There's something magical about curling up with a good book in a space that feels like your own little retreat. Whether you have an entire home library, a cozy corner of your living room, or simply your favorite spot in bed, creating a comfortable reading nook doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Here are ten simple ways to make any reading space feel warm, inviting, and uniquely yours.
-
Find Your Perfect Reading Spot
I mean, duh. But having the right spot is going to allow you to completely relax in your perfect reading nook. Whether it's your bed, a comfy chair, or the couch in your living room, the perfect reading spot is wherever you feel happy and comfortable. Now comes the hard part, deciding what you want your vibe to be. Do you want a warm, cozy space? Or a bright, vibrant, and inviting space? Think about that, and then the next few steps will be a lot easier.
-
Wrap Up in a Cozy Blanket
This one is probably the most obvious. No space is "cozy" without a comfy blanket. Something that makes you want to curl up with a good book the moment you touch it. Now while having a blanket is most obvious, the type of blanket you have depends solely on you! Do you live somewhere hot? I highly recommend a cooling blanket. Do you want something aesthetic and comfortable? A quilt may be the best option for you. Or, do you want to be warm and bundled up? I might choose a fleece or cotton blanket. So many options for your first cozy item.
-
Choose the Right Lighting
This one may not have been at the forefront of your mind because light to read is simple right? Flip a switch and start reading, but it's not that simple because the perfect lighting will make any reading nook feel moody and welcoming. A floor lamp is a great option if you want or need more of an overhead light. There are so many beautiful floor lamps: crystal, wooden, or something with a more industrial vibe. If you have less space and can't get a large floor lamp, a smaller desk lamp for a softer ambiance is a great next choice. Lamps come in so many shapes, designs, and sizes. Figure out the mood you want your reading nook to have, then choose a lamp that complements it. Maybe you want a more whimsical vibe. In that case, I'd recommend a selenite desk lamp. Or if you want a cottagecore feel, then a wooden floor lamp would look stunning. Want an industrial vibe? A black metal floor lamp would pull that look together. A lamp is going to be your first statement piece in your reading nook.
-
Add a Bookshelf You'll Love
While a lamp may be your first statement piece, a bookshelf is going to be the most important statement piece. Every reading nook needs a bookshelf. Small or large, as long as you have somewhere to place all your favorite titles. For smaller reading nooks, an end table with a couple shelves on it would be enough space to hold a few of your favorite books. Some end tables even have built-in outlets so you have a place to not only store hard copies, but you can charge your E-reader too. Another option for smaller reading nooks are floating bookshelves. Floating shelves are a fun and unique way to display all of your books while saving on floor space. For a larger reading nook, a statement bookshelf like a triangular bookcase, can become a beautiful focal point. A ladder-style bookshelf is another fun and unique option for displaying your favorite reads. If you're looking for a more cottagecore look, an exposed wood bookshelf would fit in perfectly.
-
Layer with Comfortable Pillows
Nothing says comfort like a soft, fluffy pillow! Throw pillows are a great option to have in a reading nook because they're small, comfortable, and perfect for getting cozy with while you read. Another great thing about throw pillows? They're available everywhere, and you can find super fun pillowcases for them. You want a reading pillow with a silly quote on it? They make them. You want a shag reading pillow, they make those too. If you're in need of something larger, a reading pillow with armrests is another great option. Whatever your heart desires for your reading nook, make sure to have the perfect throw pillow for it.
-
Create Ambiance with a Sound Machine
This one is completely optional, especially for those who can't read with background noise. However, having a good quality sound machine can add an extra element of comfort to your space while drowning out the noise of the outside world. From white noise and falling rain to a crackling fire or a soft lullaby, a sound machine can provide plenty of options to help you focus on the world inside the pages of your current read.
-
Keep Your Feet Cozy
Keep a pair of socks or slippers next to your reading corner, and when you're snuggled into your spot, put them on. It'll immediately get you in a relaxed mindset. Nothing is better than the feeling of cozy warm feet. If you want, you could step it up a notch and get an electric foot warmer. It's like a little pocket of sherpa-lined heaven for your tootsies.
-
Sip from Your Favorite Mug
Whatever your favorite warm drink is, you've got to have a good mug. A decent mug can make all the difference in the enjoyment of a hot beverage. My go-to is coffee, but occasionally a nice cup of Earl Grey tea, jasmine tea, or peppermint tea (my personal favorites). Getting sucked into a good book with my favorite drink is a special kind of relaxation. Highly recommend.
-
Personalize with Décor
This category has a lot of wiggle room. You could hang a piece you love on the wall in your nook or find cute trinkets and bookends for your new bookshelf. Hang floral artwork on the wall or place a vase of fresh flowers on a nearby table. The décor is going to set the vibe of your reading nook. Think about what look and feel you want for your reading corner, find some strong pieces that represent you, and decorate! This phase might be the most fun part of setting up a space just for you. So find things that bring you joy and have fun putting it all together.
-
Store Everything in a Woven Basket
You now have a lot of wonderful things for your new reading nook, so you'll need something to store all of those cozy items in. What would be better than a large, woven basket to hold your blanket, foot warmer, slippers, and socks? If you like to change up where you read, a basket makes it easy to bring your cozy setup with you. Fill it with your favorite reading essentials and carry it wherever you decide to settle in.
At Fern & Owl, we believe every book deserves a cozy place to be enjoyed. Whether your reading nook is an oversized chair, a sunny window seat, or simply your favorite blanket on the couch, I hope this list inspires you to create a space that makes you excited to open your next book.
Happy reading,
– Fern & Owl
0 comments