How to Design the Perfect Book Nook

Some people can read anywhere – a city bus or a crowded coffee shop, for instance. Even so, reading on the fly is rarely as enjoyable as reading in a dedicated location.

You might have a favorite reading spot. It could be a shady bench in the park, a worn-in porch swing or a sunny chaise by the swimming pool. While these places may be quieter and more private, they’re not always accessible, making a personal reading nook an enticing alternative.

A reading nook is a dedicated spot created for privacy and comfort. While it typically is quiet and out-of-the-way, it doesn’t have to be large or fancy. The important thing about book nooks is that they should reflect your personal definition of cozy.

For many, that may entail a cushy chair with a fleecy blanket and perhaps a pillow on which to prop a novel. A truly extravagant reading experience might include a warm beverage on a side table near a fireplace or sunny window.

If you, dear reader, have fantasized about a cozy reading nook for your page-turning pleasure, now may be the right time to make that dream a reality. And in the interest of leaving nothing to chance, let’s go through step by step the important elements of creating a dream reading retreat.

What conditions define your most comfortable reading experience? Do you picture yourself curled up in a chair while the snow falls softly outside your window? Maybe you long to tuck yourself away in a warm, softly lit alcove.

At the very least, most readers seek out a quiet, well-lit spot.

Light, noise, temperature and air ventilation are all important considerations when creating the ideal reading environment. Most of the time, you’ll want to minimize distractions in a designated spot that doesn’t do double duty.

If possible, choose a place with a nearby window to provide natural light, ventilation and occasional daydreaming. An available electrical outlet makes it easy to charge devices while you recharge your internal batteries. 

You may drool over social media pictures of snug window seats and recessed alcoves, but extensive home improvements are not required to find a comfortable reading spot. All you need is a corner large enough for a cozy chair. You may be able to block off your reading area with a screen or curtains for privacy or use a plush area rug to define the space.

If you fantasize about a built-in reading nook, an unused closet might be the perfect spot to make your dream come true. To create a closet reading nook, start by removing the closet doors, paint or paper the space and installing bench seating. Consider using cabinetry to take advantage of under-seat storage. Add cushions and lighting and decorate!

With a few pillows, even that wide gap between a dresser and wall can become a do-it-yourself book nook. 

Reading nooks should be well lit, so you can see the page without hurting your eyes. Too much light, or too little light, can cause eye strain. While natural light is often preferred, sitting in direct sunlight is not recommended. Sit far enough away from the window that sunlight doesn’t fall directly onto the page or screen.

Also, pay attention to the distance between your eyes and your reading material. Maintaining proper focal distance is another way to avoid eye strain.

When it comes to artificial light, the type of lighting may depend on your reading material. Bright task lighting is generally preferred when reading a physical book, while ambient room lighting may be better when reading a digital device like an e-reader or tablet. When reading periodicals with a glossy finish, make sure you can adjust the angle of the light to prevent glare on the page.

Even if your reading nook gets lots of natural light, you’ll want a table lamp nearby for reading at night and on overcast days. Position the lamp so the light shines on the page, not in your eyes. It should be slightly to the side and behind your reading position. Make sure the light source is shaded.

If you will be reading in an otherwise dark space, like an airplane at night, consider buying a good clip-on or wearable reading light.

In addition, pay attention to the “temperature” of your lighting. Color temperature describes the appearance of light and is measured in degrees from 1,000 to 10,000 on the Kelvin scale. Temperatures on the low end of the Kelvin scale are considered “warm,” while temperatures toward the high end are “cool.”

Warm lighting has a golden glow and cool lighting appears pure white or faintly blue. Cool light can help aid concentration when studying. However, to create a cozy reading corner, warm light between 2700 to 3000 Kelvin, is preferred.

There’s another reason to avoid blue light while reading. Some studies suggest that blue light emitted from digital devices increases eye strain. Other studies show a link between excess exposure to blue light and poor sleep.

If you use a digital reader and can’t resist staying up to finish that nail-biter mystery or perky romance, see if your device has adjustments that filter blue light. On many digital devices, you can dim screen brightness or use night mode settings. If your device doesn't have these settings, wear blue light-blocking glasses, refrain from nighttime reading or take other steps to block blue light that could disturb your sleep cycle.

What’s your favorite reading position? Do you literally curl up with a good book? Maybe you slump in a beanbag chair or kick your feet up in a recliner. Some people enjoy lounging on a pile of pillows arranged on the floor, or some other unstructured area.

On the other hand, few people can relax in a straight-backed chair. If you already have a cozy reading chair, you’re ahead. Otherwise, comfortable seating is a priority.

A “cozy” reading chair is typically roomy and overstuffed, with plush pillows and enveloping arms for support. It might recline or come with an ottoman. A chaise or extra-depth seat are other options.

Whatever your preference, check the dimensions to be sure the chair will fit in your corner reading nook. This is especially true when purchasing furniture online, as returning large furnishings can be problematic.

To maximize your reading time, set yourself up for comfort and enjoyment by anticipating extras to enhance the experience.

First and foremost, a book nook should feel welcoming and relaxing. The coziest reading nooks feature fluffy pillows for reclining and a fleecy blanket to ward off a chill.

A side table, set within arm’s reach, should be large enough to hold your reading lamp and other items like your phone, eyeglasses, a hot drink, snacks – and maybe a box of tissues for that riveting tear-jerker. Spoil yourself even further with an inexpensive mug warmer to keep your beverages hot.

Consider a table with a small drawer for storing coasters, paper napkins, reading glasses and charging devices.

Candles can help create a cozy atmosphere, but open flames don’t mix well with fuzzy blankets and paperback novels. Use flameless candles, for safety’s sake.

Want to recreate the cozy yet deliciously forbidden appeal of reading under the covers? Try screening your reading area from the rest of the room with gauzy fabric draped from the ceiling, or strings of white mini lights.

There’s something else necessary to set the tone of your reading nook – books! Most bookworms are also bibliophiles. Even if you read entirely on digital devices, can you really call your retreat a book nook without a few actual books? Add to the restful atmosphere of your reading nook by positioning at least a small bookshelf nearby, stocked with your favorite books – or the classics you’ve always meant to read!  

Avid readers have many reasons they enjoy this leisure pursuit. People read for pleasure and relaxation. Books make them think, help them escape troubles and open up their world to new places, perspectives and ideas. Reading is a perfect little self-indulgence.

Just like converting a bedroom to an exercise room or craft room, creating a reading nook entails designing a customized space for a favorite activity.

To plan and execute your book nook, consider your reading habits and preferences. Then, design just the right spot to get lost inside a book.

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