Fake” reading rooms”?

2 years ago

I read the featured piece on cozy reading rooms with great interest because I love to read and have tried to create some reading books, corners in my own home.

The featured rooms are lovely, especially because there is a lot more color, texture, interest, warmth , in the decor, even though a variety of approaches was shown. Imagine my surprise when most- not all though— showed NO reading lamps by the seating pieces that appeared to be the target reading spots. And maybe not much lamps at all. Sure, there may have been some ceiling pot lights, but, no task lighting? For nighttime reading? And sure, I use my Kindle a lot, and so don’t always turn on the lamps that I DO have, but I do read” real” books and other stuff printed on…paper. Needing lamplight ( and maybe overhead too, but I can dial it dimmer to be more cozy). And a number of rooms featured the walls of real books.

Am I missing something? Did the rooms have lamps IRL but were removed for photoshoot? I didn’t even see that there were side tables or consoles for each seating arrangement. Did see a floor lamp or 2.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

sushipup2
2 years ago
Photos are staged, not real life. Form over function.
marmiegard_z7b
Original Author
2 years ago
I can see that; it’s just so , not just annoying but disappointing for the featured “ pros” to perpetuate unrealistic “ looks”. I know lamps have all but disappeared for magazine & online photos, as well as home building not putting in electrical plans that are necessary for good layers of lighting—and more so with the “ open concept “ and no walls for outlets, and then of course no floor outlets, but it’s especially galling in “ reading rooms. “

Wah wah, my useless rant.
Related Professionals
Florence Interior Designers & Decorators · Houma Interior Designers & Decorators · San Antonio Interior Designers & Decorators · Lansing Interior Designers & Decorators · Great Falls Interior Designers & Decorators · Hot Springs Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fayetteville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Danville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Waterloo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Norfolk Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Jackson Furniture & Accessories · Fort Wayne Furniture & Accessories · Albany Furniture & Accessories · Salt Lake City Furniture & Accessories · Evanston Furniture & Accessories
KW PNW Z8
2 years ago
No side tables either? Where do I set my glass of wine while reading? Oh - I’m sitting in my comfy chair holding both my book & my glass in my hands & gazing off into the dimness. 😱 I agree with you @marmiegard_z7b
Theresa Peterson
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
You're right, and I dub these ILLITERATE ROOMS!

Seriously, though, this board is ALL ABOUT function (usefulness, efficiency) over form (looks), and this article falls short. I say a reading nook needs:

- A comfortable chair with a footrest

- A throw blanket

- A side table for a drink, bookmark, whatever

- A good light -- a lamp that's tall enough to throw light onto your book or a pendant light that hangs over your chair. Bonus points if your space includes a lovely window for natural light

- An easily accessible outlet for charging your Kindle or other electronics

- Adequate storage for your books

- Acoustical privacy
marmiegard_z7b
Original Author
2 years ago
Hear, hear!

Really, I was surprised the article, with those photos, passed editing review.
But on the forums here, you don’t see many lamps! Sure, a lot is because they’re showing what are mostly family TV rooms, but many are the only family/ living room in the house. But bedrooms are good reading spots for many—so I have adjustable bedside lamps there too!