Some book lovers have turned hall closets into mini libraries after their reading collections outgrew every shelf in the house.
Your reading corner should be your own personal literary sanctuary. A space where you can escape with your favourite thriller or lose yourself in that self-help book you've been meaning to finish. So it's important to design it according to your reading habits and personality.
Whether you're dreaming of a cosy window seat or a statement armchair, creating a dedicated reading nook solves your book storage woes whilst giving you that perfect retreat from everyday distractions. And because you won't be redesigning your entire room, you can create your literary haven in just a weekend.
A well-designed reading space can serve multiple purposes too. From doubling as a guest bed to becoming your go-to relaxation spot, it's practical even for smaller homes. The "bookshelf wealth" trend has also taken off, where your book collection becomes both functional storage and beautiful décor.
Don't forget, your reading nook isn't just about the books – it's about crafting a personal retreat that reflects your style through comfortable seating, thoughtful lighting, and those personal touches like artwork or family photos that make it truly yours.
Ready to create your own page-turning paradise? Let's explore how you can design a reading space that's perfectly tailored to your needs and reading style.
Start with the mood you want to create
The colours you choose for your reading corner can make a big difference to how you feel when you're lost in your latest page-turner. Before you start shopping for that perfect armchair, think about the emotional atmosphere you want to create.
Decide between bright and airy or dark and moody
Your first decision is whether you prefer a light, energising space or a darker, more cocooning environment. Both approaches create completely different reading experiences.
Embrace bright and airy with a Scandinavian-inspired approach using plenty of neutrals – whites, creams, soft greys – paired with natural wooden accents. This style works beautifully if your nook gets natural light from a nearby window, creating an uplifting space that feels open and spacious.
Alternatively, rich earthy colours create that perfect cocooning feel, making your reading nook the ideal place to curl up with a good book. Painting your nook in a dark tone will create a cosy atmosphere and clearly zone off the area from the rest of your room. Colour drenching – painting the ceiling, walls and shelving in the same deep hue – takes this insular cosiness even further, making your space feel like a deliberate retreat.
Choose a colour palette that helps you unwind
Colours have a powerful effect on your mood and wellbeing, so pick shades that help you relax:
Blues and greens: These colours are proven to be soothing and calming. Soft blues create a serene atmosphere, whilst greens provide that grounding effect you find in nature.
Neutrals: Whites and off-whites make your space feel more open and airy, which benefits your overall sense of wellbeing.
Rich tones: Deeper shades can reduce stimulation and encourage relaxation. Consider emerald greens or deep blues for that classic library feel.
Soft blues, greens and neutrals create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere perfect for getting lost in your favourite stories. You can add personality through accent colours in your cushions, throws or artwork whilst keeping that calming foundation.
Takeaway Tip: lighting will interact with your chosen colours, so test paint samples under both natural daylight and your evening reading lamp before making final decisions.
Which furniture will make your reading corner irresistible?
Comfortable seating is the top priority for 69% of book lovers, and your choice doesn't just affect comfort—it shapes how you'll spend your reading time. Whether you're settling in for a quick chapter or an all-day reading marathon, the right furniture makes all the difference.
Choose between a day bed, armchair, or window seat
Each seating style offers something different for your reading habits:
Armchairs are classic reading companions with substantial support. Wingback styles create that protected "room within a room" feeling, perfect for getting lost in your latest page-turner. Look for models with rolled arms that support your elbows—trust us, your arms will thank you during those lengthy reading sessions.
Day beds let you stretch out completely whilst doubling as guest beds when needed. They're brilliant for multipurpose spaces where every piece of furniture needs to work harder. Designer Shanti Crawford suggests built-in shelving around day beds for both display space and practical storage.
Place your reading seat where it can capture natural daylight whenever possible. Experts recommend positioning chairs next to windows for optimal reading conditions. Angle your furniture away from distractions like televisions to create a more focused environment.
For evening reading, you'll need adequate task lighting with adjustable floor or table lamps positioned over your shoulder to prevent eye strain. Sconces on both sides of a window seat create lovely symmetry whilst distributing light evenly.
Make it work for smaller spaces
Small rooms need thoughtful furniture choices. Consider these space-saving options:
Compact armchairs with slim profiles
Built-in seating that uses wall space efficiently
Low stools or pouffes you can tuck away when not needed
Even awkward nooks can work beautifully with clever built-ins. Designers recommend using "the depth of the bump-out next to the window to determine the depth of the bench seat".
Takeaway Tip: incorporate storage underneath your seating when possible—you'll create organised book storage without losing precious floor space.
Don't forget a small side table or stool for your tea, reading glasses, and current book stack. Keep everything within arm's reach so you never have to leave your cosy spot.
Layer in textures and materials worth sinking into
Textures bring your reading corner to life, turning a simple chair and bookshelf into a haven you'll never want to leave. The fabrics and materials you choose can make the difference between a reading space that looks good and one that feels irresistibly cosy.
Add cushions, throws, and soft fabrics
Layering different textiles creates that sink-right-in comfort every book lover craves. Start with supportive back pillows that keep you comfortable during those marathon reading sessions. Thick cushions work particularly well for floor seating or window benches where you need extra padding.
Consider these cosy textile options:
Chunky knit throws that add warmth and visual texture
Plush velvet cushions for a touch of luxury
Fleece or faux fur elements for maximum snuggle factor
Mixing and matching textures creates a space that feels both dynamic and inviting. These layers aren't just about looks either – lumbar pillows provide essential support, floor cushions create alternative seating options, and throws keep you warm during those late-night reading marathons.
Use wood, wicker, or velvet for warmth
Material choices can completely change how your reading corner feels. Velvet upholstery feels luxurious against your skin whilst adding rich visual depth to your space. Natural materials like wood and wicker bring in those organic elements that make a space feel grounding and homely.
Contrasting materials create visual interest too – pair smooth velvet seating with a rustic wooden side table, or complement a leather chair with soft textile accessories. This mix makes your reading space feel thoughtfully curated rather than thrown together.
Include a small table for drinks or books
Your reading corner isn't complete without somewhere to place your essentials. A small side table holds your current read, reading glasses, that perfect cup of tea, or your stack of "next to read" books – keeping everything within arm's reach.
Choose a table that works with your overall style – metal side tables suit modern spaces, whilst wooden tables with natural finishes pair beautifully with traditional décor. The perfect table combines practicality with style, ensuring your reading experience flows smoothly from page to page.
Make it work for your daily life
Your reading corner needs to work as hard as you do. Beyond looking beautiful, practical considerations determine how often you'll actually curl up with your latest page-turner.
Sort out power for your devices
Bedside cabinet with intergrated charging port for mobile phones
Modern readers need easy access to charging points. You'll want to charge your e-reader, phone, or tablet whilst enjoying your favourite novel or taking a quick nap between chapters. Consider these placement options:
Near your seating area for convenient device charging
Behind bookcases or furniture for tidy cord management
Alongside lighting fixtures to keep wiring simple
Don't have power sources nearby? Extension cords offer a temporary fix until you can install permanent outlets. Position your nook close to existing power sources to keep things straightforward.
Choose flexible storage solutions
Storage flexibility makes all the difference to how your reading corner functions. Built-in bookshelves give you that perfect marriage of form and function, customised to fit your exact space whilst maximising every inch of storage.
Mobile bookcases work brilliantly for changing needs. Units on castors let you reconfigure your space whenever required – ideal for smaller homes where flexibility matters. Look for adjustable shelving that accommodates everything from paperbacks to coffee table books.
Takeaway Tip: Check for air registers, outlets, and light switches before installing built-ins. You can either relocate these or cut access holes in your bookcase backing.
Design it to earn its keep
Your reading corner can pull double duty in clever ways. Day beds create cosy reading spots that easily become guest beds when friends visit. One homeowner discovered: "Now we have a cosy reading nook, lots of extra storage, and a place for guests."
Consider these multi-purpose options:
Convertible day beds with storage drawers underneath
Small desks positioned near windows for reading and working
Adjustable lighting suitable for both relaxation and tasks
Pictured: Bellatrix Day Bed With Drawers - Taupe. Priced £379
This approach works particularly well in smaller homes where dedicated guest rooms aren't possible. Even compact corners can deliver remarkable functionality without sacrificing comfort.
Creating your perfect reading corner is about more than just finding somewhere to sit with a book. It's about designing a space that genuinely enhances how you experience every page-turning moment.
Your colour choices set the mood for countless reading sessions ahead. Whether you've chosen calming blues and greens or opted for rich, cocooning tones, these hues will influence how relaxed you feel each time you settle in with your latest novel.
The furniture and textures you select determine your comfort level during those long Sunday afternoon reading marathons. From supportive armchairs to versatile day beds, from chunky knit throws to velvet cushions, each element works together to create your personal retreat.
Don't forget, the most successful reading corners balance beauty with practicality. Clever storage solutions keep your growing book collection organised, whilst flexible design elements ensure your space adapts to changing needs.
Your reading corner should reflect your personality just as much as your bookshelves do. Once you've created this special space, it becomes more than just a corner of your room – it transforms into your go-to sanctuary where you can escape the world and lose yourself in stories.
So take time to craft a reading nook that truly speaks to your style and reading habits. After all, you'll be spending many happy hours curled up there with your favourite books, and every detail should make those moments even more enjoyable.
