How to make a cozy reading nook
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@ dreaming by dusk
Every space in my bedroom has its purpose. My desk is where I work and blog. My bed is where I sleep or relax. My cozy nook is where I read, write, and draw.
The last of these has become my favourite spot, a place for me to channel all my creative thinking and energy into something I am passionate about. You know how kids have clubhouses or tents made out of bed-sheets and chairs? I think a reading nook is the equivalent for grown-ups…at least to me.
Creating a reading nook in your bedroom doesn’t have to break the bank. It can be as simple as a pretty rug and a few floor cushions. It can be an ottoman or bean bag next to a lamp.
Mine is a daybed, and a messy, DIY one too. The look of my reading nook has changed a lot over the years but the one consistent thing is that I’ve always tried to use thrifted materials to decorate it.
Today, I’m sharing some tips and ideas on how to create your own cozy reading nook, while also giving a mini-tour of my reading corner. If you’re wanting to add a reading corner to your home or living space, stay right here and read the rest of this post!
For comfort
To begin, when searching for the base of your reading nook, you want to find materials that are comfortable to sit on or lay down on for long periods. Try to find a soft surface that will support your weight, your back, and even your joints; something that won’t damage or flatten easily. For my daybed, I used a cheap mattress from a local department store under $80. Then I cut that mattress to shape to fit on the wooden frame.
Then, try to find soft materials to cover the surface of your reading nook. You can use bed-sheets, quilts, blankets, throws, comforters, or duvets. Anything comfy that can be wrapped around you when you get cold. You also want to decorate the space with cushions and pillows. For my daybed, I was lucky to find some old warm, winter bed-sheets and a range of small cushions that were packed in storage. I decided to use these, even though they’re a little bit dirty, instead of buying new cushions since they still fit my colour palette.
For furniture
Without complementing pieces of furniture, a reading nook is just a random collection of blankets and pillows in a corner of your bedroom. If you intend to read there, add a bookshelf to the space or a nightstand. If you intend to paint, draw, or journal, add a low table. Similarly, if you plan to relax, eat, or drink there, decorate the space with a pretty place-mat or coaster set.
Luckily, my reading nook is placed in the corner of my room where my bookshelf is. Alongside it is a neat little coffee table that was damaged when I bought it. I gave it a fresh coat of paint to match the wooden frame of the daybed and now it looks like a set. I also like to use these small boxes to store any essential stationery or books I need for writing, journaling, or reading.
And of course, your reading nook needs a good light source, whether it be from a bedside lamp, candles, or fairy lights.
For decoration
One of the best ways to decorate a cozy reading nook is to fill the space with things that you love. You can hand images and photographs of your own work, or from artists that inspire you. You can stick little pages of quotes to the wall from your favourite books. You can make a simple garland out of string or wool or clay. It all depends on what imagery means the most to you.
In my reading nook, I stuck some images I like to the wall around it, as well as one of my up-cycled dream-catchers. I have a thrifted coaster (which I found around the house), some of my dried flowers, and a trinket tray. Someday, I’d like to add a floating shelf of sorts and a banner or garland of sorts.
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