Most people are prioritizing wellness and relaxation nowadays, and that includes interior decorating trends as well. Reading nooks are becoming popular “detox” spots for regular screen time, making them the perfect places to curl up and get lost in your favorite novel.
Your reading nook can be situated anywhere, be it in the bedroom, an awkward corner in the living room, or even under the stairway. You only need proper lighting, comfortable seating, and a few decor items and tips to personalize the space.
We’ve compiled the best reading nook ideas to inspire your project in building a dedicated space where you can take a break as you catch up on your latest read.
Take a look!
1. Stock on Pillows and Throws
One of the perfect spots to place a book nook is by the window—a window seat offers coziness, and your mind can wander as you enjoy the beautiful scenery outside.
This window seat has a high-density foam seat cushion for added comfort and pillows and blankets to help you stay warm if needed. In-built shelves, as well as open shelving storage underneath the seat host a multitude of books for the perfect reading nook during daytime.
2. Add a Textured Feel
This reading nook combines natural and artificial lighting and a fun and rewarding use of square footage to create a book nook you can immerse yourself in all day long.
The orange glass-cloth wallpaper defines the reading nook and brings a sense of enchantment. The white bookshelf above the seat stands out against the wallpaper and offers adequate storage for a collection of books.
3. Opt for Monochrome
Using the same color in the entire reading nook, including your furniture, adds drama and enables reading materials to stand out. Here, soft blues fill this area with a calming vibe, making it a great place to concentrate while reading.
The window seat cushion and pillows display traditional patterns and complement the floral window treatments and pillows on the chair, making the reading nook feel intentional.
4. Simplicity is Key
You might think you don’t have any available space to accommodate a reading nook, but you only need a small area like a window seat.
Flanking your window seat with a built-in bookshelf, like the one above, will provide much easier access to books—especially if you love reading multiple books simultaneously.
5. Play with Symmetry
The patterned blue wallpaper defines this cozy reading nook and complements the floral window drapes. The brown seat cushion and patterned pillows add a dose of contrasting color.
A pair of wall sconces introduces an element of symmetry and ensures the reading nook is well-lit day or night.
6. Fix It In
It’s always best to consider what size will be comfortable when building a reading nook. This cozy nook was built under a stairway, but it’s wide and deep enough for most adults to stretch out fully.
7. Enjoy the View
If your apartment has huge windows, you can embark on a project for a reading nook like the one featured above. The louver windows enhance ventilation, making the space comfortable, while ample natural light makes reading more manageable and pleasing.
The wood panels and wall pendant, as well as the wooden shelving unit, evoke a modern minimalist vibe, while the seat cushion and bolster pillow add retro style. With a sunny spot and a view like this one, you can read from the early mornings till the sun sets!
8. Create a Workspace
Installing a bookshelf that doubles as a desk for your reading nook can be helpful if you intend to use the area as a home office. The light wood top stands out against the blue hue and adds functionality to the space.
A vintage wall sconce adds some classic charm, while built-in shelf lighting makes it easier to pick and put away reference materials.
9. Off the Landing
This reading nook is big enough whether you’re reading or taking a nap. The setup boasts plenty of hidden storage, including pull-up storage under the cushions at the ends and nooks for charging and setting up an iPod or a book. The drawers beneath the seat add more storage.
Green on the drawers and pillows pair with the blue cushions in the down wrap for a visually engaging and comfortable space. Bookshelves take advantage of vertical space, keeping the books off the ground. The custom wall sconces add a bit of personality.
10. Define with Wallpaper
If you have weird corners in your home, rather than working around them, why not embrace them and transform them into distinct nooks?
The green patterned wallpaper separates the reading nook from the rest of the space while adding visual interest. Plenty of pillows on the seat and a pair of wall sconces make the reading nook more cozy and unique.
11. Consider Everyone
Using shallow display shelves like the ones in this featured reading nook makes it easier even for kids to see the available books and select what they’d like to read.
The rainbow wall decals add a personal creative touch and complement the chic boho vibe.
12. Match Your Books
This reading nook was built at the top of the landing and sits in between the primary bedroom and the children’s rooms. It serves as a reading nook for parents and an excellent spot for kids to decompress while offering several play options.
The books on the shelves are organized mainly by color for a clean, minimalist aesthetic congruent with the space’s theme.
13. Take it to the Bedroom
A reading nook in a bedroom brings a sense of serenity and offers an excellent spot to unwind before bed. The warm neutrals on this reading nook’s seat cushion and pillows bring warmth to the space.
The hardwood shelves stand out against the deep blue accent wall while adding a touch of natural elegance.
14. Make a Display
This reading nook uses well-designed shelves that hold books while displaying art objects and personal ornaments, making it a great spot that you wouldn’t mind spending extended periods of time.
A side table holds a beautiful floral planter, while another can be used for your coffee and bookmark. The gray window drapes evoke a modern vibe and complement the pillows and rug for a cohesive look.
15. Under the Stairs
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you know the space under the stairs has a lot of potential for a reading nook. The dead space found in an open staircase is an excellent spot to build a comfy bench and several bookshelves.
The small patterned area rug, pouf ottoman, table lamp, and pendant lighting provide all the essentials for a cozy reading nook.
16. Make it Moody
With a matching seat, drawers, shelves, pillows, and trim, this bold navy blue reading nook brings a moody atmosphere that you can curl up to the entire day.
17. Give it a Natural Look
If you have an awkward corner in transitional spaces like your hallway or bedroom, consider building a small bench and some open shelves, and add a cozy stack of pillows.
The rustic wood floating shelves lend a warm, natural feel against the crisp white walls while influencing how the book nook looks and functions.
18. Pay Attention to Details
The type of furniture you use can be essential when making your reading nook beautiful and comfortable. This green velvet chair brings color and texture and provides a place that you can truly sink into when reading your beloved book.
Well-organized books are interspersed with art objects and houseplants, adding interest and depth to this bohemian-inspired reading nook.
