It’s National Book Month — Give Your Reading Spot Some Love
Let these cozy nooks and light-washed corners inspire you to make your reading space special
October is National Book Month, so it’s a great time to treat yourself to a refreshed reading area. With temperatures dropping and the sun setting early, a throw blanket, a good reading light and a space for a hot cuppa will be assets. Find your favorite spot for reading and give it a fluffing before you hit one of the many book fairs and other events happening this month. Or if you don’t have a favorite reading spot already, create one. Here are nine comfy reading spaces to inspire you.
Carved Into a Wall
One of the best things about reading nooks is that they are great for making use of a tight space. Here, EME Design used a thick wall to carve out a cozy reading nook with a view.
Takeaway: Integrate a reading sconce into a nook’s design. That way there’s no need to worry over wires and outlet placement.
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One of the best things about reading nooks is that they are great for making use of a tight space. Here, EME Design used a thick wall to carve out a cozy reading nook with a view.
Takeaway: Integrate a reading sconce into a nook’s design. That way there’s no need to worry over wires and outlet placement.
Shop for reading sconces
Off a Stair Landing
A reading nook also can utilize space in an unexpected spot. The pros at Raykon Construction built a space off a staircase landing that’s an inviting destination.
Takeaway: Cover the built-in with the same shiplap used on the walls to integrate it into the landing.
A reading nook also can utilize space in an unexpected spot. The pros at Raykon Construction built a space off a staircase landing that’s an inviting destination.
Takeaway: Cover the built-in with the same shiplap used on the walls to integrate it into the landing.
Tucked Into a Nook
The daybed in this kids’ space on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, by Oak Hill Architects is cozy like a ship’s berth. The surrounding shelves provide plenty of space to store reading materials within easy reach. This is a smart, kid-friendly strategy for a bedroom or playroom.
Takeaway: Use tongue-and-groove paneling to add cottage style to the nook.
The daybed in this kids’ space on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, by Oak Hill Architects is cozy like a ship’s berth. The surrounding shelves provide plenty of space to store reading materials within easy reach. This is a smart, kid-friendly strategy for a bedroom or playroom.
Takeaway: Use tongue-and-groove paneling to add cottage style to the nook.
Washed in Light
A light-filled corner in any room always makes for a good reading spot. Here, designer Regan Baker placed a chaise, floor lamp, small side table and throw, inviting curling up with a good book.
Takeaway: Curtains are a good call in a light-filled reading space for when reading time transitions into naptime.
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A light-filled corner in any room always makes for a good reading spot. Here, designer Regan Baker placed a chaise, floor lamp, small side table and throw, inviting curling up with a good book.
Takeaway: Curtains are a good call in a light-filled reading space for when reading time transitions into naptime.
Find an interior designer on Houzz
In a Living Room Alcove
A reading nook can serve multiple functions when space is tight. In a compact cottage in Kentucky, interior designer Barbara Purdy designed the alcove seen here, which serves as a reading nook, a seating area and sleeping space for a guest. Sconces provide good reading light, while shelves provide a convenient place for reading glasses, drinks and books.
Takeaway: Building in drawers beneath a daybed like this provides a handy spot for bed linens.
A reading nook can serve multiple functions when space is tight. In a compact cottage in Kentucky, interior designer Barbara Purdy designed the alcove seen here, which serves as a reading nook, a seating area and sleeping space for a guest. Sconces provide good reading light, while shelves provide a convenient place for reading glasses, drinks and books.
Takeaway: Building in drawers beneath a daybed like this provides a handy spot for bed linens.
In a Workspace
It’s always nice to get away from the desk during the workday. A comfortable reading spot will let you stretch out and relax while catching up on a long report or during a casual work call. And in an open plan like this one, it helps integrate the workspace into the rest of the home. Here, Risa Boyer Architecture created a nook where the desk, shelves and large window seat fit together in a pleasing way.
Takeaway: Cover the area’s ceiling in wood that matches the desk and daybed to warm the space and subtly define it.
Find a local architect
It’s always nice to get away from the desk during the workday. A comfortable reading spot will let you stretch out and relax while catching up on a long report or during a casual work call. And in an open plan like this one, it helps integrate the workspace into the rest of the home. Here, Risa Boyer Architecture created a nook where the desk, shelves and large window seat fit together in a pleasing way.
Takeaway: Cover the area’s ceiling in wood that matches the desk and daybed to warm the space and subtly define it.
Find a local architect
In the Window, With Room for Two
The pros at Two Fold Interiors designed a window seat in this rustic lodge where two can read and enjoy the view.
Takeaway: An alcove like this is a good spot to hang a piece of art.
The pros at Two Fold Interiors designed a window seat in this rustic lodge where two can read and enjoy the view.
Takeaway: An alcove like this is a good spot to hang a piece of art.
In the Bedroom
It’s always nice to have a comfortable spot for reading in the bedroom other than the bed. This overstuffed chair and ottoman provide a cushy spot to do some pre-bedtime reading.
Takeaway: A bedroom is a slippers-on, feet-up kind of place, so an ottoman is an asset.
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It’s always nice to have a comfortable spot for reading in the bedroom other than the bed. This overstuffed chair and ottoman provide a cushy spot to do some pre-bedtime reading.
Takeaway: A bedroom is a slippers-on, feet-up kind of place, so an ottoman is an asset.
Browse ottomans in the Houzz Shop
Your turn: What are your favorite reading spots at home? Please share in the Comments and include a photo if you have one.
More on Houzz
Check out more stories about reading spaces
See more photos of reading nooks
Shop for bookcases
More on Houzz
Check out more stories about reading spaces
See more photos of reading nooks
Shop for bookcases
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Different types of reading spaces can encourage different types of reading throughout the day. And a great way to start the day is by reading the news and chatting about it over coffee with your partner. Find a space that gets great morning light for this ritual.
Takeaway: This space by Kustom Home Design can serve as a sitting room or a breakfast area, thanks to the drop-leaf table and the wingback chairs.
Browse wingback chairs in the Houzz Shop