There’s something really special about having a little spot at home that’s uniquely yours – a cosy corner where you can switch off from the world, settle down with a good book and enjoy a few much-needed moments of calm. A dedicated reading nook does exactly that, and it’s not only practical but also a great way to add character and a warm depth to the room. Think of it as adding a peaceful corner to your home that encourages you to slow down, recharge and feel at ease.
Why a Cosy Corner Makes a Big Difference
A reading nook isn’t just about finding space for that chair and lamp combination that has struggled to find a home in your house. Creating a cosy corner offers a retreat within your home, and a reminder that relaxation can have a place alongside your daily routines.
Having a dedicated space for reading or quiet reflection can help to lower stress levels, boost focus and provide a small but meaningful sense of balance. It’s one of many simple ways to make your home feel more peaceful.
Styling Your Reading Nook
Choose the Right Seat
We all know how easy it is to lose yourself in a good book. The heart of any reading nook is the chair, and the seat you choose should be one you can happily curl up in for hours, enjoying comfort and support. It’s worth spending some time on this decision.
A well-upholstered armchair with deep cushioning often makes a popular choice, while smaller accent chairs can also work if space is at a premium. Look for chairs that add to the aesthetic as well as offering practicality, and the right decision will blend into your decor while standing out as an inviting feature. If you prefer a versatile choice, consider a chair that can be easily angled to catch the best light at different times of the day.
Layer Lighting for Atmosphere
Lighting can set the mood, and for a reading nook, it can balance ambience with function. Overhead lighting is rarely enough on its own, often being too harsh for the cosy aesthetic you’re trying to create. Floor lamps can work well beside a chair, while a table lamp can provide a softer, more intimate glow.
Explore cosy living room lighting options that give you flexibility and warmth. You may also want to consider using dimmable bulbs, which can allow you to adjust the level of brightness depending on the activity or the time of day.
It’s also important to consider the positioning of your lighting, too. There’s nothing worse than a shadow being cast across your latest page-turner!
Add Personality to the Walls
The walls surrounding your nook are just as important as the furniture in it. Leaving walls bare can make the corner feel unfinished, while overfilling them can overload the area and make it feel busy. Whether you prefer cosy canvas art pieces, floating shelves for favourite books or a gallery of mementoes, there are plenty of options to choose from.
A reading nook is a natural place to fill nearby walls with personality, and you can keep the aesthetic flexible by mixing framed prints with more personal items like postcards or decorative objects or keepsakes.
If space in the area is tight, consider adding mirrors as they reflect light and can make corners feel more open while also acting as a visual feature.
Bring Nature Indoors
Plants can help to soften interiors and are especially effective in a reading nook. They provide colour, texture and movement, helping to make the space feel more alive. Opting for air-purifying plants can ensure your space adds greenery while also improving air quality.
Tall plants like a snake plant or a fiddle-leaf fig act wonderfully as natural screens, helping to define the cosy space, while trailing shelf plants can soften edges and add a sense of flow.
Plants bring a natural calmness, ground spaces, and make them feel welcoming, the perfect backdrop for hours spent getting lost in your favourite book.
Keep it Uniquely Yours
Your cosy corner should feel like an extension of you or your family, so don’t be afraid to personalise it with meaningful details. This could be as simple as a basket of planned reads, or a tray with your favourite mug ready for a quiet tea break. Candles, diffusers or even a small speaker for gentle music can all help to set the atmosphere.
Think about textiles too, this may be a blanket in a fabric you love, or cushions that reflect your taste in colour. These small details are what make your house a home, ensuring the space feels genuinely yours.
Design A Space That Works for You
Ultimately, styling a reading nook is about creating a space that feels inviting and comfortable. Start with the basics, then add layers that reflect your personality and needs. By adding texture, lighting or greenery, you can achieve a nook that looks good and encourages moments of calm.
It’s a simple way to breathe life into your home, giving you a cosy corner that you’ll return to time and time again.
