How To Create The Perfect Reading Nook 

It’s official: autumn is on its way. If you’re mourning the departure of the sunshine, you can take comfort from the prospect of curling up in a cosy corner with a mug of tea and your favourite novel. Want to create the perfect space? Here’s everything you need for the ultimate reading nook.

How To Create A Reading Nook In Your Home

With cold weather approaching fast, there’s no better time to give your home a cosy transformation – and there’s nothing quite as charming as a dedicated reading corner. 

Of course, grab a blanket, stack a few tomes and you might be good to go, but how do you really nail the nook? Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, lighting expert and founder of Dowsing & Reynolds, has put together a handy guide.

VSP Interiors (c) Paul Massey

Find The Perfect Corner

While a home library might be the ultimate dream, you don’t need large amounts of extra space in your home to create the perfect nook – in fact, the cosier the better.

‘Reading nooks are perfect pockets in your home that allow you to escape and de-stress from the day, and they don’t take up much space, either,’ Ally notes. ‘Whether you have a a window seat, an alcove or an empty corner you’re looking to fill, selecting a few core pieces of furniture will help you create the perfect nook.’

So, what are the requirements? ‘Find a space that will fit an armchair, side table and standing lamp to create the base of your nook,’ Ally explains. ‘Layer with accessories such as cosy textiles, throws and rugs to create a warm, inviting space.’

Choose Lighting Carefully 

Mood lighting really is key here (beware of the big light, after all). ‘When choosing a lamp for your reading nook, make sure that it’s tall enough to cast a gentle glow down on you from above,’ says Ally. ‘Avoid lamps that come to the same height as you when you’re sitting down – this will help reduce the glare while reading. Don’t forget to choose a good lampshade to help diffuse the light for a cosy atmosphere, and opt for standard soft white incandescent or LED light bulbs to provide warm lighting.’

Wondering which lamp to go for? ‘Add a stylish floor lamp to the space to create a sophisticated look,’ Ally advises. ‘Alternatively, opt for a wall light above your seating area. Plug-in wall lights are a great option if you want to avoid rewiring.’

Match Your Bookshelf To The Aesthetic Of The Room 

A bookshelf is, naturally, integral to any reading nook – if you have the space for one. But whether you settle on a floor-to-ceiling number or a smaller set of shelves, you can create a backdrop which is both functional and picture-perfect. ‘Use your books as a piece of décor that reflects your personality,’ Ally suggests. ‘Try arranging books by colour to add visual intrigue, and use bookends to separate collections. Make sure to create space for displaying decorative pieces or photo frames.’

If your nook is too tight for a bookshelf, fear not: you can add plenty of charm simply by ‘leaning books against a wall or on a ledge. Alternatively, stack a few on the floor next to your armchair for a casual and understated feel.’

Roundhouse

Don’t Forget Colour Choices 

To really carve out your cosy corner, ‘consider using a different colour for your nook compared to the rest of the room, to help zone the space,’ Ally notes. ‘Play with bold shades such as navy or olive on an accent wall. If the room is already bold, paint the corner in a neutral colour to create a contrast. 

For a particularly snug reading nook, Ally proposes ‘colour drenching the walls, including the ceiling, for a cocooning effect. Using dark, velvety shades will create a really inviting and warm space.’

Add Accessories

‘To finish your reading nook, play with textures for added cosiness,’ says Ally. ‘Add a rug to the space to help tie everything together, before layering throws and blankets onto your armchair. Choose final touches such as a candle or a diffuser and place them on side tables or bookshelves.’

Reading Nook Inspiration

 

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