Create A Cozy Bedroom Reading Nook: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a reading nook in your bedroom is a great way to transform an empty corner into a cosy spot to relax and unwind. All you need is a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a few extra touches to make the space your own.

Start by finding a quiet corner of your bedroom, perhaps by a window to take advantage of natural light. Add a small chair, an ottoman or footstool, a side table, and a floor lamp or reading light. To make the space extra cosy, add some soft furnishings, such as a throw blanket and plush throw pillows. You can also add art or framed photos to the wall to inject some personality.

Choose a quiet corner with good natural light

When creating a bedroom reading nook, it's important to choose the right spot. Opt for a quiet corner of your bedroom that receives good natural light. This could be next to a window or in a bright and airy foyer. If you're working with a small space, try squeezing in a comfortable chair and flanking it with some plants and a side table for your tea or coffee.

If you're lucky enough to have a spare closet, you could transform it into a reading nook—a haven for reading, rather than a place to stash junk. Alternatively, if you have a window seat, this is the perfect spot for a reading nook, offering natural light and a cosy atmosphere.

When choosing a space, avoid areas with a lot of foot traffic and congregating. A quiet, secluded spot will help you create a tranquil environment for reading and relaxing.

Once you've chosen the perfect corner, it's time to start adding the essentials for a cosy reading nook. A comfortable chair, good lighting, and a small side table are must-haves. You can also bring in extra comforts like an ottoman or pouf for your feet, a wedge pillow for back support, and blankets to keep you warm.

Add a comfortable chair and footstool

Adding a comfortable chair and footstool is a great way to create a bedroom reading nook. The chair doesn't have to be big, but it should be cosy and inviting. A small occasional chair, a glider rocker, a swivel chair or a recliner would all work well. Look for something with a soft texture, like cream faux shearling, and consider whether features such as a swivel would add to your enjoyment of the space.

The footstool doesn't need to be large, either; just something to rest your feet on. A simple 17" modern square ottoman with a metal base would work well, and could also bring some warmth and an additional texture to the space.

If you're creating a reading nook in a bedroom, it's likely that you'll have limited space, so it's important to choose furniture that fits the area you have available. You could also consider a hanging chair or hammock, which can add a sense of playfulness to the space.

Include a small side table and good lighting

A bedroom reading nook is a great way to create a cosy space for reading and relaxing. To make it perfect, you'll need a small side table and good lighting.

A small side table is essential for holding your reading essentials, such as a hot cup of tea or coffee, a glass of wine, your book, and your reading glasses. It can also be a place to put down your phone while you read. Choose a table that fits the space you have available and your personal style.

Good lighting is also key to a functional reading nook. Natural light is ideal, so if possible, set up your nook by a window. If you're creating your nook in a corner of your bedroom, consider adding a small lamp in the corner or a floor lamp to provide enough light for reading at night. You could also add a light with a dimmer switch, so you can adjust the brightness as needed. Sconces are another good option for reading nooks, and you can put them on a dimmer for mood lighting while still being able to turn them up bright enough for reading.

Bring in soft furnishings like rugs, cushions and blankets

Soft furnishings are essential for creating a snug reading nook. Rugs, cushions, and blankets not only make the space comfortable but also add a touch of personality and style.

Rugs are a great way to define your reading nook area, especially if it's in an open space. A small rug, placed underneath your chair or bean bag, will help to create a clear boundary for your nook. Vintage-style rugs, such as Persian rugs, can add a charming, old-world feel to your space. If you're placing your rug near a window, opt for sheer, white voile curtains to filter the natural light and create a soft, warm glow in your nook.

Cushions and throw pillows are a must for any reading nook. They provide back support and can be easily moved around to accommodate different reading positions. Choose cushions with soft, plush fabrics and fun, vibrant patterns to make your space inviting and comfortable.

Blankets are perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth and comfort to your reading nook. Drape a soft throw blanket over your chair or keep a few folded blankets on a nearby shelf or basket for easy access. Like cushions, blankets with plush fabrics, such as fuzzy or knit materials, will enhance the cosy atmosphere.

Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures with your soft furnishings. Combining various fabrics and designs will create a visually interesting and inviting space. Play around with different colour schemes and styles to find what suits your taste and the overall vibe of your reading nook.

Make it personal with art or photos

Adding art or photos to your bedroom reading nook is a great way to make the space your own. You can create a gallery wall with a mix of original art, thrift store finds, and downloadable prints. If you're handy, you can even make your own art to fill any gaps in your gallery wall.

If you're not sure where to start, try shopping your own home. Look for pieces that are already on display or stored away that you can give new life to by hanging them in your reading nook. You can also find art and frames at thrift stores, flea markets, and Etsy.

When it comes to hanging your art, it's a good idea to plan out your gallery wall before you start putting holes in the wall. Try making paper templates of your art and arranging them on the wall with painter's tape to get a feel for how it will look.

In addition to art, you can also add personality to your reading nook with photos. Whether they're family photos or vacation snapshots, personal bits of decor like these can make your reading nook feel like it's truly yours.

Frequently asked questions