Creating a Cozy Reading Nook That Feels Like a Private Getaway

I put a photo of a woman relaxed in a cozy reading nook as if she didn’t have a care in the world, despite it being the middle of the day. She was taking time out of her day to just be. To peacefully enjoy reading. While I haven’t quite reached the point of stealing away in the middle of the day to escape in a good book, I have been delighting in reading again.

If, like me, reading is a favorite pastime, creating space for yourself to enjoy it is the first step. It serves as an invitation to the lifestyle you want for yourself. So, I want to invite you, fellow reader, to carve out a special corner, or corners, in your home to indulge in mysteries, romance, or whatever genre your heart desires.

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Simple Ways to Design a Personal Reading Retreat

Fortunately, creating a space for reading doesn’t require much time or money. With a little planning and the right furniture and accessories, you’ll be ready to dive into that long awaited novel in your TBR stack.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

Find a spot where you’ll feel comfortable, like you’re tucked into the corner of a booth all by yourself, somewhere quiet and private. Some ideas include:

• a comfortable chair – place a reading nook chair in the corner of a bedroom, the study, a craft or hobby room, in a stair landing, the sunroom, a porch or patio, under a gazebo.
• your bed – a bed serves as a ready-made reading nook, especially if you’re limited on options.
• a window – a window reading nook lets in natural light, making them the perfect spot to snuggle up with a book. Even better if there’s a built-in seat with a cushion.

As long as there’s room for you and your book, that’s enough space.

Design the Space

Once you’ve designate a spot, or spots, you’re ready to add furniture to your reading nook. Choose a chair, chaise, or loveseat that will allow you to lounge in comfort for as long as you like. Consider upholstered furniture for the softness and support. A velvet chair in deep green, gold, navy blue, or terracotta tones lends a cozy, luxe mood to a reading space. While leather has the right look, but can get cold or sweaty, depending on the temperature. Wood is also warm and inviting, but gets uncomfortable after a short period of time.

Next, add lighting. Pick a floor lamp, or table lamp if you have a side table, and set it next to the chair. Setting it next to the chair will light the words of the page, rather than blind eyes.

Layer a blanket to curl up under. Choose one with rich texture and deep tones or plaid for that cozy, library vibe. Casually toss it over the arm of the chair so it’s always available. There’s no need to fold it or put it away when you’re done reading.

You may also want to include some sort of side table for your drink. You can use a rustic wood stool, a t.v. tray, a stack of vintage suitcases, or an old trunk if you don’t have a spare table to use.

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Add Books

Gather your books, or at least your stack of books TBR and place them in your cozy reading nook. I like to gather books based on my seasonal reading list. Since I tend to read from bed, I put my current read on the nightstand next to me and stack the rest of the books on the other nightstand. You could also use your nightstand drawer to hold the any books you’re not currently reading.

If you happen to have a bookshelf in your book nook, here are some suggestions on how to organize your books.

1. Start by getting rid of any books you no longer want. I personally donate books that are trendy, seasonal reads, or that I didn’t enjoy. You can drop them off in a little free library, a donation site, or at the local library.
2. Arrange your books in a system that makes sense to you. Some options include by genre, color, mood, season, theme, or by frequency…those books you’re always grabbing. My book shelves are arranged by genre. then by color within the genre. This lends the shelves a pleasing aesthetic. I also place hardcover books at eye level and paperbacks on the top shelves, strictly for decor purposes.
3. For a lived-in look, stack books horizontally and vertically. Leave room for personalize items placed amongst the books. This look makes your shelves feel collected, curated, and oh so cozy.

Personalize Your Reading Nook

Adding photos, keepsakes from your travels, or memorabilia adds a personal touch that feels like a warm hug, bringing comfort and joy to your space.

I’ve accessorized the bookshelves in the study with a rock my daughter wrote a sweet note on when she was little, plants, family photos, seashells I’ve collected from the beach, vintage bookends that belonged to my grandmother, candlesticks, miscellaneous decor, and my college diploma.

Some of the books on my shelf are from my childhood…the very ones that made me fall in love with reading and want to be a writer.

Make Reading a Part of Your Routine

While a creating a cozy book nook is certainly inviting, you’ll need to plan reading dates to make sure you get to enjoy your space. So, pick a time that will work within your day or week. Some suggestions are right after you drop the kids off at school, during your lunch break, after the kids go to bed, or on a weekend afternoon.

If you’d like to make your reading time even more special, consider making it a ritual by lighting a candle, then routinely reading a chapter before bed, flipping through cookbooks or home decor books on a slow Sunday afternoon, or reading a few pages over your morning coffee or tea.

Of course, your reading space is yours, and it should reflect that. In other words, make it as big or small, and as simple or maximal as feels cozy to you. Its far less about what it looks like than it is how it makes you feel.

It’s my hope that creating a cozy reading space for yourself and allowing yourself to curl up with a good book feels like a love note to yourself. Because you deserve to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

More Ways to Add the Cozy Factor to Your Home

• How to Create a Relaxing Bedroom Retreat
• Cozy in a Cup: My London Fog Recipe
• What to Read This Fall: Cozy Books to Curl Up With