Embracing Imperfection: The Beauty of Wabi-Sabi Interiors

If you’re a book lover, a cozy reading nook makes for the perfect escape. Find an empty corner in your bedroom or unused space under the stairs and transform it into the retreat you’ve always wanted.

Complete the look with plush floor pillows or ottomans and a bookshelf to house your must-read pile. Add a side table for drinks and wall decor to make the space feel truly your own.

1. Choose the Right Furniture

A cozy reading nook is about making your space feel like it was designed just for you, with one great design by the Blokk Studio team. Whether you choose to go with a built-in window seat, a well-placed armchair, a hung dream catcher, or even a comfy corner of the closet, it’s all about finding a spot that evokes feelings of relaxation and nurtured self-care.

Choosing the right furniture is key to creating your perfect nook. Start with a comfortable seating option, like an upholstered chair or chaise lounge with plush cushions. Add a soft throw blanket, or a few of your favorite decorative pillows, for extra coziness. You can also add a small table or bookshelf to your nook, for easy access to your reading materials.

Then make sure there’s plenty of light for reading. If your nook is near a window, line the sill with houseplants that will benefit from natural light and help create a relaxing atmosphere. If your nook isn’t close to a natural light source, opt for a tall floor lamp or adjustable wall sconce that allows you to direct the reading light where it’s needed most.

If you decide to go with a closet-turned-nook, make sure to empty the contents and wash down the walls before adding a bench seat. Then add a few pillows, blankets, and a framed print on the wall. Then all you need to do is sit back, relax, and read! And be sure to keep your nook neat and tidy between reading sessions by folding up throw blankets, putting away eyeglasses, and vacuuming seat cushions. You can also add a fresh floral arrangement or scented candles to your nook for an extra sensory experience.

2. Add a Rug

When creating a cozy reading nook, it is important to add the right amount of softness and comfort. Adding a plush rug will provide an extra layer of warmth and coziness that you and your book will love. Additionally, a rug will help delineate your reading nook from the rest of the room. This can be especially helpful if you are using a section of an existing room, such as an unused bedroom or a corner of the living room, to create your reading space.

Once you have a comfy spot to read, add throw pillows and blankets for more comfort. This can help prevent stiffness or cramping from sitting in one position for too long. It is also a great way to make the nook more personal and feel like your own. Other ways to personalize your nook include adding a few plants or greenery that thrive in natural light, scented candles or mood lighting, or even some framed family photos or art prints.

A bookshelf is a must-have for any reading nook. It will allow you to keep your favorite books organized and easily accessible, and it will add a nice decorative element to the space. A shelf can also be a great place to store your drink, such as coffee or tea, and other items that you may need while reading.

If you want to be able to easily find your next book, consider adding a bookshelf with built-in cubbies to your reading nook. This will allow you to easily see all of your books without having to search through a stack of books for the title you are looking for.

3. Create a Storage Solution

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a book and escaping into another world. But finding a place that feels like it was made for reading can be challenging, especially in the smallest of homes. But with the right cozy reading nook ideas, you can turn just about any unused space into your personal hideaway.

Start by creating a reading nook in your bedroom or living room with comfy chairs and a cozy rug that will help delineate the space from the rest of the room. Then add a few other essentials to make it even more relaxing and cozy, including plush blankets, pillows, and plants to help you relax in style. Finally, a good storage solution will keep your books organized and close at hand, while adding more visual interest to the space.

If you’re short on space for a dedicated nook but have a window seat that could be turned into one, consider creating a built-in book nook with shelves or a crate for storing books and other necessities. Alternatively, you can also fashion your own reading nook using a utility cart that can be rolled around the room to find the best spot to settle in with a good book.

If you have the room, a daybed is ideal for a cozy reading nook because it’s big enough to lay down and still read in comfort. Or if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to spend crafting a custom nook, a simple floor cushion and some pillows paired with a cozy throw and some plants will be just as welcoming and relaxing. Plus, it’s a great way to save some cash on a new nook!

4. Add Lighting

Having the right lighting is crucial to making your reading space feel cozy. During the day, use natural light from nearby windows or sheer curtains to illuminate your reading nook with a soft glow. In the evening, dim the lights or add a lamp with an adjustable dimmer switch to create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Not everyone has a dedicated room in the home for a reading nook, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a cozy space somewhere else! For example, a small corner in your bedroom or an empty stair landing can be transformed into the perfect reading space with a few furniture pieces, decor accents and a bookcase storage solution.

For a modern look, try adding pendant lamps to your reading nook for an easy way to add light without taking up valuable floor space. These lamps can be hardwired directly to the ceiling or plugged into an existing light fixture and they come in multiple styles from contemporary to industrial so you’re sure to find one that fits your space perfectly.

A simple side table is a must for any reading nook, providing the perfect place to set a book or your favorite cup of tea. You can also add a plant for added relaxation and visual appeal, as plants are known to naturally mellow out our moods. With these essentials in place, your reading nook will be the coziest spot in the house that you can’t wait to curl up in with your latest book!

5. Decorate

A cozy reading nook is all about creating a relaxing and peaceful space for yourself to read. Decorate your nook to match your personality with plush rugs, a cozy throw, and other home decor that is meaningful to you. You can also add decorative elements like plants, flowers, or even fairy lights to make your nook feel truly magical.

Creating your own cozy reading nook doesn’t have to involve expensive renovations or a complete redesign of your home. In fact, it can be as simple as using an unused closet or corner in your living room to create the perfect spot to sit back and relax with a good book.

Choose a comfortable and inviting chair for your nook, such as this soft pine option covered in vintage embroidered pillows from The House on Hillside Lane. Alternatively, you could use an upholstered daybed or other comfy seat to tuck yourself into. This is a great option for homeowners with limited space who still want to escape into a good book.

Then, add a side table or other surface for your drink and snacks. This is a great way to add additional storage while keeping your nook looking tidy and streamlined. You can also decorate your nook with wall art that speaks to you, such as abstract paintings, photos of family or friends, cool prints of literature or travel, or boho tapestries.

Lastly, be sure to illuminate your nook with plenty of lighting options. Dimmable lamps are a great choice because they allow you to customize the brightness of the space depending on your mood and the time of day. A pair of floor lamps is another great option because they can provide more light in your nook without taking up too much visual space.