Want to have a cozy place to relax and curl up with a good book? Consider creating a reading nook to have a personal hideaway in your home. Reading nooks are about to become highly popular as creating restorative spaces is predicted to be one of the top interior design trends of the year.
In an interview with Forbes, interior designer Sally O’Connor said that with the focus on health and wellness influencing interior design, more homeowners will be requesting quiet spaces that can be used as a refuge from working from home culture. “The emphasis will be on creating environments that encourage relaxation, mindfulness, and overall health,” she adds.
Reading is one of the most calming and mindful activities that you can do anywhere. But if you want to have the ultimate reading experience, you’ll need a comfortable, quiet, and aesthetically-pleasing space that’s ideal for getting lost in a novel or poring over a magazine. Here are some stylish and cozy reading nook design ideas for your home.
Set it Up With Comfort in Mind
Every book lover deserves to have a special place for reading. If your home doesn’t have an extra room that you can turn into a library, don’t fret. You can set up a reading corner in other parts of your abode, such as under the stairs, beside a bay window, on a stair landing, or even a corner of your living room.
Inspect the area for leaks and drafts– you’ll want to stay warm while reading, and protect your precious books from water damage or mold. Outfit your nook with a bookcase, or use your DIY skills to create a built-in bookshelf on the wall.
Set up your reading nook with a comfy and plush chair that you can truly sink into, then add an ottoman so you can put your feet up. You can also splurge on a leather-covered recliner if that’s more your style, or have a custom-made daybed to fit the area.
Add a small table so you can have a place for drinks and snacks. Next, place a rug on the floor to add another layer of comfort and texture to your reading nook. Choose a Turkish area rug for a traditional or dark academia-style reading nook, or a jute rug for a boho, minimalist, or Scandinavian-style nook. Finish setting up by placing a throw pillow on your chair, then drape a stylish blanket over your seat.
Personalize Your Nook
You’ll want to add some personality to your reading corner, so decorate it with a few well-chosen items to make it unique. Use black picture frames to display personal photos or prints, then hang them on the wall or place them on your shelves to give your book collection some interest.
Add a sculpture or artwork to your space, as well as a mini bar cart or a coffee cart. If you like to play soft music while reading, consider having a vintage record player in your reading nook. As an alternative, look for a bluetooth speaker that’s designed to look like a vintage turntable so you can listen to your Spotify or Apple playlists.
Add Lighting and a Touch of Nature
Having a reading nook that’s positioned near a window allows you to have lots of soft, natural light that’s easy on the eyes. Maximize natural light by replacing heavy drapes with sheer curtains, or leave your windows bare. If you’re dealing with a dark reading corner, place a pretty floor lamp or a wall lamp in your nook for added illumination. Choose a lamp with a metallic finish for an elegant touch.
Finally, include some natural elements in your reading nook to give it a cozy feel. A small potted plant or two can add a sense of freshness and liveliness to your hideaway, so choose easy to care for plants like a fiddle leaf fig or a snake plant.
If you prefer to decorate with rocks or crystals, choose a large natural crystal, like an amethyst or rose quartz, and place it on a shelf or table. Either of these crystals can enhance the aesthetics of your special place, give it a calm vibe, and bring in positive energy, which can make reading more enjoyable.
Having a reading nook can encourage you to get lost in a good book. Consider these tips to create the reading nook of your dreams, and don’t be afraid to experiment with decorative elements to achieve the best look for your special hideaway.
