Reading nooks are a great way to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life. Some people have the ability to switch off the external world and dive into a book anywhere, even if it’s a loud train station or in public transportation. However, some people need to have a special place they can indulge in their favourite read without getting distracted.
The best way to go about it is to create a reading corner or a reading nook as some people call it. It’s an area in your home specially designed for giving you the solitude and atmosphere you need to unwind after a long day.
In this article, we will share our best advice on creating such a space even if you’re on a budget.
Steps to Create a Cosy Reading Area
Choose a Location
There are several essential factors that come into play when you’re choosing the perfect location for your reading nook and the location is probably the most important one. Ideally, it would be in a quiet, remote part of your house – an unused corner, attic, or even the basement! If you have enough imagination and DIY skills, you should be able to turn every nook into a relaxing reading space. Professionals from Fantastic Handyman recommend that you plan everything in advance, especially the furniture you want to fit. This will make it a lot easier to choose the perfect location.
If you’re lucky enough to have a big bay window, you should definitely turn it into a reading nook. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll have an alcove big enough to be turned into a setting area with loads of pillows and blankets. If it’s not that big or it’s a bit too high, you can use it as a place to store items, like in the picture below.
Organise the Lighting
Since you will be using this space to read, the best option is to choose an area with loads of natural light. It can be next to a window or maybe under a skylight, the choice is yours. It’s important to protect your eyes and reading with natural light during the day is the best option.
Of course, that’s not always an option, so if you don’t have an area close to a natural light source, then choose a space that allows you to install the required lighting system.
As we age, it gets more difficult to see dim-lit pages. This is why experts recommend that you go with fluorescent or halogen lights since they illuminate the pages a lot better than normal incandescent bulbs. Still, even if you feel you’re eyes are well, don’t stay up reading under artificial light for too long and remember to hold the book at least 15 inches away from your face.
Isolate the Space
If you’re not able to create a reading space in a separate room, then you’d have to adapt one in your living room, kitchen, dining area or bedroom. This may cause some problems, especially if you’re living with other people. It’s hard to concentrate and enjoy a book if someone’s watching TV in the same room or doing exercises right next to you. To avoid similar situations, try your best to soundproof and isolate the reading area.
A great way to do so is just to place a tall bookshelf as a divider if the room allows it, of course. Not only it will create a cosy atmosphere but it will also block some of the noise coming from the other side. You can also use a normal room divider. The main idea is to create an illusion of separation between your reading nook and the rest of the house. This way you can truly relax without getting distracted and interrupted constantly.
If you’re not renting and you have the budget for it, you can call for a professional handyman to construct a bookshelf wall with an integrated entry, like the one you see below. Experts from Fantastic Handyman Australia recommend that you don’t do any major changes to a rented property unless the landlord agrees to them. Otherwise, you risk losing your bond money.
If the commotion is too much, consider investing in good quality noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds. The really good models manage to cancel the background noises even if you’re not playing any music.
Add needed Furniture
Speaking of bookshelves, don’t worry if you don’t have the space for one. You can always store the books elsewhere. The priority furniture here is to have a comfortable place where you can sit or lounge for an extended period of time. A soft, comfy armchair or a small double sofa are usually the best choices but you can also go for a bean bag or even a hanging swing. Other things to consider adding are a small bin, and a little side table for drinks, snacks and books.
Decorate
This is usually people’s favourite part of the whole process. Now that you have the foundations, you can truly make the place yours by decorating it with items that make you feel good. Pillows and blankets are a must since they will not only make the room feel cosier but also help you feel more comfortable while reading. Candles are another thing that can create an amazing atmosphere, as well as hanging lights. However, remember to only use them as deco and not actual reading lights. Plants, paintings, and art pieces can also spruce up any area.
Conclusion
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different trends and ideas, after all, they can only make your reading nook even more unique. And even if sometimes life gets too busy, your cosy reading nook will always be there as a place to relax and gather energy for new adventures.