How to design the perfect reading nook
In these chaotic times we live in, a spot to unwind with a good book during a responsibility-free afternoon can prove to be a lifesaver.
A reading nook is a great place to slow down and dedicate some time for self-care. There’s no better place to sit back, relax, and take a breath. If you want to make sure your reading nook will be really cosy, here are some elements you can incorporate:
Pick the Right Spot
Find a place in your home that already makes you feel comfy and cosy. An unused corner in a room is typically the best spot for a reading nook. It can be a corner in your living room or bedroom. It can even be the spot under your stairway or the extra space in the hallway.
The most important thing is for the spot to be quiet. It’ll be difficult to get comfortable if there are a lot of interruptions.
Find the Right Chair
To ensure comfort and cosy-ness, you need the right chair. Be open to colour and shape, but try to keep with the style of the surrounding furnishings.
If you already have a favourite chair that is super comfy, you can reupholster it and use it for your new reading nook. If you want something more stylish, you can get a leather chair and ottoman.
And, if you want something that’s really cosy, get a faux fur chair that you can really sink into. To bring in texture, you can match it with a throw pillow. A beanbag chair may work best if you want to set up a reading nook in a child’s room.
If you want your reading nook to be plain and simple, consider setting up a hammock with a few matching pillows. It will work great in a loft or finished attic.
Lighting
Lighting may be just as important as the spot. Ideally, you would want to set up your reading nook in a corner with a lot of natural light. However, that’s not possible for everyone. But, you can always create a cosy feel with a wall sconce or a good reading lamp.
In fact, a beautiful brass lamp is a unique interior design element you can use to turn your house into a home. Naturally, it will work even better if you pair it with other brass items. You can never go wrong with this gorgeous alloy.
It is best to get a light that offers a few different settings. You can also get a multi-head directional lamp. Ideally, you would want to be able to adjust the light according to your needs and the time of day.
Build a Bookshelf
Of course, every proper reading nook needs to include a bookshelf. You can opt for a hanging wall bookcase or a built-in bookshelf. If you are up for a DIY adventure, you can even build one yourself.
This is also the most cost-efficient solution. You can customize your bookcase to fit the decor of your reading nook by changing finishes and materials.
If you want something simple and easy, you can build a floating bookshelf. For instance, you can get an old hollow-core door, cut it in half with a circular saw or table saw, paint the pieces to your liking, and nail them to a wall. The process is easy, but do know that floating bookshelves are difficult to remove.
Ditch the Electronics
Aside from your lamp and your e-reader, you don’t really need any other electronics in your reading nook. If you want to focus more on reading, you need to limit distractions. Move your computer and your TV as far as you can from your reading nook.
Table Space
A nice hot cup of cocoa will make a good book even better. But, you’ll need a place where to put it. A small refinished table is an excellent solution. It can create a nice, relaxing environment.
You can also use it for a vase of flowers or a low-maintenance house plant. Aside from improving the looks of your reading nook, a low-maintenance house plant can also purify the air in the room and keep it clean.
Use a Canopy
If you like to read goodnight stories to your children, you can cover your reading nook with a sheer canopy and make the experience even more magical. Then, add some pillows and grab a flashlight.
You can rest assured your children will look forward to curling up in your reading nook every night. However, if you decide to use a canopy, don’t cover a chandelier or pendant light with it. It may look great, but it is not safe.
Use Calming Colours
Look for calming colours when creating any space dedicated to unwinding. Gray is a soothing but neutral colour that can work with most artwork and furnishings.
Blue is a calming colour that can reduce stress. Green is another relaxing colour that will help you feel refreshed and calm. On top of that, it symbolizes nature.
Kevin has gone through an extensive home renovation with his son, which he has both
thoroughly enjoyed, and dreaded every morning. He is now the proud owner of half his dream house (the other half has been waiting for spring). You can read more of Kevin’s work on PlainHelp.
