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As book lovers we all dream of having our own personal library with shelf upon shelf of books. My vision even includes a library ladder! But the truth is, not many of us have the space or money to turn this dream into reality. I am here to tell you that you don’t need an entire room to nestle into. You can convert a corner, closet, or space under your stairs into your very own reading nook.
Why Create a Reading Nook?
Part of the pleasure of escaping into a book is the relaxation of sitting in a comfortable chair, blocking out the world, and immersing yourself in another place and time. There are 3 main benefits to having a dedicated reading space:
- Enticement – Having one spot meant for reading will most likely lead to you reading more.
- Interruption-Free – By separating yourself from the rest of the flow of your environment, you are telling others, “This is my reading time don’t bother me!”
- Limit Guilt – Snuggling into a reading zone will allow you to not be distracted by the ever-present chores around you. It will signal your brain to switch modes from work to relaxation.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Book Nook?
The cost is entirely up to you! It can cost nothing if you use items and furniture you already own. Or you can spend a little on special accessories or a good light. Or you could go all in and splurge on new shelves and the perfect reading nook chair. This is the type of project that doesn’t require any major renovation, just some time, creativity, and maybe some store-bought items.
What Do I Need for a Reading Nook?
There are only five things you need to create the perfect home library:
Space
Step one is to choose your location. You want to find a spot that, at a minimum, can accommodate a chair, a light, and some shelves. Walk around your home and look at underused corners. Maybe a closet that is just storing a pile of things you no longer use. (This might be a great motivator to do some decluttering!). Is there wasted space under your stairs? Ideally, you will pick a spot that is not in a high-traffic area of your home. You don’t want to be distracted by family members or roommates walking back and forth. Or noise from nearby televisions or computers. Sometimes a bedroom is the perfect place for a reading nook because it’s usually only occupied at bedtime.
Storage
Once you have found your spot, it’s time to start thinking about your books. Keep in mind your book nook does not have to be the spot where ALL your books are kept. This is often where people get hung up, thinking they can’t have a reading nook because they don’t have enough space for all their books. Your book nook is more about the act of reading than it is about the storing of your vast TBR.
Shelving in your reading area can be a single bookcase, a short stack of storage cubes, a rolling cart, or even a couple of shelves on the wall. Think of it as a place to keep the books you want to read this year or soon. Books that will inspire you to come into the space. Books that you want near you.
Whatever you decide, make sure it will allow you to take proper care of your books. And when you start putting those books on the shelves, be sure to leave yourself room for expansion! Some great places to look for affordable small space shelving include Ikea and Target.
Seating
The most important item you need is the perfect reading nook chair. It has to be comfortable enough to sit in for hours (hopefully you get hours of uninterrupted reading!). If you are going to splurge on anything in this project, I recommend doing it on the seating.
For limited space, consider a more upright chair and a small footstool that can tuck under the chair when not in use. If you have a little more room, you can get an overstuffed chair or a basket chair for curling up in. Maybe even a small chaise lounger! I find when I am reading, I like to put my feet up, and that is a big factor to consider when selecting your chair.
Lighting
If you are lucky enough to have a space near a window, natural light is best. But definitely still supplement with a lamp. The goal is to have a bright and focused light. The light should be falling over the opposite shoulder of your dominant hand. So if you are right-handed it should be over your left shoulder and vice versa.
Try to get a flexible floor lamp or a tall bendable table lamp and set it to the side of your seat. You want to be able to adjust it as needed depending on who is reading in the nook and what position you are sitting in.
As far as brightness, it should be white light between 500 to 800 lumens.
Accessories
Now the super fun part. Personalize your space! Here is where you get to bring in your vibe. Think artwork for the wall, knick-knacks for the shelves, a side table with a coaster, maybe a plant in a book vase. And of course – a blanket.
My favorite recommendation for this is a blanket from Storiarts. These are next- level bookish and oh so cozy.
Be sure to also keep some bookmarks nearby to save your place when you get up to warm that coffee!
As you can see you don’t need an entire room to create your own reading oasis. A small space reading nook is the perfect way to create a cozy escape. Focus on the few details discussed above and you will soon be snuggling up with your current read.
