Creating a Bedroom Reading Nook

Bedroom Reading Nook – Carving out a quiet, peaceful space to unwind with a good book is one of the best projects you can do in your bedroom.   A bedroom reading nook will transform your forgotten – or pointless – corner into a cosy place to unwind that isn’t your bed.

Creating a Bedroom Reading Nook

Here’s how to do it:

The cosy cocoon

Envelop your reading nook in comfort with a plush, oversized chair. Look for a wingback or club chair upholstered in a sumptuous fabric like velvet or linen.

Pair it with a hefty ottoman to prop up your feet, and you’ve created an inviting oasis perfect for getting lost in the pages.

Illuminate the escape

Proper lighting is essential for setting the mood and ensuring you can see the words on the page. Flank your reading chair with table lamps or install a floor lamp nearby.

Dimmable lights are the best because you can adjust the ambience from bright to soft and soothing. Some light bulbs are also colour-changeable for easy reading.

Stash your stash

Incorporate discreet storage to keep your reading materials organised and at the ready.

Floating shelves above your chair are perfect for housing your book collection, or you could tuck a slim side table or end table next to your chair.

Another option is over-door storage pockets—if floor and wall space is really tight, these can hold several books. Ottoman beds are also great for books.

Pictured: Julian Bowen Rialto 4FT 6 Double Ottoman Bed – Blue. Priced £376 (Save £152 on RRP) Available from Bedstar.

Accessorise with allure

Elevate your reading nook with decorative touches that speak to your style.

Drape a chunky knit throw over the chair’s back, add plump throw pillows, and style a side table with a stack of beloved books, a potted plant, and a decorative object. These small yet impactful details will make your cosy corner feel complete.

Maximise the view

Position your reading chair to take advantage of any natural light or scenic views your bedroom offers. Hang sheer curtains to filter the light or consider installing a window seat to create an inviting spot.

Personalise the perch

Make your reading nook your own by adding personal touches that reflect your unique style and interests. Frame and hang artwork that inspires you, display a cherished collection or incorporate a vintage piece of furniture with sentimental value.

Carve out the space

Nooks are relatively easy to build with stud walls—you cut out the plasterboard, rearrange the studs, board it, and plaster it. This will give your books somewhere to live other than a bookcase or shelf on the wall.

You can also make a nook by strategically arranging your furniture — tuck a comfy chair into a corner, position it facing a window, and arrange a side table, floor lamp, and other accessories around it.

Elevate the essentials

Turning up the luxury with a supportive, ergonomic chair and a plush, high-thread-count throw can make an enormous difference to your reading nook.

You might spend more on luxurious items, but they’ll make spending hours curled up with a good book all the more pleasurable.

Transform a transitional spot

Don’t have a dedicated corner to spare? Look for underutilised spaces, like a landing at the top of the stairs or a nook under a window and turn them into captivating reading nooks.

You can create a cosy oasis anywhere with the right furniture, accessories, and lighting (just ensure your nook doesn’t look out of place).

Summing up

A bedroom reading nook is a fantastic use of space because it provides a place to relax other than your bed.

Chances are there’s a corner of your bedroom right now that could become a reading nook, but if not, you can use any space to cram in a chair – your books can then go on any wall to free up space for other functional furniture.