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Book Nooks: Looking for a Warm Place to Read
When the days grow short and the weather turns cold, few things warm the soul like a quiet place to read. Whether you do your reading on an e-reader or you prefer the heft and feel of a hard-bound tome, setting aside a place to read needn't be complicated or fussy.
Be sure a reading nook is well-lit and, in the winter, warm. If you keep comfort in mind while you're planning a reading space, you'll find excuses to read instead of listing the reasons why you don't.
In a world where quiet and solitude seem to be increasingly scarce commodities, creating a reading nook is a great way to draw a line in the sand and reclaim some time for yourself. The spaces that follow show a good mix of styles with a common theme: Each looks like an ideal place to while away a Sunday afternoon.
Be sure a reading nook is well-lit and, in the winter, warm. If you keep comfort in mind while you're planning a reading space, you'll find excuses to read instead of listing the reasons why you don't.
In a world where quiet and solitude seem to be increasingly scarce commodities, creating a reading nook is a great way to draw a line in the sand and reclaim some time for yourself. The spaces that follow show a good mix of styles with a common theme: Each looks like an ideal place to while away a Sunday afternoon.
Harry Potter was a boy who slept in the cupboard under the stairs. Something tells me Harry's life would have turned out a little differently if his cupboard under the stairs were set up like this. The wall of pillows, a throw and a tucked away sconce make this an ideal spot to escape without going anywhere.
Here's a library even Frank Lloyd Wright would like. It has an Arts and Crafts feel while still laying claim to 2010. The orange accent wall draws attention to the window and by placing a deeper color at the source of the room's natural light, it keeps this library as bright as possible.
The reading nook in this kitchen is begging for a shared newspaper and a pot of coffee. Even though it's just feet away from the range and the sink, this nook might as well be in another house all together. It's a great example of how to be alone without being apart.
Positioning this window seat over a radiator would make this the warmest spot available on a Saturday afternoon in January. The windows fill the space with sunlight during the day and recessed lights will brighten it up after dark. Add a comfortable cushion and some throw pillows and you're ready to go.
Moving in the opposite direction, this reading nook combines bright colors and bold patterns to make quiet spot that begs for attention. Note the skylight and the varied light sources. This is a room made for use at any time of day.
When speak of reading nooks as retreats I usually mean that psychologically. This one takes that sentiment literally and provides an actual retreat. I can see grandkids sneaking away in this space and letting their imaginations soar.
Sometimes, the best reading nook is an old chair with a slip cover in a previously underutilized space. A floor lamp and an end table complete this vignette and prove that you can carve out a space for yourself using furniture you have already. All you need is a bright, warm spot and you're all set.
What about you? Do you have a reading nook set aside for yourself?
More: Cozy nooks and crannies
What about you? Do you have a reading nook set aside for yourself?
More: Cozy nooks and crannies
To a lot of people, built in bookshelves and a built in place to read define the good life. This nook is flooded with light and a few hours in this space would cure even the worst case of winter blues.