Creating The Perfect Reading Nook In A New Home

For bookworms, the first port of call for a new property is certain to be a reading nook. Carving out the perfect spot, one that is both comfortable and conducive, ideal for extended sessions of being lost in various narratives, is the most important goal.

Creating a successful space, however, isn’t always easy. Many homeowners find themselves creating a space that, while seemingly comfortable, is fraught with distractions, while others design a beautiful aesthetic but find the style is marred by environmental discomforts.

To help those who love books create the nook their hobby deserves, here are the fundamentals of designing an ideal space in a new home.

Environment

Simply laying a few cushions in a randomly selected room won’t conjure a reading nook. The room itself must be conducive to comfort, which means considering the warmth, humidity, and brightness. Certain rooms will have windows, which is ideal for welcoming natural light into a reading space, as well as making moments of rainfall all the more special. However, these windows may also be portals to noisiness, especially if adjacent to a busy street.

Some rooms will be innately cosy by design but their draughtiness or dampness inhibits enjoyment, as well as the long life of books. Others, like an attic or summer house, will be ideal settings for escaping with a book, having the potential for an abundance of natural light, ventilation, and distance from distraction.

Comfort

The most fundamental factor of a reading nook’s comfort is the seating arrangement. Whether you are happy to curl up on a chair or insist upon reclining, your space must be designed to offer such support. However, comfort goes beyond cushion arrangements, especially when reading over long periods of time.

Consider elements like blankets and artificial lights, those assets that will allow you to adapt to environmental changes, such as temperature and darkness. Those who enjoy listening to music while reading will also want to ensure that speakers and devices are nearby too.

Aesthetics

Reading by a television screen or by the kitchen sink isn’t as pleasurable as being sat next to the fireplace or beneath a wall of shelved books, and this is why aesthetics are an important part of one’s comfort. When creating your space, be sure to design it in such a way that you actively want to spend time there, styled in such a way that further inspires you to turn pages.

Additionally, it is worthwhile to consider the absence of digital devices too, since these can be a distracting presence, especially if they are set to alert you of notifications.

Separation

If you are working with a small space or need to split a room between two uses, such as a reading nook and a bedroom, then it can be worthwhile to create a deliberate divide. Separating the spaces with different styles or even literally with a curtain or divider can be useful to help a mind separate from the room’s other associations.

This is especially important as a greater number of residents begin working from home too. If a nook isn’t distinctly separate from a professional space, it can be very hard to feel able to relax.