- Reading Nook vs. Book Nook: What’s the Difference?
- What Are the Must-Have Reading Nook Items?
- How to Create a Reading Nook
- What Are Common Mistakes in Book Nook Design?
- How to Create a Reading Nook in Small Spaces
- Creative Places to Add a Reading Nook in Any Home
Creating a reading nook is all about carving out a quiet spot that feels like your own. It’s a corner in your home where you can slow down, unplug, and get into a good book, even on hectic days.
One of the best things about reading nooks is how adaptable they are, since they don’t require having a large home or entire room. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to create a reading nook, explore ways to make space for one, and offer reading nook ideas (including small-space options) to help you bring your vision to life.
Reading Nook vs. Book Nook: What’s the Difference?
You’ll often hear the terms “reading nook” and “book nook” used interchangeably, and in many cases, that’s perfectly fine. Both usually describe a cozy spot designed for reading and relaxing with books.
But there’s a second meaning of “book nook” that’s worth clarifying. A book nook can also refer to a miniature diorama that sits between books on a shelf, often designed as a tiny scene, such as a street, room, or other imagined setting. While charming, that’s not what we’re discussing here. This article focuses on how to create a book nook for reading, a space where you can curl up with a novel or your favorite magazine.
What Are the Must-Have Reading Nook Items?
A great reading nook comes down to comfy seating, good lighting, and easy-to-reach book storage. When you’re intentional about these details, you can create a nook that feels thoughtful, cozy, and inviting.
Next, we’ll look at how to design each one to make your reading nook a place you genuinely love spending time in.
How to Create a Reading Nook
Creating a reading nook is rarely about finding one perfect item. It’s about layering the right elements to make your space comfortable, practical, and personal.
Comfy Seating
When choosing reading nook furniture, comfort should always come first. Look for options like a plush armchair, a supportive lounge chair, or a chaise. Window benches with cozy cushions are a great choice too, and they can work as both seating and storage. Whichever seating option you choose, pay attention to seat depth, cushion firmness, and back support. The goal is to be able to sit comfortably for extended periods of time without constantly shifting around.
Good Lighting
Lighting can make or break a reading nook. Natural light is wonderful during the day, particularly if your nook is near a window, but it shouldn’t be your only light source. Try incorporating a task light or other focused lighting so you can read comfortably at any hour.
Other forms of lighting, like floor lamps and wall sconces, can be practical and lend to the coziness and warmth of the space, too, as long as you avoid white, fluorescent lightbulbs.
Storage for Books and Other Essentials
For a reading nook to work for you, everything you need should be within reach. Built-in shelves are ideal for storing all your books, but floating shelves can work just as well when floor space is limited. Baskets or small chests can also help you store items like blankets or reading essentials without making the space feel cluttered.
If your book collection has outgrown your reading nook, try rotating titles. Nearby storage furniture, or even self-storage, can help you make room for your favorites while keeping the rest stowed away. You could also explore crawl space storage ideas for extra book storage in your own home.
Cozy Textiles and Accessories
Your book nook can be as simple or as styled as you like, but small additions like a throw blanket, a few supportive pillows, and a soft rug can instantly make your space more comfortable and inviting. These finishing touches help set the nook apart, especially in open or shared rooms.
You can also make the most of your wall space to bring your reading nook ideas to life. Hang a favorite piece of artwork or install a built-in side table for your favorite mug. Details like these can improve the aesthetic and functionality of your book nook without taking up much space or adding clutter.
What Are Common Mistakes in Book Nook Design?
Even well-intentioned reading nooks can miss the mark. Here are some common mistakes people make when designing a book nook, along with how to avoid them.
Choosing Style over Comfort
Furniture that looks great but feels stiff or awkward can make you less likely to use your space. If a chair doesn’t support you well, your reading nook will quickly become decorative rather than functional, so prioritize comfort over style.
Poor Lighting Choices
Lighting is easy to overlook, but it makes a huge difference in how your reading nook feels. Lighting that’s too dim can strain your eyes, while harsh, overly bright light can make the space feel cold and unwelcoming. Where you place your light matters, too, since the wrong angle can cast shadows across the page you’re reading.
Use adjustable lighting and test it at different times of day to see what works best for you. Usually, a mix of soft ambient light and a reading lamp will strike the right balance.
Overcrowding the Space
It’s tempting to fill your reading nook with all the things you love, but too much can quickly make your space feel cramped, cluttered, and hard to relax in.
Leave a little breathing room and be intentional about what books, furniture, and decor you include.
Ignoring Noise and Privacy
The whole point of a reading nook is to slow down and enjoy some peace and quiet, so where you set it up matters. Situating a reading nook in a high-traffic area can lead to constant movement and noise, making it harder to fully relax or get lost in a book.
If a secluded location isn’t an option for your reading nook, putting up curtains, room dividers, or tall bookshelves can help create a sense of seclusion.
How to Create a Reading Nook in Small Spaces
You don’t need tons of square footage to create a comfy reading spot. Here are a few creative and practical reading nook ideas for small spaces.
Closets, Alcoves, Hallways, and Under-Stair Spaces
Closets, alcoves, wide hallways, and under-stair spaces are often overlooked but make excellent compact nooks. Even a small chair, a wall-mounted light, and a few shelves can transform the space.
Multi-Functional Reading Nook Furniture
In small spaces, furniture should work double duty. Look into storage ottomans or wall-mounted shelves that double as side tables to maximize the function of your reading nook without crowding the space.
Bedroom and Living Room Reading Nooks
Even larger multipurpose areas like bedrooms and living rooms can accommodate reading nooks with the help of visual separation. Creating zones with rugs and dividers can make designated reading spaces feel more intentional.
If your current living room couch is too bulky to accommodate your reading nook, consider exploring how to store a couch in a storage unit or an underutilized room until you can rearrange your setup.
Creative Places to Add a Reading Nook in Any Home
Some of the best reading nooks could show up where you least expect them. Here are a few other creative (and often overlooked) spots where you can carve out a cozy reading nook.
Porch or Covered Balcony
If you have a small enclosed porch or even a covered balcony, you can turn it into a peaceful reading retreat. Just make sure to invest in weather-friendly seating and storage for your books.
Children’s Rooms
Children’s rooms and playrooms are perfect for reading nooks. Items like floor cushions and canopies can make reading fun for kids.
Laundry Rooms
At first glance, a laundry room doesn’t exactly scream “relaxation,” but that’s what makes it such a smart choice. It’s usually tucked away from the main living areas, which makes it ideal for a peaceful reading nook (just remember to silence the dryer buzzer). You could even turn reading while waiting for your laundry into a fun at-home ritual.
Make Room for the Perfect Reading Nook with CubeSmart
Creating a reading nook often comes down to making space and being thoughtful about how you use it.
If your home is too crowded to carve out a reading nook, CubeSmart can help. With storage options for a wide range of items, including things that need climate-controlled storage*, you can easily store seasonal, bulky, or rarely used items to free up some space. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you to get started.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
