How to Create a Cozy Reading Corner at Home
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There is a particular joy in having a small space all to yourself, where you can lose yourself in a book and tune out everyone and everything else. A good reading area can add to that. It doesn’t have to cost a lot or be complicated—it just has to feel cozy and comfortable and be yours. Here’s how to build one you’ll want to sit in for hours.
Choose the Right Chair—Since You’ll Be There a While
The main event is the chair. It should be comfortable enough to sit in for a few hours but not so squishy that you never want to leave. A cushioned armchair with a sturdy back or a well-padded accent chair with a throw pillow in a pinch is ideal. If you’re a snuggler, a club chair or a loveseat will give you enough room to nestle your legs in. However you manage, pre-test-drive it—nothing can derail a reading session quicker than a chair that’s just a notch off.
Get the Lighting Just Right
Overhead lighting is never adequate. It’s too harsh, too bright, or creates weird shadows. Opt for a warm-colored light in a floor or table lamp instead. Adjustable lamps are great because you can point the light right where you need it. If your reading area is in front of a window, all the better—natural light is easy on the eyes and creates a cozy atmosphere. But when evening falls, that lamp will be your best friend.
Be Quiet (Or At Least Manage the Noise)
A quiet place to read should be free from distractions; we can’t always have that, though. A white noise machine or a relaxing playlist can cover background noises if you can’t have quiet. A heavy rug or drapery can dampen sound and make a more private space. If you’re in a busy home, placing your reading nook in a low-traffic area can be a game-changer.
Include Soft Textures for an Added Cozy Touch
A great reading nook is not what you sit on but what is surrounding you. A throw, a few pillows, and a plush area rug underfoot will immediately welcome you in. Use light, airy materials like cotton or wool to stay light and warm all year. Your goal is to have a tiny cocoon in which you can snuggle, unwind, and lose all sense of time.
Shelving or Book Basket
If you have little space, a within-reach bookshelf is a luxury. If you don’t have much space, a book basket next to your chair will suffice. The trick is to have your next book within reach—there is nothing that gets you out of the moment faster than having to hunt for your book. If you would like to have a couple of options in front of you, a stack of books on a nearby side table would be acceptable.
Optimizing Your Home’s Climate
It is all about what is in the air surrounding you. Your HVAC system plays a big part in keeping just the right temperature, keeping your corner warm no matter what season you are in. Instead of sitting in front of a vent, sit in a position nearby where you can still get the benefits of consistent airflow without being struck with direct blasts of warm or cold air.
Make It Personal
Your reading area should be your special place. Include small things that delight you—a framed photo, a favorite scented candle, or a small plant for a splash of color. If you’d like to do a little more, a side table with a coaster for coffee or tea finishes off nicely. The more cozy you can make your space, the more you will use it.
