40 Reading Nook Ideas Your Inner Bookworm Will Definitely Approve
Reading has recently seen a remarkable comeback, driving folks to bookstores for their portion of fresh reading material. This trend has also been reflected in interior design — a reading nook has become a trendy addition to any space.
Whether reading has been your lifetime passion or you’ve just taken up this rewarding pastime, you surely don’t mind a cozy space where you can curl up for a good read. With this ultimate compilation of reading nook ideas, it will be easier for you to decide on the style of your nook.
1. Boho Style. For a laid-back boho vibe in your reading nook, skip the large furniture and expensive decor and invest in a cozy Papasan or hammock chair. Add some plants, maybe a few rocks or crystals, and voila!
via @karla_mr30
2. Old World Elegance. To give your reading space a more formal feel, look for heavy, vintage pieces to add. Wing-back chairs, ornate picture frames, and a reclaimed curio cabinet or sideboard will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into your favorite historical novel.
via @holland_hill
3. Love the Light. Lighting is one of the most important elements of a successful reading nook design. Ideally, you will have a large window to sit near, but if that isn’t the case, a floor lamp can go a long way toward adding light and character to the space.
4. Always Accessorize. While the right chair is a great place to start, you need more than that for a comfortable reading nook. Smaller details can really make the space. Get yourself a soft blanket or three, and bring your favorite throw pillows before you crack open your next book.
5. Small Space Big Style. You don’t need a lot of square footage to make your reading space special. A comfy chair in a bright color or with a bold pattern will draw all eyes to your special spot.
via @vine_and_oak
6. Whimsical Window. This window seat is giving off some serious cottage vibes. So many people dream of a window reading nook but never take the leap. Don’t let that be you. Adding a simple bench with an adorably upholstered seat is an easy afternoon DIY.
7. Comfy Corner. We love the simplicity and comfort of this reading corner. No major renovations are required, just a bean bag chair or an oversized pouf, and you have a spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a good book.
via @cococozy
8. Extra Office Space. Home offices are often the perfect place to add a reading nook. Here, the homeowner has incorporated a window seat into their built-in shelving unit, providing space to sit and enjoy some sunshine and store their favorite books.
9. Shelves Galore. This little reading nook has everything you need for a quiet afternoon. Natural light, soft pillows, and enough shelves to hold a small library. A little shelf above the bench is the highlight of this super cozy reading nook.
10. Quiet Corner. Formal living rooms are lovely but often end up under-used. Don’t let all of this potential reading space go to waste. Instead, add a bookshelf and comfy chair to a corner of the room and enjoy the peace and quiet and that novel you’ve been putting off.
11. Side Tables. When planning the perfect nook, everyone thinks about the seating, the lighting, and maybe some shelving, but they often forget about a table. Even a small accent side table can make all the difference in your reading nook by providing a convenient spot to set your coffee mug and snacks.
12. Raising Readers. Setting aside a corner of your kid’s bedroom for a reading area is a great way to encourage them to read more. Make the space bright and inviting with plush furniture and soft rugs, and see how happy they are to take time off the screens to hang out with a book.
13. Secure Shelves. Having a tall, heavy bookshelf in a small child’s room or play area just invites them to climb. Instead, consider these adorable and functional wall racks for their library. They can be hung low for easy access or higher so only older children and adults can reach them.
14. Themed Nook. Many of us love changing up our decor with the season, whether on the fireplace mantel or the dining room table. Why not in the reading nook too? Here, the simple addition of a Christmas banner and bottle brush trees turns the kids’ reading nook into a festive hangout.
via @mymantelpeace
15. Interactive Cubby. There are many excellent ways to make your kids’ reading space a fun place to hang out. These parents have added a coat rack for dress-up clothes in the nook. Picking items that coordinate with your child’s current favorite book is a fantastic way to make story time more interactive.
via @littlebugtogs
16. Growing Brains. Sitting through an entire story can be challenging for some small kids. Adding puzzles or other brain-building activities to their reading nook is a great way to encourage little bodies to sit still for longer story times.
via @hellominibianco
17. The Right Racks. These wooden book racks are a great addition to children’s nooks. They are sturdy and low to the ground, safer than a traditional bookshelf. They also allow books to be stored with the covers showing, making them easier to identify and more inviting to little readers.
18. Cozy Hideaway. The unused space under your staircase can make the perfect reading nook. A built-in bench and some mood lighting will make it a spot you can curl up and enjoy a long reading session.
19. Little Nook for a Little Avid Reader. In many rooms, there’s often some unused space next to the door. If you want to efficiently use each square inch of your kid’s room, consider a built-in reading bench. A couple of bookshelves beneath the bench are great for keeping the reading material and statement planked accent wall adds so much character to the nook.
via @iekelroadhome
20. Full of Light. This cozy reading nook stands out due to the plenty of natural light it boasts. You can never go wrong when arranging your reading nook next to a bright window. A comfortable chair and a couple of your favorite knick-knacks will create a perfect setting for your quality time at home.
via @wordchild
21. Personal Library. An unused corner in your attic should be your number one place to consider if you look for cozy reading nook ideas. Stock your built-in bookshelves with books, get a huge comfy chair, and don’t forget about lighting – a gorgeous book nook is ready to welcome you!
via @h.prochy
22. Closet Reading Nook. If your kid craves private space to hide for a read, why not create a cozy reading corner inside the closet? Multiple shelves provide a lot of storage space for books, while task lighting makes reading easy and comfortable.
via @brightgreendoor
23. Beautiful Transformation. Could you believe that this awesome reading nook was once a coat closet? The good news is that it is fairly easy to recreate! Just get a bench, a couple of shelves, and lights. Small details such as throw pillows, paintings, and plants can do a perfect job of adding a personal touch to this relaxing space.
via @theindiehome
24. Pastel Paradise. Your small closet under the stairs doesn’t deserve to be a dead space. Instead, you can transform it into a snug reading nook. Pastel shades and soft textures make this place incredibly attractive and relaxing.
via @jacobsfarmstead
25. Vintage Touch. Creating a cozy reading space in a living room filled with natural light is a breeze. If you have beautiful Victorian windows like these, you won’t be wrong when you choose vintage furniture for your nook.
via @stampsandstamps
26. Minimalist Serenity. If you’re searching for reading nook ideas that can fit into your minimalist interior design, scroll no further. Just look how clean white walls can be beautifully complemented with soft natural textures and a warm brown color scheme.
27. Utilize Vertical Space. Take advantage of the vertical space to house as many books as possible. To make the space even more functional and not waste a single inch, go for corner shelves.
via @interiorsstorageanddeclutter
28. Bay Window Nook. Bay windows were created for cozy reading nooks, don’t you think so? A huge daybed with a bunch of throw pillows is a perfect place to get some rest with your favorite novel.
29. Neutral Palette. The gorgeous chaise lounge is a focal point of this reading nook. To make the space feel warm and cozy, enhance your book nook with natural textures and colors, paying special attention to textiles.
via @justme_kt
30. Contemporary Vibe. This is a great idea for a reading nook for those who are always in a hurry and drop in the nook just to flick through the periodicals with a cup of coffee. To make the space livelier, incorporate a bright poster and some plants.
31. Draw Focus to Book Spine Palette. While you can make your reading nook align with the design of the entire room, it’s easy to make it stand out. For instance, this nook doesn’t contrast much with the style of the formal living room, however, deliberately colorful book spines are sure to draw attention.
32. Keep Warm. The circular design of this armchair was definitely made for curling up with a book. Creating a reading nook by a fireplace will guarantee you atmospheric winter nights. Surround yourself with flowers and art, and you’ll never want to leave your nook.
33. Focus on Textiles. Coziness is often associated with soft, wooly fabrics. If you want your reading nook to be a super cozy and warm place, adorn it with beautiful textiles – a cute rug, a fluffy throw blanket, and a matching throw pillow will create the right vibe. A big plant is a sure way to add a stylish touch to a neutrally colored nook.
34. Living Room Bliss. Built-in bookshelves weren’t made solely for books. In fact, they can serve a double duty and house your outstanding collection of keepsakes, souvenirs, and other knick-knacks. Add a soft chair, and you’ll never want to get out of your adorable nook!
via @the.compa.house
35. Artsy Attitude. Clear lines and plain textures make a perfect setting for an abstract art piece, while an unusually shaped side table feeds into the general artsy feel of this reading nook. If you decide to recreate this reading nook, make sure you choose contrasting colors that aren’t too vivid to steal the artwork’s thunder.
via @alexandravoya
36. Magic Mirror. This gorgeous reading nook with a distinctive vintage vibe resembles the fantasy adventures of Alice who got into the world on the other side of a mirror’s reflection. While vintage reading nooks look fabulous on their own, make sure this style will fit well with your home’s interior design.
37. Make the Most of Your Balcony. What could be better than chilling on the balcony with your fave book on a warm summer evening? Add some comfy furniture and lovely outdoor wall planters to transform your balcony into a mind-blowing nook. Thus, let yourself indulge your senses with a good read, scenic sunset, and fragrant flowers – all at a time.
via @bendoesproperty
38. Option with a View. Looking for affordable reading nook ideas that don’t require much space? That’s a breeze to achieve if you have a balcony! Everything you need to do is get a good hammock (a throw pillow is optional but welcome) and … that’s it! Enjoy your read!
via @xeniadracea
39. Out-of-the-Box Solution. A genuine bookworm knows no limits! If you lack space for your reading nook in your living room and bedroom, there’s still a way to go. Ten to one that your laundry room or closet can offer a couple of square inches to accommodate a reader.
via @beulah_story
40. Kitchen Stories. If you’re blessed with a big kitchen, consider copying this idea. You can create a cozy nook in your kitchen, especially if it has a big window that lets in plenty of natural light. This is the case when a comfy sofa and a small table are just enough for a great reading space.
via @jmphotocat
With an amazing variety of reading nook ideas, it’s easy to create a cozy spot for rest and recharging your batteries, right in your home. While choosing the concept for your nook, make sure it aligns with the general feel of your place.