Crafting Your Cozy Corner: 6 Tips for the Perfect Reading Nook
It wasn’t until I started reading To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf one late Sunday afternoon that I realised I needed a comfortable reading spot. The kind of room with just the right lighting, pillows, playful décor, and a place to set my other books aside, not to mention a table to put my coffee on.
For me, finding the right spot in my house was crucial to enjoying Woolf’s long, difficult page turner. Especially now that everyone in my house has been working from home since the pandemic started. I had to create a space that felt personal and minimalist. I ended up making use of that empty corner in my home, the one spot near the window where I was finally able to spend countless hours inside reading a long book without feeling sluggish.
Here are six tips to inspire your perfect reading nook:
Tip #1. Add Some Artwork
While some people prefer to add house plants and vases to their space, I’d rather add some electrifying artwork like an abstract piece, one to showcase versatility, stillness, and to give the space a contemporary feel. Whenever I walk into a room, I’m always thinking about the energy in the room. I like to add black-and-white abstract pieces on the wall, because they often work well for aesthetic pleasure, any space, regardless of how big or small the room is.
Tip #2. Get a Comfortable Chair
When creating your reading nook, you want the perfect spot to sit in and be able to read for hours without having to constantly shift and change positions. For me, an armchair with extra comfort I can sink into works best.
I spent weeks online and visiting a few local furniture shops until I found a comfortable velvet armchair I liked, even if it was on the pricier side. So worth it!
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Tip #3: Save Space with Floating Shelves
One thing about me is that I own a lot of books and don’t have a lot of room for towering bookshelves. Floating shelves is an option for rooms with small space. I tend to pile book upon book, often leaving ones I’ve almost finished reading on top of tables, the kitchen bench, along the staircase, and it never helps that I often forget where I last placed a book. That’s why installing some floating shelves on the wall, in the corner of your reading nook is ideal for making sure you are in perfect reach of your next read.
Tip #4. Lighting is so Important
I don’t know about you, but I’m someone who loves to spend those late-night hours reading when the house is quiet. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of eBooks, but a good floor lamp is crucial. It’s a simple solution for evening readers like me. I go with a compact Ario 1 Touch Table Lamp.
Tip #5. Mix it Up with Stylish Throw Pillows
There’s a lot to consider when decorating with throw pillows. Firstly, there’s an assortment of colours and sizes to choose from. I know that when I’m trying to relax while reading my favourite book (Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire) I tend to pick anchor colours. Generally, green, black, or gold as these can accentuate the space, creating a visually pleasing atmosphere.
Tip #6. Don’t Forget to Add a Coffee Table
Every time I sit down to read, I always need a strong cup of coffee or tea by my side. Personally, what works best is a simple round rustic coffee table placed at the side of my chair and I’m ready to go. But you can choose any kind you like as long as it’s a functional coffee table that complements the style of your reading space.
Keep in mind that your reading nook should be personal to you and your style. So, personalize it with decor and items that bring you comfort and inspiration. Whether you lean towards a minimalist aesthetic or love an eclectic mix of elements, the ultimate goal is to craft a space where you can unwind and fully immerse yourself in the world of your favorite books.
