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jenny_wieroniey

Reading nook for awkward window/pole corner?

4 years ago

Hello - Looking for design ideas to fix poor initial design/construction. We did not realize this window was so close to the wall in the plans, and now the walls have been spray foamed and electrical installed and the window is centered to the outside of the house, so moving walls and the window are not financially feasible. The pole is structural so it has to stay too. Was thinking a semi-enclosed reading nook with shelves would the awkward window placement and create a nice place to chill. Trying to figure out how to configure it.



Comments (25)

  • 4 years ago

    It would also make a good place for a desk.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    It’s unclear where in the house this is. Without reference it is a bit difficult to give a clkear answer, however one idea might be to do a builtin wrap around desk starting from the wall where the entryway is all the way around to the pole. It would wrap around on one wall, and bend along the stairs. You could then do built in shelving to the right of the window.


    Again, if this is in the entryway for the house this may present a problem, however if it is on a lower floor it may be perfect. Can you post a floorplan showing where this is in the house?

  • 4 years ago

    As, the two previous posters said, it does seem like a wonderful place for a desk. I also like your idea of a reading nook. Is the space big enough for a twin daybed between the walls under the window?

  • 4 years ago

    Do you need an extra closet/storage? Could be repurposed, but as stated, we need more info


  • 4 years ago

    This is on the second floor.

    We already have an office and a second desk/study area and tons of storage space. This is on the second floor towards the end of the hallway by the stairs.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    I wouldn't build anything in there. I would find a nice low bookcase to go across under the window all the way over to the stairs . Put some floating shelves or family photos on the wall to the right of the window and find a great comfy chair with an ottoman to sit there.

    It would be great!

  • 4 years ago

    A trick I learned from my decorator is to place mirrors on the wall where the light hits the wall. In your photo I see the light hitting the wall that's to the left of the window, so put a good-size mirror there to reflect that light back into the house. So often on Houzz I see people place mirrors in the dark area of a room to try to brighten it up, but the mirror can't reflect light that isn't reaching it.

    Here are some ideas to make your reading nook more inviting, with the right lighting. ideas

    Jenny Wieroniey thanked partim
  • 4 years ago

    Agree, it's 2nd floor not much needed. Perhaps a chair and table .

    Jenny Wieroniey thanked Angel 18432
  • PRO
    4 years ago

    A nice chair and maybe a lamp .

    Jenny Wieroniey thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Cut back a wall, drywall/and and a couple doors are cheaper than that chair .

    build it in later if you want ) A failry easy change before flooring.

    No need to fill it with anything now , except.......drywall?

    Can't think the loss of open at the stair is a big deal?

    Doors to bedroom could be different, I left with adjustment only for daylight in the long hall


    Jenny Wieroniey thanked JAN MOYER
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Thanks to everyone for their ideas! We are going to drywall it into the other bedroom and make it a little reading nook or study area inside the bedroom. Will post the photos when it's done! :)

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Good for you. Don't guess, don't get hung up by an off dead center window. Lots of ways to create a cozy spot from what BEGAN as a big bad issue : )

    Lemonade from lemons is always fun.

    Plan it.......: )








  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Or a simple Morris chair, foot stool, floor lamp, side table, and bookcase.









  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I think it would look cute if you did the little reading nook/bench. Hang a piece of art to the right of the window to balance it, or even a hanging plant, or a pendant.



    And to really make it cozy, modify the ceiling so that you get these shiplap angled corners.


    or, inset some shelves, plank the back wall w/reclaimed wood.


    or, what about a hanging rattan chair and fluffy rug?


    make it more organc w/natural wood, some plants?? Imagine some wood planks or slats across the window wall.


    diff types of chairs/colors




    you could even do the papasan chair, fluffy rug, throw and string up some tiny fairy lights.


    what would really look cool is to get a stained glass insert to go over the window. I did it w/my bathroom window. very easy to install over the front w/caulking.

    you could do a beveled glass design


    would look cool if you painted that back wall black and did a white bench or chair


    or something w/color



    you could get one made to the exact dimensions and put it inside, or, get one a bit smaller and just suspend from the window


  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Do you have to wear a tie-dye t-shirt to sit in one of those hanging chairs?

  • 4 years ago

    Having a reading nook than everyone could use would make more sense as opposed to one that has to be accessed thru your Master Bedroom. Something to think about.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    only you mark, because you're actually old enough to remember tie-dye and these hanging chairs.

  • 4 years ago

    ok kiddies - be nice LOL

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Angel, i'm just as old so I can say those old jokes. I used to make those tie-dye t-shirts with RIT and rubber bands back in the day. Although, I don't really remember those exact hanging chairs.

    they had these in the 70's tho


  • PRO
    4 years ago

    I worked very hard to get this grey hair.

  • 4 years ago

    LOL You would both remember this then - Still works.



  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I remember tie dye. I try to forget it, along with bleeding madras.I'm ALWAYS trying to forget anything that smacks of Mission.............I detest. Talk about an unforgiving look of "pain" seating

    I even remember Nehru jackets..............and can we not go there?!.....Or to Lee Scwartz, my first real date and his was screaming yellow. WAH.



  • PRO
    4 years ago

    "Mission.............I detest."

    But what about that simplistic beauty in form, that honesty in construction, and that joinery?

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Answer to Mark...........No. ?