20 Reading Nooks That Are Perfect for Cozying Up With a Book

There’s no rule that a nook has to be in a corner! You can set one up against an empty patch of wall with just a few choice pieces, as the homeowner of this cabin in Copake Lake, New York, did. A roomy armchair is even more inviting when it’s covered with a fuzzy throw—and a rustic log side table adds to the charm while keeping a stack of books and a hot cup of coffee within easy reach.

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A colorful hideaway never gets old. “Teal blue and chartreuse green are such a rich combination,” says designer Nicholas Obeid. For this snug Brooklyn reading retreat, he picked a vibrant paint for the shelves and trim (similar to Luau Green by Sherwin-Williams), then added playful matching wallpaper and pillows by Pepper Home. A vintage emerald green table and pink lamp shade add extra pops of color.

You might think that stylist Emily Henderson grabbed this rattan chair from the front porch, but it’s made for the indoors—and it’s the perfect place to curl up. “Everyone loves sitting on a swing,” says Emily, who lives in Portland, Oregon. The natural material gives this space a laid-back, coastal vibe; ditto for the white-painted brick on the fireplace and the blue-and-white-stripe rug.

We can’t think of a cozier place to relax with your favorite magazine (ahem) than this luxe-rustic room in Berkeley, CA. Commune Design decked out the space with an oversize leather chair, a plump lumbar pillow to keep things comfortable and an angled standing lamp so you can read into the night. Wood paneling gives the room extra warmth; rustic peel-and-stick wallpaper will give you a similar effect.

Step up your entryway with a nook for all your gear. Store cowboy boots under the seating bench, jackets and hats on the hooks, and work gloves in the cubbies. Ranchers need a nook for their things too. I’m looking at you, Ladd! This is perfect for little cowpokes too.

See more at Teaselwood.

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Embrace the grand-millennial style, otherwise known as grandma chic, with patterned curtains, china vases, and other vintage accents. Injecting an aged feel into a space will make the nook more homey and comforting—a feeling similar to stopping at grandma’s house. The nook will make you want to curl up with a classic novel and sip on a pot of tea.

See more at Kate Guinness.

Blue and white are quintessential coastal colors. They immediately give any space a beach house feel. Capitalize on their look by pairing them together in a small corner of the house. Pop in accents of rattan and light-colored wood to emphasize the natural theme of earth, air, and water.

See more at Brooke Wagner Design.

Who says nooks have to be for adults? Create the perfect reading nook for your little one with a bench seat, board books, and whimsical peel-and-stick decals. It’s a guaranteed win. They’ll love spending time in their special hideaway—surrounded by books that will encourage them to read.

See more at Along Came Lennox.

Make your nook a place Santa never wants to leave. Red and green complement this cushioned bench without overpowering the space. They provide a subtle nod to the holiday season that can be easily changed once spring arrives. Leave a few cookies on a tray atop the seat, and perhaps Santa will still be there in the morning.

See more at Andrew Franz Architect.

Travel back in time to the 18th century with a study fit for royalty. Deep purple paint bolsters the moodiness of the small space while the rust-colored seat invites you to sit and ponder the next great American novel. Whether for function or decoration, the library ladder adds a touch of literary charm.

See more at Douglas Mackie.

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Picture this: a roaring fire, a plush armchair, and a gripping thriller in hand. Sounds like the perfect cozy night in! Whether you're repurposing a wood-burning stove or adding an electric fireplace to the mix, flickering flames are sure to up the ambiance in your reading corner. You can even add a brass firewood stacking frame to your corner to play up the rustic charm.

See more at Homemade by Carmona.

At the end of the day, the most important parts of a reading nook are you and a book! You don't need fancy chairs or standing lamps to curate a cozy corner. Instead, take a cue from this simple nook featuring a fluffy rug, big floor cushions, a matching throw, and a makeshift side table made of a stack of books. Stick to a simple color palette with pops of color, like white, black, red, and consider adding some greenery to the mix with potted plants and succulents.

See more at The Merry Thought.

Simplicity isn't always key! Just because you're in tight territory doesn't mean there isn't room for patterns on patterns. To play with multiple patterns in one space, incorporate them in different scales: big, medium, and small. In this nook, the bright, floral blanket is the dominating pattern, enhanced by the floral cushion and pillows and muted by the subtle striped wallpaper.

See more at The House That Lars Built.

Elevate your space by sticking to one key color for the walls and bookshelves of your reading room. The colorful books, vases, and plants pop against the monochromatic dark green background for a moody and cohesive space.

See more at DIY in PDX.

The best part about a "nook" is the small amount of space it requires. But sometimes, you just need a bit more storage. That's where shelves come in! If you only have room for a cushy swivel chair and small side table, maximize vertical space by adding tiered racks to the adjacent wall and filling them with books, magazines, and any other casual reads.

See more at Homey Oh My.

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Here's another charming coastal-inspired reading nook idea! Using that same sea foam color palette of creamy whites and baby blues, this tiny window alcove opens up a world of possibilities. It's light and bright by day and cozy by night, thanks to the addition of a Roman shade, throw pillows, a pouf, and a sconce.

See more at The Turquoise Home.

Crafting your dream reading corner doesn't have to break the bank! It's so easy and affordable to pick up unique shelf fillers secondhand, like vintage records, maps, and license plates. Add a statement chair and some plants to your space, and you have the ultimate boho book nook!

See more at Snazzy Little Things.

The décor style of the rest of your home doesn't have to determine how the kiddos' reading nook looks! Turn an unused closet into a colorful, kid-friendly escape, complete with wilderness wallpaper, eclectic throw pillows, a customized floor cushion, and a basket for books.

See more at Studio DIY.

Fire up the record player, whip out those bell bottoms, and get groovy with an ode to the ‘70s. Mid-century modern furnishings, geometric artwork, and fresh greenery give the space an eclectic feel. Though the style is a few decades old, the design still feels fresh and new. Talk about 'good vibes!'

See more at A Beautiful Mess.

This Japanese-inspired nook is ideal for kids and adults alike! The center of the space is an upcycled tatami chair, a Japanese chair with a back and no legs used for relaxing. Pair the chair with a coordinating cushion, like this pillow fashioned from vintage Japanese fabric.

See more at Up to Date Interiors.

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