Today I’m sharing 7 tips to create a reading nook. Even though our home isn’t large, having a special place to sit, read and relax has always been important in our family. Especially during the times we are all indoors and together more than we are used to.
No matter the season, there are always days when the weather outside isn’t inviting. Today it’s been raining cats and dogs for hours, and last week it was close to 100 degrees with hot sticky humidity. Why not make the best of it when you can’t go outside and curl up with a good book? Making the best of it means having a special place to get away from everyone and get comfy.
Open a decorating book or magazine and pay attention to the reading nooks. You’ll see they all use the same items to create a reading nook. The best thing about creating a reading nook is that it doesn’t have to cost a lot or be a big space.
I’m sharing my space and the steps I used to create a reading nook in our home.
#1 Pick a quiet, out of the way place for your reading nook.
You don’t need a lot of space to create a cozy reading nook. Find an unused corner or an out of the way spot that doesn’t get a lot of traffic. I made this awkward walkway that lead to our bedroom our reading nook. At seven feet wide it was too small or too big for a lot of things but it was the perfect quiet place to create a cozy reading nook.
It can’t be seen from the front door or living area and has an amazing view of the water, and now our newly made-over backyard too 🙂
#2 Add a place to store books
I added DIY Industrial Style Shelves, floor to ceiling on the back wall with rough cut cypress from a local saw mill. Recreating this look is easy, if you don’t have access to a saw mill for rough cut wood, Home Depot carries rough cut cedar boards that look exactly like this.
#3 Add comfy seating to your reading nook
A cushy leather reading chair fit this space perfectly.
#4 Reading nooks feel extra cozy with a small table to place a warm cup of tea or coffee on.
These nesting tables came from Goodwill forever ago. A little paint and coat of wax worked wonders and they were just the right petite size for this spot.
#5 Good lighting is a must in a cozy reading nook.
This house came with awful lighting. I used a hanging pendant lamp for my reading nook since we don’t have room for a table top lamp. This Ralph Lauren Knock Off Nautical Pendant Light is a favorite of mine. Here’s another favorite hanging pendant light of mine that would also look great in a reading nook.
#6 Add a footstool to a reading nook.
There’s nothing cozier than being able to prop your feet up when settling in with a good book. A footstool also makes a convenient place to sit when browsing the bookshelf for a favorite book or the newest good read. This little DIY Coastal Burlap Footstool fits perfectly in my reading nook and tucks away nicely when not in use.
#7 Decorate your reading nook with a theme.
Our reading nook took on a personality of its own once I started putting it together. With its rough cut wood shelves and big cushy masculine chair I was able to find a home for all our nautical decor, some of my husbands travel memorabilia from his days in the Navy and a few other cherished family pieces.
The oversized shelves also work great for family photos!
These are the elements I used to pull my reading nook together to create a relaxing and comfortable spot to curl up with a favorite book or the Sunday morning paper.
Where’s your favorite spot to relax and curl up with a good book? Do you have a special place like a reading nook or do you plop yourself down where ever you feel like it at the time?
Let’s talk about it in the comments below!
You’ll find my project linked up to these fabulous parties!
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Disclosure: I may have been compensated, given product or tools that I used in this DIY post. All opinions that I share are always 100% my own. I use affiliate links in my posts. If you should make a purchase I will receive an itty bitty commission at no cost to you. Thank you in advance for supporting my blog and two fur-ball cats who believe they are privileged.
Crystal Green says
This is a beautiful reading nook. I love how it took on a mind of it’s own during the creation process. I love how things just fall into place unexpectedly like that.
I was going to make a reading nook in my office on the other side away from the desk, but the kids ended up getting that section to do their school work. However, one day I’m going to make an area in my living room for it. I hope to find a Chase chair to put in my corner. (Do you know how hard those things are to find in a thrift store around here?)
Wendi says
Hi Crystal & thank you. Letting a space take on a personality of it’s own is one of my favorite ways of decorating. I always start with a few anchor ideas or pieces and then things just unfold. I love that you saw that. yes, kids tend to take over all spaces…but then you’ll miss them when they don’t and have grown up:) I hope you get to work on your special areas soon, I believe we all need one:) Thanks for your visit!
Stacey Keeling says
That wall was just screaming for shelves! I love your red chair too. A reading spot is a must and yours is very inviting.
Happy Thoughts of Home. Thanks for sharing this and your other posts with us.
Wendi says
Hi Stacey & thank you!! Yes, that blank wall was seriously needing a wow factor. Originally it had a window and when we added our master bath on the other side the wall was filled in. I’d wanted a big chunky set of shelves for years and finally had a place for a set:) Thank you for your visit & comment!
Kim says
Lovin those shelves! I have a weird shaped sitting room in my master bedroom this would be great idea for it~Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Pinned & Sharing on FB! Have a great week!
Kim
Wendi says
Hi Kim and thank you! If we hadn’t of turned this area into a reading nook, it would have been just a wide open hallway. The shelve anchor it and made good use of unused space:) I hope you create shelves in your spot, you’ll love them!
Katie says
This turned out so great!
Katie
button-jar.com/blog
Wendi says
Hi Katie! Thank you so much:) This was a big extra wide hallway before the shelves and chair came in. It’s a wonderful place to sit and enjoy a book or just relax! Thanks so much for your visit & sweet comment!
Vanessa says
Wendi,
You have done so much to your home and it’s gorgeous. The view from the reading nook is heaven. So jealous you live on the water and I live central. LOL, I love it and hey if you have a moment I would love for you to share your projects at a linky party I am hosting. It would be great to have you there. Hope to see you. Have a great week. http://diy180site.blogspot.com/2016/08/dishing-it-and-digging-it-link-party-109.html
Wendi says
Hi Vanessa…I’m slow to get to comments this week, it’s been a bit hectic. I’d love to stop by and will try to later today! Thanks so much for your visit!
Debbie-Dabble says
Great post!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
Wendi says
You’re welcome and you too!
Kathie Gates says
I love your blog! It always gives me a much needed lift!!
Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Wendi says
Hi Kathie & thank you so very much! You have no idea how my day brightens when I get a note from a reader who is inspired by my work! Have an awesome weekend!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Wendi, what a lovely area for relaxing and reading. I love those paddles. My husband bought home a humongous one and I’ve been wanting to make it over but I wouldn’t know where to put it, it’s got to be over 6 feet. I really like all your special touches, the birds, and the lighthouse… all special to remind you of cherished moments.
Wendi says
Hi Mary & thank you my friend:) Oohhh, I’m envious you have an oversized oar! I found some in a thrift store a few years ago at a good price and still kick myself for not buying them! Can’t wait to see what you do with yours:) Yes, those shelves are a perfect place to keep special memories. As always, thanks so much for your visit!