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Grab a Book and Cosy Up in These 6 Reading Nook Ideas

A brew might come in handy too.

reading corner ideas

Looking for a dedicated spacer to relax and spend some quality downtime? Then why not create a reading corner? An essential part of our homes, reading nooks act as a place to read books, flip through magazines and work through the odd crossword puzzle. These corners are ideal as you don't need a ton of space, meaning you can fit a reading corner in any bedroom or living room. Keep reading for our simple reading corner ideas and you'll have a happy space to sit and take a breath in no time.




1. Invest In a Comfortable & Supportive Chair


reading corner ideas for living room

A comfortable and supportive seat takes number one priority when designing a reading corner. Choose an armchair or occasional chair that's made to last. Our go-to is an upholstered armchair as it gives you plenty of space to prop your elbows up with a good book.

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If you'll be cosying up with your pet, opt for a loveseat so there's room for two. Feel free to get creative – a chaise, daybed, or hammock are all inviting choices. If you like to prop your feet up, add an ottoman or pouf. Ottomans with storage are a great choice if you want a place to store extra throw blankets.

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2. Give Your Books Some TLC


The ideal reading corner includes walls of built-in bookcases. If you're aspiring to create an artful reading nook, choose floating shelves. They're versatile and can be placed at different heights so you can display art and souvenirs collected while traveling. For booklovers, consider ladder bookcases. These tall, spacious bookcases give you tons of space to line up your favourite books.

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Tip: Don't forget to add bookends to your shelves. They come in a range of styles and designs and will elevate your reading nook.

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3. Add an End Table for Necessities


If you have space, add a side table to your reading corner. This way you can set out coasters for drinks, arrange an accent tray for nibbles or set up a charging station for e-readers. The more organised your space is, the more relaxed you'll feel.

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4. Choose Calming Colours & Soft Materials


One of the most powerful qualities of a reading corner is that it should only serve one purpose. Don't let it become a place to sit and check work emails or write out a to-do list. Create a calming space by indulging in neutrals and soft shades of colours. We recommend blush, pale yellow, sky blue and sage gray.


To bring your reading corner ideas to life, keep the calm and cosy energy going when selecting chair and decor materials. Opt for a soft chair upholstered in velvet, linen or suede and layer a chenille throw blanket on top. Place a soft rug in your reading nook. A sheepskin rug can visually define a reading nook and look so soft and airy.

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5. Own Your Decor


Reading corner ideas should include simple decor. Some white space is good for letting your mind wander. Try propping few framed art pieces and family photos on bookshelves. If you like to travel, this can be a great space to curate your holiday souvenirs. For an organic touch, add a few faux flowers or plants.

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While decorating your reading corner, it's important to think about storage. If your bookcase is on the smaller side, use a basket for unread books. If you need a place to store throw blankets, consider adding a bin underneath your seating area.

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6. Light Up Your Nook


Whether you love your e-reader or you favour paperbacks, great lighting is essential for a reading corner. If you can, set yourself up near a window to enjoy the natural light. If you have an end table, place a table lamp on top. You can also hang a small pendant, install a wall sconce or use a floor lamp. Just remember to place your reading nook near an outlet if you're using a lamp.

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