading nook. Pixabay

A reading nook is all about comfort, and what could be more comfortable than a big oversized chair. Sink yourself into the perfect lazy chair recliner. Complete the relaxing atmosphere with a soft pillow so you can rest your head comfortably for the next chapter. You will be ready for hours of getting lost in your favorite works of literature.

An ottoman is another welcoming option to kick back your feet and read. Many also come with additional storage options so that you can keep several books on hand for hours of reading pleasure. You can lounge for hours upon hours with your favorite reads in your ideal piece of furniture.

Other Sitting Options

Couches and benches can also be good options. Pixabay

If finding a big comfy chair is not something that you fancy, you can select many other seating arrangements. Bean bag chairs, benches, and couches are just a few of the places to park yourself in your new reading nook.

It is essential to feel comfortable because studies have shown that comfort helps people become happier. When individuals are more content, they tend to work harder and are more apt to finish an important task. Taking time for yourself helps you better yourself on various other levels.

Softer Is Better

A soft, relaxing style is ideal when it comes to finding things for your reading nook. Pixabay

Once you have decided on the kind of seating you wish, you can find other ways to elevate your comfort. While you recline, there can be nothing better than curling up with lots of comfort items. Similar to the seating arrangement, you will want the additional details in your reading nook to be cozy to the touch. If you have any favorite pillows or blankets, the reading nook can be the best place for them.

The warm throw blankets will be an added luxury to have on those cold and rainy nights when all you want to do is stay indoors and catch up on your reading. So wrap yourself and get nestled for the time being.

A Home For Your Favorite Reads

Keep some of your favorite books, and a few you wanted to read nearby. Pixabay

Reading nooks can be not only cozy but convenient too. One of the necessities of the space is the addition of a nearby bookshelf. You can keep a pile of your favorite reads as well as some that you intend to grab right within arm’s reach. It is all at your fingertips.

This can present the perfect reading scenario, where the reader can choose which book to comb through whenever the mood strikes. Sometimes you don’t always know what you might be in the mood for, so it is good to have options.

Bring In A Pop Of Color

Cooler colors have a calming effect. Pixabay

As you are adding some of the necessities to your reading nook, plan a color scheme to your personal space. Studies have shown that specific colors can attribute to a certain mood. Cool colors like blues and purples can assign to a quiet reading room. Greens can also have a calming effect.

If your aesthetic tends to favor warmer colors, you can still represent these hues as subdued tones in order to keep the overall look of the nook soft and calm. A pale yellow or peach color may be just what you need to present a balanced shade to your place. You can find all kinds of assortments of options.

Finding The Coziest Colors

Color accents and warmer hues invite a sense of wonder. Pixabay

Figuring out the right level of comfort is adding several different kinds of layers. After deciding on the right color palette, you can choose the different matching and contrasting textiles, patterns, and wall paint to decorate your reading nook.

Whether it is as an accent or a more dominant hue, several colors work well as cozy colors. These saturated tones tend to be darker shades, such as red, orange, and gold. You can also select a chocolate brown, caramel, or charcoal and achieve the same kind of effect.

Incorporate A Daybed

A daybed can be a viable option for a reading nook. Pixabay

While a reading nook may have the primary function for books, it can also be the perfect place to catch a quick cat nap. Experts have noted that there are many health benefits for daytime naps, including improved alertness, boost in creativity, and a reduction in stress, among others.

A daybed can be a cozy option to include, and it can be adapted in several ways. You could add built-in bookshelves, trims, and other elements to customize the space. It could be a great spot to rest and relax with a favorite book.

The Versatile Daybed

Daybeds are convertible and can easily be changed to fit your needs — like adding shelves for your books. Pixabay

Daybeds can be good options for reading nooks because they can be turned into a sofa or love seat when they are not needed to be used as bedding. This allows for a place to lounge rather than the bed.

This kind of flexibility can be a welcome addition to a reading nook because of that versatility. It can be easily transitioned into a guest bedroom or a place to catch a few z’s on a lazy Sunday.

Display Your Gallery

Favorite pictures can be paired with other objects for your theme. Pixabay

Sometimes comfort does not come from material things but by the people we know. A photo gallery along one of the walls near the reading nook can provide the display space needed to keep the memories near you while you get lost in your pages.

You can also incorporate items as part of a vintage theme, such as old road signs, artistic paintings, and other quirky elements that help tie the corner together with the rest of the room.

This Is Personal

Make sure your photos are evenly positioned to make it look like they go together. Pixabay

When you decided to put in a personal photo collage or gallery near your reading nook, you can help make it cozy by tying it all together. You want to pick pieces that are cohesive, as well as add a few light-color wood frames to gain a more eclectic mix.

Once you have a plan and you have leveled out the first piece, you will want to use uniform spacing between each piece to make sure that they look like they all belong together.

Create A Space For Two


The reading nook can be a place to share with someone you love. Pixabay

Not every reading space is meant to be a solitary experience. In constructing your cozy nook, you may want to consider a bigger space so that you can share the area with either a loved one or a beloved pet. They would be happy to spend some time with you.

The reading nook can be the place where you unwind at the end of the day and spend some quality time with loved ones. It can be a place where kids and grandchildren can discover a love for reading right along with you.

Bond Through Reading

A reading nook can be the beginning place for a lifelong love for reading. Pixabay

When adults read with children, it helps plant the seeds for what could become a lifelong love for reading. Reading with children teaches more than just literacy and language skills. They are also learning how the adults around them value her interests and choices. It shows the children that they are loved, and the adults in their life enjoy being close to them.

You can create a kiddie reading nook filled with children’s books, colorful string lights, and character decals. Children who read for even a few minutes each day tend to excel in their studies.

Plant Life Benefits

Plants are welcoming additions to any living space. Pixabay

Studies have shown that plants can uplift the spirits, and by bringing in some beautiful outdoor elements into your reading nook, you are welcoming in an opportunity for them to bring you life. Just add some plants to your home, in a particular space, and see if you don’t start loving that room just a little bit more each day.

Plants are more than decoration. Adding greenness like succulents or a container garden for added benefits. You can also bring in palms for a tropical vibe, even if you live miles away from the ocean. This foliage is ideal, especially for those who live in apartments or lack a yard.

Other Ways That Plants Are Helpful

There is something about fresh flowers that can liven up any room. Pixabay

Plants can help increase productivity and reduce sickness whenever they are used throughout the enclosed reading nook. It can also help make the nook more inviting and attractive. Who doesn’t love some lush greenery?

Another perk of overflowing your reading nook with plants is because of their ability to clean the air and reduce noise levels. The plants can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable while you move on to the next chapter.

Add A Hammock

Hammocks are not just for the outdoors; they can also be added to indoor spaces like a reading nook. Pixabay

Those who are wanting to put together a simple and minimalist reading nook should look no further than the hammock. The hammock is easy to assemble, and it could provide a relaxing, soothing, and beachy vibe to your sacred reading space.

Because they allow for a natural rocking motion and zero pressure points, hammocks have been proven to help their inhabitants fall asleep quickly while improving their blood circulation, eas muscle aches, and improve overall focus.

Find Space In Obscure Places

Your reading nook can be in closets or regular size rooms. Pixabay

If you cannot find the optimal space in your current living quarters, you may be able to create the area out of obscure options in your own home. Some thrifty readers have transformed closets into telephone booth-themed spaces.

You can also adopt a space saver by setting the reading nook inside the wall. It can be tucked around out of the way, almost like it was a room by itself. The possibilities are endless to cozy up in a new read, and you will get to experience that every day.

Show The Importance Of Reading

The reading nook in your home can be a special place. Pixabay

By making the reading nook a place that you can enjoy with other people, you are showing how important it is to curl up with a good book. Creating this special place just for reading reveals a tangible way to teach children how fundamental reading can be and how special it can be to spend time with a good book.

The reading nook can be a special place that you experience together during bedtime stories and homework assignments. These positive memories are something that they will remember throughout their lives.

Perfect Lighting

Floor lamps come in a variety of unique styles. Pixabay

Whether it is by a lamp or through the natural lighting, a reader could do well to have smart lighting in the cozy reading nook. The right amount of light allows for comfort, a balance that does not hurt your eyes.

If your spot does not have optimal lighting, you can always bring in a floor lamp. These kinds of bulbs do not overwhelm the area with light, and they also take up little space and come in a variety of different styles that could fit the look you are going for.

Why Lighting Is Critical While Reading

The right lighting is vital for reading. Pixabay

It is crucial to keep proper lighting while you are reading. When lights are dimmed two dark for the room, it can cause eye strain and other sight difficulties.

This can also be true if you are planning to use your reading nook to lounge with your digital devices. A dark room can cause significant discomfort when you are reading from a screen, which leads to lower concentration and disorientation. This is because your eyes are having to work overtime while it is adjusting from the brightness on the screen to the dimly lit room.

Tie The Room Together With A Rug

A beautiful rug ties the whole room together. Pixabay

Often one of the first things purchased, a functional area rug ties all of the elements together. Designers suggest choosing a rug that will fit comfortably under the furniture pieces, such as the chair, couch, end tables, or bookshelves.

Another basic rule for interior design is that the area rug should be a minimum of six inches and no more than two feet away from the wall. It can also present another opportunity for you to add style, color, and personality to your reading nook. Whether it is whimsical or minimal, you can have a lot of fun with a floor statement piece.

Why Rugs Are Important

Rugs help protect the floors in your home. Pixabay

Rugs are more than just statement pieces. They can be an essential part of home decor, especially in rooms that have a large percentage of hard flooring in their rooms. They act as a way to protect the floors from everyday damage and spills that could occur.

When area rugs are placed on top of the carpet, they can also be a way to protect the flooring from traffic and other things that could wear down the carpet.

Use Repurposed Materials

Some beautiful pieces can be made from recycled materials. Buzzfeed

There are several reasons to use repurposed materials while creating a do-it-yourself makeshift reading nook. With a bit of imagination and a new fresh coat of paint, the once discarded items are given new life.

The DIY projects can range depending on your skill label. For example, old tires can be positioned as new seating in the nook. You can also fill an inflatable pool with pillows or take milk jugs and glue them together for a reading “igloo.” All you need are a few materials and some imagination to transform.

Importance Of Using Recycled Products for DIY Projects

By choosing recycled materials, you are helping your children learn the importance of sound environmental practices. Pixabay

When you are in the middle of a do-it-yourself project, you can save yourself quite a bit of money if you first look for materials that could be reused and repurposed in some way. Recycling is not only an enjoyable way to spend some spare time, but it could also help the environment around us.

Recycling materials such as tires help reduce the consumption level of natural raw materials, so it saves energy by decreasing the number of harmful emissions that are being released into the atmosphere.

Fixing Spaces For Kids

A child’s room can comfortably accommodate a whimsical reading nook. Pixabay

Adult readers are not the only ones who deserve a space all their own. Children’s rooms are perfect oases for little readers to let their minds roam. There are several ideas for fixing up a reading nook that will be an excellent place for kids to keep coming back.

Because there is an element of childlike wonder, their reading nook can be more whimsical than the ones for grown-ups. For example, a swing can be a fun addition to a room. Fill with cozy blankets and stuffed animals for a more playful feel.

Bunk Bed Options

Bunk beds can be used to create a loft and a reading nook. Pixabay

A bunk bed can be a quick way to create a different kind of cozy bedroom reading nook. By arranging the bunk beds in a criss-cross formation, the first “floor” can be used as a loft or in whatever way the budding reader prefers.

You can also place a small bookshelf underneath the area to help make the reading nook more accessible to favorite works of literature. Other ideas could include a bean bag chair, a fuzzy area rug, or a small comfy chair.

Suspend A Tent Or Canopy For A Dreamy Look

A canopy or tent could easily be suspended over a daybed. Pixabay

Another possible option for a children’s cozy reading nook is to install elements that invite imaginative trips to dreamland. A tent or a canopy dress up every room they are. They drape the corner of the room in a warm and welcoming way.

You can include blankets, floor pillows, and favorite toys to fill out the rest of the space. Another example would be to add twinkle lights to keep up the dreamy aesthetic.

Teepees Can Also Be Fun

Teepees make a perfect hideaway spot. Buzzfeed

Another sense of wonderment for a children’s reading nook could be a teepee. Just like canopies and tents, the teepee allows for a fort-like experience inside their sleeping quarters.

If you are interested in making your teepee, you can use some items from around the house. The worlds they create in their minds are up to their imaginations. A beanbag chair can be added for extra comfort.

Outdoor Pallets

This gorgeous platform seating area is made out of outdoor pallets. Buzzfeed

Not every reading nook has to have conventional elements to include incorporating pallets for an outdoor reading nook. Pallets can often be picked up for cheap from several retailers.

After applying a fresh coat of paint and allowing for time to dry, the pallets provide a flat surface that is perfect for lounging with a favorite book. You can pick up cushions or floor pillows to provide a soft place for the reader to enjoy.

Reading Nooks Call For Innovation

Only you can decide what to include in your reading nook. Pixabay

No matter what you decide to put in your reading nook, only you will know what would be the best to include. It is your space to innovate and create as you see fit. You can feel free to add and exclude other elements as you like until you have it looking and feeling just like you wanted it to be.

You can also feel free to change the elements in the reading nook whenever you feel like it. It can be interchangeable, depending on your mood or the season. The critical thing to remember is that it is yours to enjoy as your ravish through each page.

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