Hello there! Today is all about creating a cozy reading nook because this girl could use it. I feel as if I’ve gone through two weeks of work and it’s only Wednesday. I need a vacation. Some downtime. Some me time. What do you like to do when you need a break? Do you like to watch TV or possibly chat with a friend over lunch? Maybe getting a pedicure is your favorite? For me, I could do any of those things and feel revived but I’ve been reading a book called The Imperfect Disciple – Grace for People Who Can’t Get Their Act Together by Jared C. Wilson.
I like the book so when I find myself with a few minutes to sit and do nothing, I want to read it. I’ve always liked to read but quit because I had no comfy space to myself. I can’t go to a coffee shop – too noisy. Don’t like the family room – too much going on. At our old house my favorite spot was in the bedroom. It was peaceful. When we moved to this house, the walls were a puke gold and I cannot stand yellow. Okay, maybe the color of butter. Who doesn’t love some butter?!
Creating a Cozy Reading Nook
The repugnance for yellow came from growing up with a mother who loved it. The biggest part of my childhood was spent in a house surrounded by it. It was on the walls, the table and chairs, the kitchen island, the kitchen towels, the curtains, the flowers on the plates, the matching yellow checked outfits she made for my sister and I to wear. Ugh! Enough with the yellow.
Sorry for the rant but hopefully, you can understand my issue with it. After many years of having the puke gold walls in our bedroom, we finally painted it. On a side note, why is it the primary bedrooms are always last on the list of updates?
Anyway, now it’s a soothing place to be and just for me (because the Mister hates to read), I created a cozy reading nook. The chair isn’t that comfy and that’s on my list of things to change but for now it’s all about the me time and not the chair.
What you’ll need for a cozy reading nook.
Do you need a place of your own to read? Here’s what you’ll need to establish that special spot.
First find a place that is relaxing to you. A place you won’t be disturbed but has plenty of light. I have a friend who’s spot is upstairs in the guest bedroom!
Second, get a comfy chair. It doesn’t have to be new. Sometimes the oldies are goodies.
Next, you’ll want a table for a drink and sometimes a snack. Maybe you need reading glasses like me? Add a fun Mason jar or pretty bowl or pretty dish to keep your spectacles.
Following that, you may want a pillow or soft throw blanket in the chair. As I go threw these super-woman-power-surges, I’d prefer a small fan but that’s just me.
Don’t forget an ottoman or small foot stool. You never know, you may actually have time for a nap so get comfy. 😉
Last but not least, you’ll need a lamp. Even if your cozy reading nook is next to a window, at night (and for ambiance of course), you’ll find the extra light is nice.
I’d like to announce that I have this cozy corner of tranquility all to myself but my reality is – I can’t go anywhere without 2 or 3 dogs at my feet. Yeah, yeah, I know they love me. Just wish they could love me from the other room every now and then. Little fuzz butts.
Loving this post!! Pinning it for inspiration because I need to plan a cozy reading nook for myself!
Author
Glad you liked it Dana! Sometimes we just need to bite the bullet and do it. Only took me like 9 years! 😉
Thanks for your ideas and it looks so nice, and i’m sure they aren’t very noisy. Yes i do have a place to read, but it took me a while, i changed rooms around. I use to sit in my DR. in a corner and read. One day i was reading where a blogger had switched her DR. and LR. around so, i did too. I’m still working on some of it but of course my LR. which i call setting room is pretty much finished. It has three windows and is perfect when my family come we sit and visit.
Author
Ooh, 3 windows so awesome! And I love the idea of switching dining and living rooms. It makes sense in so many homes. I’ve thought about giving up the dining room for an office but decided against it because I’d rather see a room we only use about 3 times a year versus clutter. Sounds like your reading nook is nice too. Happy Hump Day Marlene!
Love your cozy reading nook, such a great idea! My dogs are like that too, but they are adorable!
Author
Thank you Ali. As I’m sitting here typing this out, they are both under the desk and one has his head on my foot. I feel bad for wanting to move my foot but it’s getting hot in here!
Love this post… what a perfect & cozy reading corner/ nook !! Very pretty …. Sometimes it’s hard to find just the right spot… and I do LOVE to read!! I get my morning coffee and head back to my bedroom to read in the early am …. but like you… my chair is not allll that comfy… lolol.. but the lamp, glasses and night stand works perfectly ….. 🙂
Author
Sounds like we both need to find chairs we like and say – Hello Christmas Gift To Me! Any books you’d recommend? Happy Wednesday Terri!
Everyone should have a cozy reading nook. Love all the inspiration here. I also love the crystal holder for your reading glasses. Very cute.
Kris
Author
Thank you Kris. I honestly need piles of glasses in every room. I never can find any when I need them. Even when they’re on my head.
LUCKY!!! Love your little “fuzz butts”…. Special ones for sure.
Author
Thank you Mary. Do you mean THEY are the lucky ones?! LOL
Ahhhh the fuzzy butts, love it!! My little furballs are the same – I escape into my room but they all sit outside the door crying so I end up letting them in! So much for keeping the dog hair out of my bedroom to help my allergies! I have a cozy reading corner in my bedroom for when I need to escape, and have all those things you mentioned in addition to an oil diffuser and candles, oh and a fireplace 🙂 – I also have a cozy corner in my living room next to the wood stove, although it’s tough to read there unless I have the house to myself. I’m reading Little Fires Everywhere right now, which is awesome, and my next book is The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah – I cannot wait to start that one!!!!!!!!!
Author
Thanks for the book titles! I’ll check those out for sure. Sounds like your cozy corners are awesome! It would be a dream to have a fireplace in our bedroom. Maybe if we ever build a house, I can get that on the list?!
Your reading nook looks so lovely and the crystal glasses holder is adorable. I am now on my own so can read anywhere without being disturbed. However I have nowhere to my liking for my painting. I used to have the ideal place in our last house but this place does not seem right so my poor paints and brushes are very lonely.
Author
Awe. I hope you can eventually find a place to paint that you enjoy! Is there a dining area you could use? One with great windows? Maybe you could give an eating area up and eat in another area? Wish I could help. Best wishes!
Such a pretty place to sit and read! I love the idea of somewhere to put your glasses. I end up laying mine everywhere. Which follows a long game of looking for the glasses! I used to have a crystal bowl just like yours…. now if only I can remember where I put it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Author
I know what you mean. I think I spend more time looking for my glasses than I do wearing them!
That’s a really cute reading nook! I’m sorry to hear that the chair is not so comfy. I love that chair! I have had my eyes on one at Pottery Barn for some time now.
Author
The chair is great for people with longer legs. I tuck my leg underneath me so it doesn’t work. Also, the cushion slides out easily so there’s that. But!… I just had a thought! I could get those non skid placemats and put it under the cushion! 😀. That may help.
Thanks to your mom (that’s me) for instilling in you the love of reading. Now about that yellow…, Sunshine, lemon meringue pie, so many great flowers, corn, I could go on and on. Yellow is one of Mother Nature’s favorite colors. Oh, and mine, too. 💛 btw, your reading nook is lovely.
Author
No more yellow! I can’t stands n’more! Except maybe the food. Our Thanksgiving plate would never be the same! LOL
HI Cindy! I do love a reading nook and miss the two couches in our living room at our last house. They were perfect for stretching out on or for just sitting up with the legs tucked underneath, book in hand and a cup of tea on the coffee table! Plus the light coming in the window during the afternoon was ethereal… <3 Will definitely be looking for this ambiance again in the next house! Happily pinning to my Decorating and Tomes {Books} and Articles to Read boards. <3
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Author
Awe. I bet you do miss that. It sounds lovely. Thanks for pinning too. So sweet of you. ❤️