Discover four ways you can make your home study room comfy and create the perfect reading atmosphere with these great decor ideas.
Today, over 18 million young adults attend American universities, and this number is only expected to grow. It’s no secret that students have to do a lot of reading. However, this is only one demographic of those who regularly have their nose in a book. Anyone who’s a big reader knows—there’s no better way to spend a perfect night in than to immerse yourself in another world, whether you read regularly for work or pleasure. Creating the perfect home study room or reading space should be a priority. You might not know exactly what this space entails—study materials, for example? Bookshelves? Bean bags? In any case, you know it’s something you want. If you’re designing a multipurpose space, you may also be seeking office room decor ideas or searching for office solutions that cater to various needs, from small home offices to hybrid workspaces. It’s even more difficult to assess what you need in a reading room because every person is different. There’s no universal standard for décor that makes everyone feel cozy. Incorporating natural materials and greenery in your space can create a calming atmosphere and inspire creativity. You need to know yourself in order to create the right space for your comfort. Luckily, we’re here to help! Read on for some food for thought on how to make the perfect space and curl up with a textbook or mystery novel, and find inspiration for designing a personalised and motivating workspace.
Four Office Room Decor Ideas
1. Decide what it's for
Before you can decide on the actual decor of your reading room, you need to decide what you’re going to be using it for primarily. If you’re a student, you’re likely going to be using it for studying and critical thought. If you’re someone who reads a lot for your own enjoyment, you likely just want a place to snuggle up and lose yourself in the pages of a book. You might want a more serious space if you’re reading mostly for classes or work, where you can manage business tasks in a dedicated area. Consider using harsher lighting and designating specific areas to minimise distractions. If you read mostly for pleasure, you might like some soft lighting and relaxing colours surrounding you when you curl up with a cup of tea. If you do both regularly, consider creating a combination of these spaces.
When planning your room, be sure to select suitable furniture and decor that match the intended activities and overall aesthetic. If the room is shared, consider creating an area for kids to do homework or engage in quiet activities, helping them stay organised and focused. From designating different areas of the room for study and fun to creating a unique combination of design ideas, the possibilities are limitless.
2. Create a reading nook
One thing’s for sure: you want to be comfortable when you read. If you’re constantly worried about that spring digging into your back or that uncomfortable lump under your butt, you won’t focus on anything. Choosing ergonomic office chairs with lumbar support can enhance comfort during long hours of work or reading. To personalise your reading nook, hang artwork or organisational tools on the walls to add character and functionality. Adding curtains can help control light and introduce colour or patterns, giving your nook a decorative touch. Here are nine reading nook ideas to create a cozy space. Read on for some ways to make your reading room as comfy as can be.
3. Organise with Smart Storage Solutions
A tidy workspace is the foundation of productivity, and smart storage solutions are the key to keeping your home office both functional and inspiring. One of the best office decor ideas is to maximise your vertical space with floor-to-ceiling storage units. Built-in cabinets or tall shelves not only keep files, office supplies, and equipment neatly tucked away, but they also create a sense of order and calm that helps you focus on the task at hand. By reducing clutter, you’ll find it easier to concentrate and let your creativity flow.
For those working with a smaller office space or a cozy corner, a corner desk with built-in storage is a game-changer. It makes the most of every inch, providing a dedicated spot for your essentials without overwhelming the room. Pair your desk with magazine holders, file trays, and desk organisers to keep important documents and supplies within easy reach—no more wasted time searching for that missing file or pen.
When it comes to design ideas, don’t underestimate the power of colour. Blue walls can inspire tranquillity and focus, making them perfect for a workspace where concentration is key. If you prefer a clean, modern look, white walls provide a fresh backdrop that makes your office decor stand out. To bring a touch of nature indoors, consider adding a plant or choosing a wallpaper with a subtle, nature-inspired pattern. These elements not only brighten up the room but also help create an environment that inspires and energises.
Wall-mounted shelves or cabinets are another smart way to keep your workspace organised. By storing books, binders, and office essentials off the floor, you’ll open up the room and create a sense of airiness. This is especially helpful in apartments or smaller homes where every bit of space counts.
Finally, don’t forget to add a few personal touches to your office decor. A piece of artwork, a stylish vase, or a favourite photo can make your workspace feel welcoming and uniquely yours. Just remember to keep surfaces clear and avoid overcrowding—striking the right balance between decor and functionality is key to creating a home office that inspires productivity, creativity, and focus every day.
books, books, books
If you love to read, it’s obvious that you’re going to want to have books in your reading room. If you’re using it more as a study space than a place to kick back with a novel, you might think you need fewer books. Still, it’s a good idea to have some on hand and read them as a reward for your hard work. Stock up on all kinds of books. Classics like Austen and Dickens are great for nights that you want to be immersed in the past, and mysteries like the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes or Deanna Raybourn’s more recently written Veronica Speedwell mysteries are perfect for rainy days. If you want to have a little bit of twisty fun, try fantasy books like those by Cassandra Clare or VE Schwab.
Get the right amount of shelves for all the books you want to include in your ‘home library.’ Consider using boxes to store or organise books and reading materials that you don't need to display, which helps keep the space tidy and clutter-free. If you’re using it as a study space, keep the books you read for fun in a different spot than your textbooks. You don’t want to be distracted from neurobiology textbooks by a relaxing manga like Black Butler or Urusei Yatsura.
Browsing photos of home libraries online can also inspire you to organise and decorate your space, helping you find creative shelving ideas and storage solutions.
study materials
Of course, not everything can be all fun and games. Your room is probably not just for a relaxing night in, after all: it’s a study. This means that you’re going to need to have an appropriate place for the study materials that you need to be successful. Incorporating plenty of shelves, cabinets, and drawers into your home office is essential for organisation. Office storage solutions, such as cabinets, are especially important for keeping study materials organised and accessible. Having a cabinet dedicated to storing supplies like pens, Post-it notes, and highlighters ensures everything is neatly arranged and easy to find. Make sure that pens, Post-it notes, highlighters, and anything else you may need are easily accessible from the space that you’ll be reading your textbooks and doing your work. The beanbag chair that you should be sitting in should be next to drawers that hold these supplies.
seating
When browsing for sitting area ideas, consider versatile options like bean bag chairs that offer both style and ergonomic support. The seating area should be equipped with ergonomic furniture and accessories to ensure maximum comfort and productivity. Having a traditional desk isn’t a bad idea for the times when you want to have materials in drawers right at hand. Desks are also beneficial because they provide a space to spread out when working on a laptop or sorting through items. For actual reading, though, there’s a better alternative. When you think of beanbag chairs, you likely think nostalgically back on your childhood. But beanbag chairs aren’t only available for people of all ages- they’re encouraged for adults. They’re great for all your needs because they’re so versatile and promote good posture while offering support. But are bean bags good for your back?
3. a relaxing decor
Having a relaxing decor is crucial to any room where a lot of studying or reading takes place. To create a calming atmosphere, consider choosing paint colours that promote relaxation, such as soft blues or gentle greens. You can also decorate the room with items like cozy throws, soothing artwork, or decorative mirrors to enhance the sense of tranquillity. Here, we’ll tell you some of the ways to make your space perfect for kicking back and relaxing with a book in hand.
It's all in the lighting
As any big reader knows, the lighting of a room is essential to creating the perfect atmosphere for spending time with your book. Too little light means you can’t see anything. Using harsh lights is uncomfortable (and, in extreme cases, unsafe) for your eyes. It’s a good idea to have a bright bulb above your designated study space. However, it shouldn’t be the only option. Carefully position your lights and desk to maximise comfort and visibility, ensuring that your workspace is well-lit for reading and studying. Employing different types of lighting can add character and help maintain focus in the office or reading room. If you’re trying to get cozy while reading or it’s just been a long day, softer lighting will help you relax like you wouldn’t believe. To reduce eye strain, try to position your desk or chair so you’re not staring directly at a wall for long periods. There are a lot of options. Fairy lights are a modern and current trend that will make your room look amazing. And give you the right amount of lighting to both see and relax. Coloured bulbs that give off a soft glow are also amazing, as are small lanterns or Christmas lights that circle your room in various colours.
colours and designs
Speaking of colours, you’re going to want to pick the right ones. Studies show that the colours you surround yourself with empirically have an effect on your mood. This means that it’s time to crawl into your study beanbag and do some research on what the best colours are. Spoiler alert: it will vary based on what your room is primarily used for. If you want a cozy space, blues are universally viewed as serene and relaxing. Using soothing colours in a home office can create a tranquil environment conducive to working. For a more invigorating space that encourages you to be a go-getter, reds can add energy to a room. For a mood lifter in any kind of space, yellow is a safe bet. There is a wide range of colour options available for decorating your room, so you can easily find shades that suit your style and needs. Consulting a designer can also help you select the best colour schemes and design elements for your space. You can include these colours in your decor in a variety of ways. Wallpaper and furniture colours are obvious ways, as well as light fixtures and decorative features. You can mix and match these colours, too- consider a sky-colored beanbag in the corner of the room where you curl up with a novel and a red one where it’s time to focus on your calculus textbook.
4. Love your placement
Placement of objects also, of course, affects the vibe of any room. The layout of your study/reading room is crucial for both functionality and comfort, as it determines how easily you can move around and access what you need. Ensure that key items, such as your desk or reading chair, are placed in areas with good lighting and minimal distractions to optimise the space. For example, placing a reading chair near a window can provide natural light and create a cozy reading nook. Here, we’ll give you some tips and tricks to make sure that everything in your study/reading room is just so.
outlets
You know when you go to a coffee shop and all the tables next to outlets are taken? That’s one of the most frustrating feelings on the planet. It would be even more frustrating, though, if it happened in your own home. In an apartment, arranging outlets and furniture can be especially challenging due to limited space, so plan your setup carefully to maximise both functionality and comfort. Make sure to place the beanbag that you sit in to study near an outlet. Chances are, this is the part of the room where you’re going to use your computer the most often since essays are mostly written for school or work. You don’t want to find yourself angry because your computer’s dead when you need it.
windows
On the other hand, windows are best placed in areas where you engage in cozy reading. Floor-to-ceiling windows are especially advantageous for maximising natural light and providing expansive views, making the space feel open and inviting. You’ll get to bask in nothing but the natural light while the sun’s out, which means that you’ll get a lot of health benefits through vitamin D and healthy UV rays. Windows can also create a strong connection to the outdoors, enhancing the room's atmosphere and bringing a sense of calm and inspiration. Still, windows are essential in any room and can be used in any part of a room. You definitely want to get some natural light while studying or reading, so make sure to choose the right space before setting up a reading room.
Love your home study room
You might be a little overwhelmed when you first start to create your reading room. But if you think about decor, placement, and what’s going to make you feel at home in a cozy atmosphere, you’ll have the space of your dreams in no time. Remember, even an attic can be transformed into a functional study or reading space, and different rooms in the house, such as the bedroom, can be adapted for research or work. Integrating a bed into a multi-functional room allows for both work and relaxation, but be sure to separate work and sleep zones to improve sleep quality. Creating a dedicated rest area in your home study room is crucial for maintaining balance and promoting well-being. Keep your room neat and organised for maximum comfort, and know that the time spent organising and decorating is an investment in your productivity and well-being. Consider investing in a built-in desk for space-saving functionality, and enjoy the benefits of a personalised home study room—far from the feel of a traditional cubicle. Now that you know all the best tips and tricks for creating the home study room of your dreams, check out our shop! We offer the best deals on bean bags that are sure to make your space cozier and more welcoming. Happy reading!
