Looking for ways to make the coziest book nook? We reveal nine unique reading nook ideas to create the most comfortable space for the bookworms in your home.
Australians read for an average of almost 7 hours per week, with nearly 70% of that reading for pleasure. Whether you come in above or below average, a reading nook is a fun way to pursue your fun reading. One advantage of having a dedicated reading space is that it provides a quiet retreat for both kids and adults to enjoy reading without distractions. Reading nooks give you a peaceful, dedicated space to dig into your favourite books. It’s also a good way to encourage your child’s love of reading. Kids who read for fun tend to perform better in many subjects, including vocabulary, spelling, and math, compared to kids who don’t read for fun. A reading nook is an ideal option when you want to create an educational design for your child’s space. Reading nooks can also double as study lounges for older kids. Whether you’re looking for reading nook ideas for kids or adults, choosing a creative option can make the nook even more inspirational. For example, a teepee tent filled with cushions and fairy lights can create a magical reading nook that appeals to children. A little creativity can make it a space you want to spend more time in to catch up on your reading list. For inspiration, designers like Emily Henderson are known for creating stylish and functional reading nooks. Check out these nine creative reading nook ideas.
Introduction to Cozy Reading
Creating a cozy reading nook is one of the best ways to inspire a love of reading in both kids and adults. A thoughtfully designed reading nook offers a comfortable and inviting space to curl up with a good book, making it easy to spend hours lost in your favourite stories. With just a few creative nook ideas, you can transform any unused space in your house into a cozy reading nook that quickly becomes your favourite spot. Whether you dream of a window seat with a view or a quiet corner with a comfortable chair, there are endless creative reading nook ideas to suit your style and needs. In this article, you’ll discover the benefits of reading nooks, tips for choosing the perfect location, and plenty of inspiration for creating a cozy reading nook that makes every reading session feel special and relaxing.
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting the right location is key to creating a reading nook you’ll love to use. Look for a spot in your home that feels quiet and comfortable, such as a corner in your living room, a small space under the stairs, or even a window seat with a beautiful view. A cozy reading nook doesn’t require a lot of space—sometimes, the smallest nooks are the most inviting. If you’re working with a small space, consider adding floating shelves to store your favourite books within easy reach, or a side table to hold your current read and a cup of tea. Incorporate a comfortable chair and layer in soft lighting with a light fixture or fairy lights to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re tucking your nook into a sunny window or a peaceful corner, the right location will make your reading nook the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your favourite books.
1. Canopy Reading Nook
Create a whimsical place for your child to read by hanging a fabric canopy. The canopy helps create a defined space for the reading nook without requiring any building or structural changes. Choose a canopy with light, flowing fabric to create a cozy place to read. Lighter fabric lets natural light and overhead light filter into the reading nook so your child can read well. Bright light reduces eye strain and can prevent headaches or other discomforts while reading. You can also incorporate cool-burning string lights or fairy lights into the canopy for additional light for reading. You can decorate the canopy with themed elements like plants, superhero or fairy-tale posters, or magical accessories to make the space more inviting and spark your child's imagination. Install the canopy using a heavy-duty hook to ensure it stays in place even if your little one pulls on it. Make sure the hook goes into a ceiling joist for extra stability. Position the canopy in the corner of a child’s bedroom or playroom to keep it out of the way and create a cozy reading corner. Fill the canopy with floor pillows, bean bags, and other soft items to make it a comfortable spot to read. Your child can look up into the canopy while reading about far-away lands. If you don’t want to attach a canopy to your ceiling, you can create the same effect with a freestanding tent. Try a teepee-shaped kids’ play tent or other freestanding tents. This option is easy to put away if you want to free up space in the room. It also makes your reading nook mobile if your kids like to read in different spots. You can set up the tent in a bedroom, playroom, living room, porch, or even outdoors.
2. Repurposed Closet
If you have an extra closet in your home, claim it as a reading nook. It’s a defined area that’s already sectioned off, so you don’t have to do any building or structural changes. The smaller enclosed space makes the reading nook feel cozy and intimate. Removing the door is one minor change you may want to make. This lets more light into the space since most closets don’t have windows in them. Leave the doorway open, or hang a curtain over it in case you want to close off the nook. You may want to rearrange the shelving inside the closet to make it more functional for books. Use the shelves to display your favourite books or decorative items, which enhances both the functionality and visual appeal of the nook. Instead of a high shelf across the width of the closet, you might build in shelves on one end of the closet. The shorter shelves at a lower level are an ideal spot for different books, where kids can easily reach them. Building a bench and covering it with pillows is one option for seating. Or you can leave the bottom of the closet open and fill it with bean bagsand other soft items. Consider the existing lighting in the closet to make sure it’s adequate. Install a brighter light fixture, or hang string lights in the closet to brighten the space.
3. Reading Loft
There’s something fun and magical about climbing up to a high perch for reading or playing. Building a loft into your home or using an existing loft for reading is a fun option. If there’s already a loft available, load it up with soft furnishings so you can get cozy with a book. The loft can also serve as a cozy place to rest, making it an inviting spot for both relaxation and reading. Make sure the loft has safe railings, especially if you’re making the reading nook for kids. If you don’t already have a loft in your home, look for existing structures you can convert. Some entryways or bedrooms with high ceilings have wide ledges above closets or under windows. Add a railing along the ledge and build a ladder leading up to it for a simple reading loft. In your child’s bedroom, build a loft with a ladder leading up to it. You can use a loft bed as the reading loft for an easy option.
4. Attic Nook
The slanted ceilings in your attic make it difficult to use the space for bedrooms or other living spaces. You can use the space for storage, but it can be perfect as a reading nook. Since you tend to sit or lounge while you read, you’ll have plenty of space in the attic, even with slanted ceilings. Since the attic is often far away from common areas in the home, it’s usually a quiet spot. That makes it ideal for reading to cut down on distractions. Position the attic nook near an attic window if possible. If natural light isn’t an option, add extra lighting fixtures or plug-in lamps or string lights. Your attic may need new flooring to support the reading nook. Finishing the ceiling can also make the space feel homier and welcoming for reading. Converting the attic into a reading nook helps unify the whole space and maximises its use, making the entire area feel more cohesive and functional.
5. Hallway Dead End
Even a small space at the end of a hallway can become a small reading nook. If there’s a window at the end of the hallway, it’s an even better spot. A hallway reading nook gives you a dedicated reading space without taking up room in a bedroom or shared areas. If you have the space, consider building in a little bench with bookshelves below it at the end of the hall. This allows you to integrate storage in plain sight, making the nook both functional and unobtrusive. If you don’t want to build anything, put some bean bags and floor pillows against the wall to create a reading corner.
6. Reading Alcove
Some homes have little nooks and alcoves that aren’t very functional. They’re too small for much furniture, but leaving them empty makes them wasted space. An alcove of any size can work as a reading nook. It might be a little nook in front of a window or in the corner of a room near a closet or bump-out from an adjoining room. If you’re using an alcove by a window, consider building in a window seat. You can add storage inside the seat to hold books, extra pillows, and blankets. Hang some shelves in the alcove and outfit it with seating that fits the space. Add lighting if needed. These touches transform the alcove into a comfortable place to enjoy a book, combining cozy seating and smart storage for a relaxing reading experience.
7. Reading Swing
A swing installed inside the home makes a whimsical reading option. Your child can sway back and forth while reading for a relaxing option. Curved cocoon-style swings add a cozy feeling to the reading area, especially when filled with pillows and blankets. Installing the swing requires a sturdy ceiling joist for safe installation. The joist is necessary to support the load of the swing and a person sitting in it. Without proper anchoring, the swing may fall, causing injury to people and damage to your home. Add a small freestanding bookshelf near the swing so you always have a good book nearby. Before settling in, grab a pillow or your favourite book to make the swing even more inviting and comfortable.
8. Under Stairs Nook
Who wouldn’t love retreating to the space under the stairs for reading? If you have stairs in your home, consider opening up the space underneath by removing a wall to carve out the nook. If your home already has a storage closet under the stairs, you can claim that space as your reading nook. The slanted, awkward shape makes the spaces under the stairs less functional. Instead of trying to cram items in it for storage, let your kids use their imaginations in the space while reading. The area under the stairs can be transformed into the perfect place for a cozy reading nook. If you have a more modern home with open stairs, the space below your stairs may already be open. Add some seating and shelving beneath the stairs to complete the under-stair reading nook.
9. Sun Porch Library
A sun porch bulks up on natural lighting during the day, making it an ideal spot for a reading nook. A large window provides optimal light for reading, enhancing the cozy atmosphere and making it easy to enjoy reading at any time of day. Because it’s enclosed, you have a comfortable environment no matter what the weather outside. But you still get a view of the outdoors, which can be relaxing while you read. Designate a small part of the sun porch as your reading nook. Choose bean bags or other seating with fade-resistant fabric so the sunlight doesn’t fade your reading nook seating. Position your bookshelf so it’s out of the sunlight to prevent the books from fading. Hanging curtains or blinds on the sun porch windows can help you make the space more comfortable on hot, sunny days.
Alternatively, building a reading nook outdoors can create a magical retreat. Whether it’s a cozy corner in your garden or a shaded spot on your patio, an outdoor reading nook lets you enjoy fresh air and nature. In contrast, you enjoy reading in a relaxing, natural environment.
Reading Nooks for Different Ages
Reading nooks can be tailored to suit every age and stage of life. For kids, a cozy reading nook filled with a comfortable chair, stuffed animals, and a stack of favourite books can turn story time into a magical adventure. Adding a side table for a hot beverage like warm milk or hot chocolate makes the experience even more special. For adults, a reading nook can be a sophisticated retreat, complete with a built-in bookshelf, a plush chair, and a side table for your coffee or evening glass of wine. No matter your age, a well-designed reading nook offers the perfect spot to unwind, relax, and get lost in a good book. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a reading nook that’s just right for everyone in your home.
Things to Include in Your Reading Nook
Once you choose your reading nook area, you need to furnish it to make it cozy. Book nooks are designed to combine book storage with a comfortable reading area, making the most of small spaces while enhancing both function and aesthetics. You can customise what you put in the space, but the basics include comfortable seating and book storage. To further personalise your nook, consider using paint to define the reading area or set the mood, creating an inviting and immersive environment.
Seating
Seating lets you settle in with your book and get comfortable. Bean bags let you sink in comfortably and move the seat around easily. A lounger lets you spread out a little more. Consider the size of the people using the reading nook when choosing seating. If you’re making a kids’ reading nook, you can choose kid-sized bean bag chairs and smaller seats. If it’s for all ages, choose bigger seats that can comfortably accommodate adults. A cozy chair enhances the comfort level of a reading nook, providing a supportive and snug spot to enjoy your reading sessions for extended periods. Comfortable seating also helps create a relaxed environment, making it easier to unwind and enjoy your book.
Other Soft Touches
Add to the comfort with other soft furnishings in the reading nook. Throw pillows and blankets are ideal. For a kids’ reading nook, add stuffed animals for cuddling. If you plan to cozy up on the floor, use a soft, shaggy area rug to cover the space. With these cozy touches in place, your reading nook is always waiting for your next reading adventure.
Book Storage
You don’t have to include a bookshelf in your reading nook, but it’s a nice touch to keep a small reading selection nearby. If the space is large enough, add a freestanding bookcase to hold your favourite books. For small spaces, mount simple rail shelving to have a few books within reach of your seat. A basket sitting on the floor near your chair is another way to keep just a few books close. This way, you can always have your favourite novel within easy reach for spontaneous reading.
Lighting
When possible, position your reading nook near a natural light source, such as a window or skylight. Supplemental lighting lets you see your pages clearly at night or in areas where natural lighting isn’t possible. Good lighting not only reduces eye strain but also makes turning pages easier and more enjoyable, enhancing the tactile experience of reading. Adding new lighting fixtures can be expensive, but you can add plug-in lights inexpensively without hiring an electrician. Strands of lights add a whimsical look to your space. They also work well for spreading out the light throughout the space. Table lamps or clip-on lamps let you direct light toward your reading area. You can also keep a few clip-on book lights in the nook for direct lighting.
Themed Decorations
Decorating the reading nook is an option, but it can make it more inviting and fun. Choose a theme for the reading area. Add wall decorations to create the theme. Consider using creative wall treatments, such as faux stone walls, painted murals, or wall-mounted storage, to enhance the overall look and feel. Colourful decorations also make the reading nook more cheerful and welcoming. For an interactive touch, include a chalkboard wall or area where kids can write their favourite book destinations or quotes. If you prefer a natural look, add a few plants to your reading nook. The space is also an ideal spot for a gallery wall, especially a book-themed one. Frame covers from your favourite books for a fitting wall art option. A well-decorated reading nook can also be the perfect spot to post on social media and share your cozy corner with friends.
Using Technology to Enhance Your Reading Nook
Modern technology can make your reading nook even more enjoyable and convenient. Adding a tablet or e-reader to your space gives you instant access to thousands of books and articles, so you’re never without something new to read. Smart lighting can help you create the perfect cozy ambience at any time of day, while a small sound system lets you listen to audiobooks or relaxing music as you read. You can also use apps and online resources to discover new reads, track your reading progress, or connect with fellow book lovers. By blending technology with comfort, you can create a reading nook that’s both cozy and connected, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favourite books.
Choose Reading Nook Ideas
Which reading nook ideas best fit your home and style? Looking at your available space helps you narrow down the options and create a custom reading area for kids and adults. Try a new idea to transform an ordinary corner into a unique and inspiring reading nook. Applying interior design principles, such as thoughtful colour schemes, lighting, and decor, can help you create a functional and beautiful reading nook. Filling it with lots of soft, cozy furnishings makes the reading nook even more inviting. Check out our selection of bean bag lounges and other bean bag seating options to outfit your reading nook.
Conclusion
A cozy reading nook is more than just a place to read—it’s a sanctuary where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. By choosing the right location, personalising your space with creative nook ideas, and incorporating technology to enhance your reading experience, you can create a reading nook that quickly becomes your favourite spot in the house. Whether you prefer a window seat with a view, a quiet corner with a comfortable chair, or a unique nook in an unused space, there are endless ways to make the space your own. So why not start today? With a little creativity and inspiration, you can transform any corner of your home into a cozy reading nook that invites you to read, relax, and enjoy every page.
