There’s something really special about having a dedicated spot just for reading. It’s not just about the books—it’s about creating a little sanctuary where you can actually unwind and disconnect for a while.
I put together my own reading nook earlier this year, and it’s honestly become my favorite corner of my apartment. The best part? You don’t need a huge space or a big budget to make it happen. Let me walk you through some ideas that actually work.
Start With Comfortable Seating
Your chair or seating is the foundation of your reading nook, so it’s worth spending a bit of time getting this right. Here are some options that work well:
Floor cushions with back support: Great for smaller spaces and budget-friendly. Layer a couple of oversized floor cushions with a supportive back pillow against the wall. Add a soft throw blanket and you’re set.
A cozy armchair: Check secondhand shops, Facebook Marketplace, or thrift stores. You can often find beautiful chairs at great prices. If the fabric needs refreshing, consider a slipcover or having it reupholstered.
Papasan or bowl chair: These have made a comeback and they’re wonderfully comfortable for curling up with a book.
Bean bag chairs: The newer styles in velvet or knit fabrics can actually look really sophisticated and they’re incredibly comfortable.
Good Lighting Makes All the Difference
Natural light is wonderful, but you’ll also want good lighting for evening reading. A floor lamp or adjustable reading light works perfectly. Look for something with warm, bright light (around 400 lumens or more) so you can read comfortably without straining your eyes.
If you’re near a window, you’ve got built-in ambiance during the day. Fairy lights or string lights can add a cozy atmosphere in the evenings too.
Layer Your Textures
This is where your nook really starts to feel inviting. Think about adding:
- A chunky knit or soft fleece blanket
- Supportive throw pillows in fabrics you love to touch
- A plush rug if you’re creating a floor seating area
- Curtains or a canopy if you want to create more of a cocoon feeling
The key is choosing things that make you want to settle in and stay a while.
Add a Small Side Table
You’ll want a spot for your tea, water, phone, and the stack of books you’re working through. A small side table, nightstand, plant stand, or even a sturdy wooden crate works perfectly. Just make sure it’s within easy reach so you don’t have to get up constantly.
Book Storage
If you have wall space, a small bookshelf next to your nook keeps your current reads within reach. You can organize your books however makes sense to you—by genre, by what you’re planning to read next, or just in a way that looks nice to you.
If space is tight, try a wall-mounted shelf, a small ladder shelf, or even an intentional stack of books on the floor beside your seat.
Bring in Some Greenery
A plant or two near your reading spot adds life and freshness to the space. Low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plants, or peace lilies work well. If you have a sunny window, you have even more options.
Ideas for Different Spaces
Small apartment: Use a bedroom corner with floor cushions and a wall-mounted shelf above for books.
Awkward alcove or under stairs: Add a cushioned seat with storage underneath for books and blankets.
Living room: Designate one corner with a comfortable chair and side table. A bookshelf or room divider can help create a sense of separation.
Window spot: Simply place a comfortable chair near the window with a small table beside it.
Personal Touches
Add whatever makes the space feel like yours. This might be candles, framed art, a small speaker for background music, photos, or a basket to corral your current reads. Maybe it’s a special mug for your reading tea, or a journal for notes about what you’re reading.
The goal is creating a space that invites you to slow down, get comfortable, and enjoy your book. Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, having that dedicated spot makes all the difference.