If you’ve grown up escaping to the worlds tucked in the pages of Enid Blytons’ books, ‘The Hardy Boys’ and ‘Nancy Drew’, you have at some point fantasised about having a library in your home. When watching period movies, and romps, the quintessential scene of a den with books lining every wall from floor to ceiling has made you gasp, and sigh wistfully while thinking, ‘Someday!’. Unfortunately, cities are growing with smaller homes available and this means not always having large spaces we can dedicate to libraries. Here’s where reading nooks come in!
Reading nooks can be fitted into your existing space and must exude your design sensibilities while tying in with the décor of the rest of your home. They should also be cosy, warm and inviting, a zone where you can truly kick back and relax. So here’s how to set up the reading nook of your dreams…
Electronics-Free Zone
If the above options do not work for you, ideally you can set up a reading nook in an unused corner of your home. All you’ve got to do is pick a comfy chair or sofa, place a bookshelf behind it, and a small side table nearby to keep coffee or hot cocoa mugs when reading. The key to a focused reading nook is to eliminate all electronics from it, with the exception of e-readers. Don’t bring phones/tablets to the space, and should there be a TV in the room, make sure you place the chair or sofa facing away from it. Place a small rug beneath your sofa and bookshelf to demarcate the area as a reading zone.
Window Seat
Window seats are classy, elegant and such beautiful additions to a home. They blend function and décor. If you are lucky and your home comes with an inbuilt window seat, make full use of it by storing books on open wall shelves and placing a custom soft mattress on top to cushion the seat. If you’re in an apartment and want to create the look of a window seat, simply place a cushioned bench with storage in front of a window and flank it on either side with tall bookshelves that will create the alcove setting that is perfect for cosying up with a book.
Plant Haven
Are you a nature-loving bookworm? If so, a boho-chic reading nook in the midst of plants on a balcony or by a large window is the way to go. Opt for a wooden chair or couch that oozes the natural, earthy vibe and surround it with house plants. Experiment with different heights plants as this will add depth to space. If you have a decent-sized balcony, you can line pots and planters on wall shelves and lay down a plush floor cushion to read on. Keep it colourful and make it cosier with accent pillows and pretty fabrics, and you’ll have a space you can’t wait to retreat to every day.
Under The Stairs
Granted, Harry Potter’s cramped room under the stairs made us sad, but if we’re wise, there is a way to set up a snug reading nook into the space under the stairs. Most of the time, this area is under-utilised, so having a custom bench with a cushion and storage for books underneath is a great way to make use of this space. The main concern here is that it can get quite dark, so make sure that you have a wall sconce fitted that will provide sufficient light for reading. Jazz it up with some pillows and throws and you’re good to go.
Canopy Nook
If you want to encourage curiosity and interest in books in your kids, we suggest picking a corner in their room, hanging a floor-length canopy or sheer tent and placing lots of pillows on the floor, along with stuffed bunnies and age-suitable books that they can enjoy. Since this place is covered, think about creative ways to add light, like fairy lighting, that will brighten up space while adding a pretty decorative touch.