How To Create A Cozy Reading Nook

Yesterday I was watching a very nice movie called The Book Thief. I was really fascinated by the library which one of the characters had at her home. Since my childhood reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes (actually I was one of those whom people call “bookworms”) and I always dreamed to have a huge library at my home with shelves crammed with books from floor to ceiling and a special ladder to get those from the top. Though at the moment personal library room still remains a dream, everywhere I live I organize a small reading nook, where I like to seclude myself with my latest read, warm plaid and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

I believe a cozy and pretty reading nook is possible to arrange at any home and here are some simple tips on how to do that.

Step 1

First of all you need to find a secluded and calm place in your house, where you will not be disturbed and distracted. It can be a loft, a terrace or a dedicated area in one of the rooms. What you should really pay attention to is that this place should ideally have lots of natural light, which is the best for reading.

Going a bit more creative you can actually transform a “dead” corner into a very cozy and relaxing nook. For example this can be done in usually empty space below the staircase:

If you want to organize your reading corner in one of the rooms, you can make it a bit more private by using curtains or space dividers:

Step 2

Now when you finalised the location it is time to think about seating – key element of your retreat. Comfort is crucial here: absorbed by interesting book we can actually spend hours in the same posture and if the seating is not appropriate it may result in strong headaches and backaches. The most popular choices are small couch or sofa, armchair and soft bench.

Reading cubbyhole on the sill always looks very charming and inviting. If it is wide enough you can place there mattress and a couple of cushions and your hideaway is ready: 

You can make your nook look very original and luxurious by putting there extraordinary furniture, for example, this beautiful rattan swing:

For many people the most relaxing posture is when they are able to stretch their legs. If you are one of them, consider placing a settee-bed, chaise-longue or a little pouf in front of the armchair for your feet. 

Fresh greenery in home decor has become a big trend right now. Their ability to bring a natural scent and make any space look fresh and restful make them especially appropriate for decorating nooks:

Step 3

Now it is time to add a bit of coziness: throw some soft cushions, warm knitted plaid or fur and lay a fluffy comfy rug underneath your seat.

Step 4

Another thing to consider is a storage facility for books. There are plenty of alternatives depending on the available space and layout of the room. If you arranged the seating on the sill of large window one thing you can do is to increase the width of the walls and arrange built-in shelves for the books inside them:

You can also make the storage inside the bench by putting there some extra shelves:

Or make the alcove for seating inside the bookshelves:

How does the reading nook in your house look like? Or, if it is still in the project, what would you like to have there? Here are some of my product picks for decorating a reading corner in relaxing coastal style:

1.Pharmacy Task Floor Lamp design by Robert Abbey2. Two’s Company Hanging Rattan Chair 3.Ikat Blue Pillow 4. Blue Decorative Pillow 5. Gothic Oval Side Table Set in Gold design by Aidan Gray 6.Solid Bamboo Throw in Cream 7. Beige Sissal Area Rug, 3-Feet by 5-Feet 8.Rattan Basket