Are you an avid reader? If so, then you deserve a home reading nook. This is simply a place where you can be alone, relax and enjoy a favorite novel, biography, a textbook or any other book you’re reading.
Having a reading nook at home means you only have a short distance to travel whenever you want to dive into a book. There are a few essential ingredients for creating a home reading nook. Take a look at a few examples.
Choose a Spot Near a Sunny Window
Find a window in your home that lets in plenty of natural light in the afternoon. You can read by this light during the day and use artificial lighting when it’s dark. Select two pairs of curtains for your window. Get one set of curtains in a solid color made to block out light and drafts. In addition, get a set of white lace curtains. Put both sets of curtains on a single rod. Be sure to slide the lace curtains on first so they are on the inner part of the rod. This set up allows you to open the solid curtains and keep the lace curtains closed so they can filter the sunlight while you’re sitting there. If you feel a draft from the window or feel too warm from the sunlight, you can partially or fully close the solid curtains to suit your comfort level.
A Chaise Lounge
A chaise lounge is an excellent seating choice for a reading nook. This piece of furniture gives you a place to sit as well as prop up your legs. Be sure to find one with lots of padding if you like to read for long stretches of time. If you don’t have a chaise lounge, you can make one by pairing an ottoman with an easy chair. Make sure you find an ottoman that’s approximately the height of your easy chair.
Add a Soft Blanket and a Couple Pillows to Your Lounge
No home reading nook is complete without a soft blanket to snuggle into before opening your book. Blankets made of cotton, velvet plush or fleece are all very soft choices. A couple crushable throw pillows are also invaluable in a reading nook. You can put them behind your back or head to make yourself more comfortable as you fly through the pages.
Position a Floor Lamp Nearby
Put a floor lamp near your head so the light will shine onto your pages. Sit down in your chaise lounge so you can take a few moments to position the lamp in a way that makes it easy to reach up and turn it on. You don’t want to have to get up to adjust the lamp! Be sure to have a bulb with high enough wattage so you don’t find yourself squinting at the pages. Also, get a lampshade in beige or another neutral color so you can enjoy soft lighting in your nook.
Place a Small Table Beside the Lounge
Placing a table next to your chaise lounge is key because it will hold several important items that will add to the fun of your reading time. You can choose one in any shape you want such as oval, square or rectangular. Be sure to allow enough space for your books, reading glasses, snacks and more. It’s best to select a table with a bit more surface than you need so you don’t have to move items around to keep them from falling off.
Hang a Houseplant in Your Nook
A houseplant isn’t necessarily a must-have for a home reading nook, but it can really add to the space. Perhaps you aren’t a houseplant type of person. Good news! There are many types of low-maintenance houseplants that release oxygen as well as absorb airborne toxins. In short, a houseplant can help you enjoy cleaner air in your reading nook. As a bonus, houseplants add beauty and interest to a home.
Some examples of low-maintenance houseplants include:
- Pothos
- Philodendrons
- Spider plants
- Boston ferns
- Dieffenbachia
- Aloe plants
Add a Few More Must-Haves to the Scene
Maybe you always enjoy a particular snack while you read. Or, perhaps you love to sip tea while reading a classic English novel from the 19th century. If either or both of these things sound like you, then put aside a small plate and cup to use in your reading nook. You may want to make space on your end table for a scented candle to enjoy while you read. A box of tissues is a requirement if you love to read melancholy romances or tragic tales.
Other accessories in your reading nook include:
- Extra bookmarks
- Lens cleaners for your reading glasses
- Glasses case
- A small notepad and pencil for remembering great lines of dialogue
Lastly, these are just some ideas to get you thinking about what you’d like for your home reading nook. If you want to put an aquarium full of goldfish in your reading nook, then do it. If you want to use a Barcalounger as a chair or keep a mini-refrigerator full of refreshments within arm’s reach, then do it.
Creating a reading nook that is all your own is a big part of the fun!
