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Are you a passionate reader? How does a private reading nook sound?
Together with their practical aspect, personalized reading corners are powerful homey features, ones that look cute and cozy, and are perfectly able to relax your mind.
Designing a reading nook can be a really pleasant experience, since it is the one and only place you can actually adjust to yourself.
Are you feeling inspired already? We prepared an interesting guide on how to design a reading nook:
Choose a relaxing corner that inspires you
Image source: DK Interiors
Remember that your reading nook needs to be special. It can either be a separate room for the purpose, or the favorite corner of your living room directly exposed to sunlight. For some people, it is nothing more than a rocking chair in their backyard. Therefore, pick the place you like, and start decorating it in accordance with your imagination. Ideally, it should be a place where you feel calm, and your reading sessions are not disturbed.
Yes, you’re right to wander how you lived for so much time without a proper reading nook. Who wouldn’t enjoy a silent haven, far from any noise and bustle? The feeling will only become better, and you’ll feel incredibly inspired to read. Having multiple nooks is also a great idea, especially if there are more passionate readers around.
Think of lighting as your priority
Image source: Ana Williamson Architect
Light is the most significant factor in a well-executed reading corner. Ideally, you should choose a place with access to sunlight, as long as you’re not so exposed to it to get your eyes irritated. Window foils or filmy curtains, however, can solve this problem easily.
Another thing to remember is the inclusion of proper light fixtures. Even if your purpose is reading, lights at night should be kept at a warm and inviting level (we recommend table lamps, floor fixtures, and bright wall sconces). What could make it even easier is to opt for a flexible solution, something like a three-bulb fixture with wattage adjustment options. When choosing lamps, be careful with the colors (your idea is still to make the most of your light output).
It is never too late for a good read, is it?
Make the best seating choice
Image source: Living Stone Construction, Inc.
One thing is for sure: you won’t be able to enjoy your read without a comfortable seating choice. However, this will mostly be determined by the type of space you’re using.
Assuming there is enough room, opt for a comfy, oversized armchair where you can ‘wrap yourself inside’, and snuggle for as long as you need. For reading areas under windows, we recommend contemporary wooden benches with soft padding. If you’re really not into spending that much, go for oversized cushions or beanbags on the floor.
Your final result should be cozy, warm, and inviting.
A nightstand or a similar small table
Image source: Margot Hartford Photography
What about that cup of hot tea you brought? Where would you put it? Reading areas need extra accessories to help you organize items, or to relax. A small table, for instance, is an absolute must for your drinks, second-choice novels, pens, or agendas. If the space allows it, decorate with interesting shelves and lots of personalized items.
Choose relaxing colors
Image source: Studio S Squared Architecture, Inc.
It is a reading nook, not a playroom! You’re expected to bring a calm palette, which promotes calmness and concentration. As much as you may like warm and vivid tones, they are not applicable for reading areas (they can be either too distracting, or to add even more stress after a difficult day at work). What we recommend you to use are combinations of cool and calm shades of blue, green, gray, or even pastel brown. The same goes for accessories. Long story short; go for everything you can associate with tranquility.
Decorate it
Image source: E. B. Mahoney Builders, Inc.
You have to make it personal! A couple of meaningful amenities will make the place even more special, and you’ll miss no opportunity to spend time in it. It can be whatever you want: a childhood blanket, a gift-pillow, family photographs, or flowers. Think also about the fact that décor has multiple advantages, which means you can insert items that are both beautiful and functional.
Use a separate room (if possible)
Image source: Harrell Remodeling
We think that the practical aspect of this solution should not even be discussed. If you’re not so lucky to have an available reading room, separate a reading corner with nothing more than a curtain, or a high dresser. It is the perfect way to ensure concentration, and to prevent family members from interrupting you.
Readers’ favorite ideas
Image source: Push Pty Ltd
A reading nook requires small and unused place, ideally close to a window, or situated in a corner. Explained like this, it sounds really restricted, but the truth is that you have a variety of choices. Depending on how your home is structured, there are a lot of ‘hidden’ areas you never thought could be of any use. These places will require a bit of imagination, and a well-planned decorative touch.
Go outside
A cozy reading nook doesn’t have to be ‘hidden’ inside the house. If the weather in your region is warm and friendly, take advantage of it, and ‘move your favorite hobby outside’. With a wonderful view, there will be no need of decoration, and you could enjoy with nothing more but a pillow and a blanket.
Make use of a corner
Image source: Rudloff Custom Builders
We all have corners that serve absolutely no purpose. The most we actually do with our corners is to add plants, trees, vases, or small sculptures. But how about adding some genuine usability? Corners can be perfect for a kick-back read, especially when positioned to create a visual division between two rooms.
Use your balcony
What could be more perfect than feeling a fresh breeze, or enjoying a breathtaking view while reading? That’s exactly why balconies and terraces make exceptional reading nooks.
Repurpose a closet
An old, empty closet can easily turn into a reading getaway. Besides, it is the cheapest solution you could come across. All it takes is to add some comfy seat, ideally cushions or bean bags. However, have in mind you’ll need lots of extra lighting to help you read.
Repurpose the space under the stairway
Image source: JWT Associates
This is probably the coolest idea you could come across! The space under your stairway is perfect for reading, as it is small and cozy, and could easily be decorated with every item you like.
Why not using the hallway?
Image source: Norman L Graham Inc
There is no space in the rooms? Why not repurposing a part of your hallway? If nothing else, hallways are rarely crowded and noisy, which makes them quite eligible for the purpose.
Inspire your kids to do the same
Image source: Morgante Wilson Architects
If you’re a passionate reader, there is a big chance your children will have the same hobby. How about helping them build their own reading nook? A good beginning would be to think of your own childhood hideaways. For instance, you can construct an intriguing tree house, or set a simple tent in the garden. Let them participate in the decoration, and inspire them to make the place more personal. This is a good tactic even for the youngest ones, as they could become confident readers even before going to school.
Build loft space
Image source: Ehlen Creative Communications
Building a loft space recessed on the attic area can also save lots of floor surface. With nothing but a comfy mattress, you’ll have the most private reading nook possible.
Cozy windows
Image source: Sanctuary Architects
Sometimes, all it takes to obtain a wonderful reading nook is a large window. Take the part of your living room/bedroom you like, and add creative bookshelves to transform it into a reading haven.
An extra benefit would be a nice landscape to relax your eyes. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a manufacturer for this type of window. Htrwindows provides windows of any complexity and type.
Nook window seat design inspiration
Nooks or window seats are the most loved places of the house by every member of the family. Window seat designs are completed with mattresses and fluffy pillows to create lovely and cozy places which have the unique role of relaxing you and your body. Enjoy the sunlight, read a book or take your time to write in your diary.
Nooks are the perfect way to decorate a useless corner and under the sitting you can store things or design a little bookshelf. These cozy places can be adapted with different shapes and styles depending on the house architecture. The classic model with regular shape has been updated a lot with time and now they can be found from the circular shape to the most unbelievable and unexpected ones.
If you don’t know how to build a window seat or you don’t have any idea, check out this 41 window seat pictures and find the perfect place and design for one of your own. Take your time and don’t hesitate to build a nook for all the moments you want to spend relaxing.
