Book lovers and relaxation hunters alike understand the importance of tucking in to a cozy space with a good novel and a warm drink. And nothing says cozy quite like a reading nook. If you’re looking to designate some space to reading and relaxing, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

(Twi) Lights

You can’t read in the dark! Outfit your reading nook with the proper lighting. If you have the space, opt for a unique floor lamp to give you the brightness you need with the design elements you’re looking for. Large vintage or industrial floor lamps are popular right now. If you have an end table to utilize, go with a table lamp. You can either match it to the other lighting fixtures in that room or go with a more funky design to make your lighting a statement. If you don’t have the space for lighting on the floor, utilize your wall or ceiling lighting. Outfit your plain fixtures with specialized sconces, creative covers, or the perfect pendant in order give your nook a design of its own that sets itself apart from the rest of your room

A Bench New World

When you think of a reading nook, you may think of a long window seat tucked into the wall. There are easy ways to run with that idea. Utilize sectioned off areas in your home, like spaces under stairs or dormers, and create a cozy built-in area that feels as natural. Don’t want to or can’t build a customized area in your home? Use a plush bench that fits your space instead to capture that customized feel without having to do any of the work. Benches that double as storage offer a nice bonus to your space!

A Farewell to Arm Chairs

Not a bench fan? The same sectioned off feeling can be gained through a big, comfy chair. Find an accent chair that fits your space and that you can see yourself sitting in for hours at a time. Make your chair even cozier by piling on plush blankets, cushions, and pillows.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Bookshelf

No nook is complete without books. A great way to form a reading nook is to use bookshelves to create a corner to tuck into. That way you have a sectioned off or structured area and the perfect shelving to house all of your novels. If you’ve got less room to work with, save space by using wall shelving instead of standing shelving.

On the Rug

A great way to up the coziness factor is to add an area rug. Not only does it make your nook even easier to nestle in, but it helps create a visual separation in your space to make the nook feel even more distinct. Neutral colored rugs work well if you’ve already brought some accent furniture into your space, or if you’re looking to play with a more neutral, tone on tone look. Otherwise, play with patterns and colors in your rug in order to give your space a unique style.

The Perks of Being a Wall Art

Get inspired by some book-related wall art. Find prints that make you think of your favorite novels or set up a gallery wall of novel-based art. This doesn’t have to be literal text pulled from books either. You can easily find art that reminds you of some of your most loved stories, or that just make you feel like nestling in to read.

Oh the Places You’ll Read

Don’t limit reading nook spaces to just the big kids; reading is for the whole family. Inspire the little ones or treat your budding bookworm with their own space for reading. You can establish this easily in their bedroom, playroom, or anywhere in the house that they gravitate towards. A versatile way to add seating for the kids is a large cushion and a pile of pillows. That way, they can repurpose or reposition their nook anywhere in the house if they so wish. Additionally, sectioning off their nook with soft, gauzy curtains can make them feel like they have a special reading space all of their own.