By Audrey Tan
If you have an unused corner in any space of your house, don’t miss out on creating your very own cosy reading nook. They need no introduction for avid readers, as we know a secluded nook can help us escape reality and get lost in the story we are reading.
Even if you don’t do much reading, a dedicated space to wind down can help to elevate your home, giving you a snug, quiet space to hide out and take a cat nap.
Here are some reading nook ideas and tips for creating a cosy corner at home to inspire your literary journeys.
What Makes A Good Reading Nook?
A nook is a special corner or space reserved for a specific activity: in this case, reading and relaxation. The main thing you want to achieve is maximum comfort in a space that you actually want to spend hours in.
You can transform any secluded corner or recess in your home with the right furniture, lighting, and decorations. Take advantage of alcoves or spaces under staircases for that tucked-away feeling or areas separate from a larger living space. You can also combine large and small furniture to create the same vibe.
Nooks at windows are always a big plus! What’s better than staring off into the scenery after finishing a particularly intense chapter of your latest novel?
Find The Right Reading Chair
Since you’ll spend a long time sitting here, get a comfortable reading chair. Opt for plush seats, cushions for back support and a footstool to elevate your feet. Make sure your chair offers enough space for you to move around in because we all know how difficult it can be to sit still for a long reading session.
Choose The Perfect Bookcase
After all, it’s a reading nook, so you want your books within arm’s reach. Depending on the space and your book collection, you can really go big. But quantity is not the only impressive thing; a small, elegant bookshelf stocked with some all-time classics can really elevate your reading nook and create a welcoming feeling for any potential visitor.
Use Cosy But Effective Lighting
We’ve all battled eye strain after reading for too long in a dark environment. Avoid these situations in your nook with a nice selection of lighting options. Aim for warm but bright lights, ideally with a dimmer function, so you can adjust the light level according to your needs.
And it doesn’t have to be a fancy lamp; some inexpensive fairy lights can create a cosy atmosphere anywhere in your home. Unless you’re going for an F. Scott Fitzgerald kind of vibe, then an Art Deco desk lamp is a must!
Make It Personal
Your reading nook is a place for solitude and contemplation, making it the perfect space for any interesting artwork you love. Consider adding photos, family heirlooms, or that abstract painting that no one else seems to get. This is your space, so make it yours.
Literary-Inspired Decor Ideas
Take a step back in time when creating your special reading place and embrace ideas from the eras of some literary greats:
Jane Austen’s Cottage Charm
Jane Austen herself would love a good reading nook, and her fans will enjoy the feeling of being transported to an 1800s cottage in London. Life was much simpler, and the decor in her books inspire an English cottage charm that’s perfect to emulate for a cosy reading nook. Warm wood tones and dim lights make you feel comfortable as you turn the pages.
Don’t have a dedicated nook to transform? Consider adding an antique screen to a larger space to instantly create that cosy, tucked-away feeling even in open spaces.
A well-stocked library is the ultimate component of Austen-inspired interior design. Therefore, a large vintage bookshelf is a must-have to showcase your beloved books, rare publications and some interesting ornaments for decoration.
Retro Luxury Of F. Scott Fitzgerald
The opulent mansions described by F. Scott Fitzgerald are a fantastic source of inspiration, featuring retro styles with sleek and refined luxury details such as gold, silver, and metallic embellishments. Consider incorporating interesting prints and patterns for your wallpaper and/or upholstery to embrace this style.
For a touch of luxury and elegance, opt for unique lighting using Art Deco lamps to give your reading nook that feeling of opulence of the roaring twenties. Acquire a solid shelf and top off the scene with some inspiring coffee table books to capture the feeling of Mr Fitzgerald in his New York office.
Creating your own cosy reading nook at home doesn’t need to be a big project. If you just want a special spot in the home to disappear into your thoughts, simply moving some furniture around and incorporating my tips above can help you to achieve just that. Start planning your new literary escape zone now.