Design Ideas for A Cozy Reading Nook

Nothing can sound cozier than a reading nook, especially if you’re a bookworm. You don’t need to dedicate a whole room to set up a library, although you can if space and budget permit. A quiet spot in a room, however, can make for a perfect reading nook. The ever-growing popularity of reading corners has paved the way for many design trends to emerge. These trends mainly target the basic essentials that constitute a bookworm’s den — a comfortable seat, a lighting source, a side table, and a space for the books. A bit of creativity and maybe some inspiration from popular ideas can go a long way in designing your very own reading spot.

Comfy Textures

How to Maximize Your Comfort While Reading

If you’re looking for an extra touch of comfort — who isn’t? — then a cozy blanket is a must-have for a reading nook. Whether it’s on an armchair, a wide window sill, or even a bench on your porch, a cozy woven blanket provides the warmth and comfort you need for a cozy reading session. Consider neutral or pastel tones to introduce a calming aura to the nook. In the case of a window sill, you could create a cohesive look by incorporating the curtain into the color palette.

Egg Chair

A Hanging Egg Chair Is a Unique Addition to Your Reading Area

A hanging egg chair can make for a lovely reading nook. Incredibly comfortable to snuggle up in, this unique seat can have you spending hours immersed in your book. You could pair the egg chair with a side table for your coffee and perhaps a small selection of books. A large window behind the seat brings in natural light for a nice reading session on a weekend morning. Consider adding a splash of greenery by going for a couple of houseplants in the background.

Throw Pillows

Throw Pillows Provide Both Comfort and Aesthetic Value

Long reading sessions can have you changing positions every few minutes to stay comfortable. This can be somewhat of a nuisance if you’re trying to focus on the book. Adding a few throw pillows to your reading spot can allow you to stay comfy for longer periods of time. For aesthetic reasons, you may want to make sure the colors of the pillows complement that of the couch. Teal pillows, for instance, can perfectly accentuate a tan sofa while a couple of black pillows can elevate an understated side table of the same color.

Fancy Side Table

Stylish Elements to Consider for Your Reading Nook

Why settle for a simple side table for your reading nook when you could make a statement with an art deco piece? This chic style of interior design focuses on symmetric shapes and glamorous colors. An art deco side table, in this case, can feature a gold-plated ornate framing with a glass or marble surface. Although the table itself is a piece of art, you can accentuate its beauty with a vase of fragrant flowers to make your reading sessions all the more endearing.

Floor Space

Resourceful Ways to Set Up a Reading Zone

There’s no need to limit yourself to a chair when there’s perfectly good floor space at the tip of your feet. Consider creating a floor nook with rugs, throw pillows, and floor cushions. Not only is this a simple and comfy set-up, but a reading area on the ground is also an inexpensive option — especially if you don’t have an extra chair to allocate for this purpose. Unique low-hanging lights strategically positioned above your reading nook can provide focused illumination. A table lamp placed in the background offers ambient lighting while cubbies serve as a storage space for books and decor.

Oversized Chair

Going Big With the Reading Sofa is the Way to Go

Sometimes a normal-sized armchair just isn’t enough for a reading nook. If that’s the case for you, consider going for an oversized seat that leaves ample space to position yourself whichever way you feel comfortable. Accents such as a bright-colored cushion and a blanket can transform the reading nook into a charming focal point. For the side table, you could opt for something simple such as a mid-century modern unit that serves its purpose while completing the whole look.

Corner Area

A Quiet Corner Can Be an Ideal Spot for a Reading Zone

An ideal spot for a reading nook can be in the corner of a quiet room. After all, it is called ‘reading corner’ for a reason. Consider saving space by placing a table lamp on a nightstand that can house your book collection as well. That would make room for another addition such as a houseplant. To achieve a cohesive aesthetic, make sure the colors of the reading corner complement each other. A golden armchair, for instance, can perfectly correspond with a verdant backdrop.

Outdoor Space

Design Ideas for an Outdoor Reading Spot

A warm spring afternoon can be a lovely atmosphere for a couple of hours of reading. Get some fresh air while enjoying your latest read by setting up a reading nook on the backyard deck or porch. An antique rocking chair can add character to the set-up while serving its function. Should you crave lemonade, a vintage side table provides a place to set the glass between sips while you read. Once the temperatures drop, you can simply bring the nook indoors and place it by a window or a calm corner — rocking chair and all.

Window Side Spot

How to Set Up a Bookworm's Den by the Window

A built-in window-side bench is something most bookworms dream of. If you have one, transform it into a reading zone by adding a couple of throw pillows and a blanket. A nearby storage unit can provide adequate space for your book collection, while the window itself serves as the source of illumination through natural light. You can maximize this natural lighting by going for light tones such as white or beige. A small houseplant on the windowsill introduces a splash of color to an otherwise subtle palette.

Chaise Lounge

A Chaise Lounge Can Make for an Ideal Reader's Chair

Nothing’s better than reclining back in a chaise and catching up on some literature. A chaise lounge is your go-to option in this case. You could achieve a fancy aesthetic by going for an Edwardian table beside a wicker chaise lounge of the same color. The table can serve as a storage space for books while another one holds your tea. Some plants along with mosaic tiles can accentuate the textured aesthetic of this setup.

Muted Colors

Soothing Colors Can Allow You to Focus on Your Book

The ideal reading area should be quiet in order to allow for maximum concentration. You can translate that silence into the color palette by selecting muted colors. Go for hues that add warmth without catching attention. A dull shade of red, for instance, can be a great choice for the armchair. Choose neutral accents such as a light grey or beige throw pillow in addition to a white floor lamp. A light yellow and cream plaid blanket can contribute to the muted palette while adding a slight texture.

Vintage Elements

Old-Fashioned Elements That Add Nostalgia to a Reading Corner

A reading nook composed of vintage elements can exude a sense of wisdom. If books tend to age like fine wine, so can your reading area. Opt for antique items such as a classic leather armchair and a weathered side table. Consider taking the vintage aesthetic to another level by giving a nearby window or door a patina finish. Alternatively, you could pick up a salvaged antique unit from a flea market or a vintage shop and display it as a decorative item.

Art Pieces

Creative Ways to Associate Art With Literature

If you’re into Renaissance literature such as The Divine Comedy and Don Quixote, perhaps a decorative bust of Michelangelo’s David might mean something to you. And since art and literature often go hand in hand, you could adorn your reading nook with your very own David sculpture. A painting with a corresponding color scheme in the background can artfully highlight the bust while a candelabra creates a delightful contrast.