Are you an avid reader looking to elevate your current reading atmosphere?
Great news! Your reading nook doesn’t need a whole room or a custom-built library.
All you need are a few elements that make reading effortless, like a comfortable seat, ample lighting, and a setup that keeps essentials within reach.
Here are some tips on how to achieve that:
1. Choose the calmest spot you have. Find a place in your home that’s out of the traffic flow. Even if it’s small, like a corner away from the TV or a landing area, it can still work beautifully as a reading nook. If you have a full room to work with, think about where you usually curl up to read, because that’s where you’ll want your set-up to be. Overall, the goal is to make the nook feel like a pause, not a passageway.
2. Prioritize your comfort, then scale. The chair, beanbag, or other type of seating you’ll be reading in is the anchor of your nook. Most importantly, it should be something you can sit in for more than 20 minutes. If you’re working within a tight space, opt for something like a small armchair or an accent chair with structure, says an interior designer in Montclair, NJ. If you have more space, go for the oversized ottoman — it’s a total game-changer and will make your reading nook feel more lounge-like.
3. Layer lighting so it’s functional day and night. There’s nothing worse than trying to read in dim lighting. Overhead lighting alone can usually lead to eye strain, so plan for task lighting. The ideal set-up involves a floor lamp with an adjustable arm or a wall-mounted swing-arm sconce. Place the light so it shines over your shoulder onto the page (and doesn’t create a glare for all those e-readers). If the nook is in a bedroom or multipurpose space, warm bulbs help it feel calm rather than clinical.
4. Leave a surface for the essentials. You don’t want to have to get up multiple times for water, your glasses, or a phone charger when you’re reading. To avoid all that, add a small side table, a stool, or a wall shelf that fits the footprint of your space. A tray on top will help corral the little items so it doesn’t become a clutter zone.
5. Keep books visible and within reach. This might seem obvious, but the easiest way to read more is to make books effortless to grab. But book storage can look different depending on your space and reading style. If you only have a few books, opt for a slim bookcase or a basket for current reads. If you’ve got a massive library, try floating shelves or a robust bookcase. If you want the nook to feel more styled, mix books with one or two objects, like a framed photo, a small sculpture, or a plant.
6. Use color and texture to create a cozy micro-mood. Your reading nook is basically a mini room, so give it warmth and softness through its colors and textures. Deep greens, navy, warm charcoals, and muted clay tones are soothing and calming, whether they’re on the walls or in the textiles. Blankets in comforting fabrics like fleece, faux fur, or cashmere will amplify your comfort and add depth to the space.
Follow these tips, and before you know it, you’ll have crafted the perfect spot to escape into your favorite stories.
