As a child, I dreamed of having a window seat. I imagined this would be the perfect place to curl up and read for hours on end (since I can't actually live in a book). The only problem? I don’t have a window seat at home. In fact, I've never lived in an apartment or house that actually had a window seat. But that doesn’t mean I can’t have the perfect reading nook. Yes, it would be nice to have a window seat, or a winding staircase leading up to a Victorian tower filled with floor-to-ceiling books, or a library where you live. Yes, it would be awesome to buy an entire bookstore and move in but sometimes you have to be pragmatic and make do with what you have (and hopefully one day you'll live in one of these paradises).
Fortunately, there are many ways you can create a reading nook using existing space. You don’t have to change the structure of your home to create a space dedicated to your favorite books. All you need are a few belongings, a cozy area, and plenty of books. So, here are some ways to create the perfect reading nook:
1. Decorate with literary pillows
A reading nook needs to be comfortable, as you'll certainly be spending hours there - so some cozy, literary-inspired pillows are a must. You can find these colorful library pillows at:
Library card pillow, $30, Etsy
2. Store the TBR stack on a cool shelf
You can store your TBR stacks in...well, piles, or you can display them on a cool shelf. If you want to add a touch of modern chic to your reading nook, I love this pipe bookshelf.
Industrial Plumbing Bookshelf, $139, Etsy
3. Turn your corner into an enchanted forest
I've always wanted to live in an enchanted forest...and this tree bookshelf is definitely a step in the right direction. Store your books on tree branches to add a fairytale feel to your reading nook.
Natural Edge Tree Bookshelf, $875, Etsy
4. Take advantage of unexpected spaces
I wish I could have unlimited bookshelves, but unfortunately, I have limited space. If the same happens to you, try storing books in unexpected places.
Industrial Recycled Wood Spool Coffee Table, $319, Rustoregon on Etsy
5. Use canopy curtains to create space
Sometimes you just need a space of your own to escape with a book, and canopy curtains can help. Hang it anywhere to create a reserved space for reading.
Mosquito Net Comforter , $15, Amazon
6. Add some decorative lighting
You have to have light to read, so why not add some pretty string lights to your reading nook?
What a great idea! String lights, $30, ModCloth
7. Take your reading nook anywhere with a portable reading light
Maybe you don't like being confined while reading and prefer to hang out. Don't worry! You can create a portable reading nook with the help of a small lamp.
Hooked On Books Light , $6, ModCloth
8. Curl up and cover yourself with a bookish blanket
In addition to pillows, every great reading nook must also have a cozy blanket. If you ever get the chance to get a print inspired by a book, you should definitely jump at the chance!
Harry Potter “School Spirit” Tapestry Rug , $33, Barnes and Noble
9. Store books everywhere
So you’ve crammed as many bookshelves into your room as possible, but you still have piles of books that just can’t seem to fit? Don’t worry – you can even transform your stairs into a reading area.
Staircase, custom order, $250, Etsy
10. Add literary flavor
Finally, no reading nook is complete without candles (and a cup of tea, of course). This literary candle is actually called a "reading nook," so I'd say it's pretty perfect.
Reading Nook Soy Candle, $12, Etsy
Image: Focus Features
