Create the Perfect Cozy Reading Nook

I have piles of books scattered throughout my house that I’ve been promising myself I’ll read someday. There are decorating books, gardening guides, memoirs, and all kinds of nonfiction titles. Even though I’ve been part of a monthly book club for years, I rarely sit down with an actual paper book.

Most of the time, I listen to audiobooks through Audible instead. I’ll put on my headphones while walking to pick up my daughter from school, tidying the house, or preparing dinner.

But during the current stay-at-home period, I found myself looking at those neglected stacks of books again. It made me want to create a small reading corner somewhere in the house, a comfortable spot where I could step away from everyday distractions and spend a few peaceful minutes with a book.

The idea of having a quiet little retreat sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Fortunately, creating one doesn't have to be complicated. With a few carefully chosen pieces, you can turn an unused corner into a cozy reading nook of your own.

1. Use a Rug to Establish the Area

Start by visually separating your reading corner from the rest of the room with a rug. A rug helps define the space and makes the nook feel intentional rather than like a chair that was simply placed in an empty corner.

A design with a subtle pattern is ideal because it adds some visual interest without overwhelming the small space. A soft blue pattern, for example, can introduce color while keeping the overall atmosphere calm.

The rug shown here is the Emma Rug in Soft Blue from Caitlin Wilson, with prices beginning around $225.

2. Find a Chair You Can Sink Into

The chair is arguably the most important element of a reading nook because comfort should be the priority.

Look for something with generous cushioning and a supportive shape. I particularly like chairs with tall backs and wing-style arms because they create a cozy feeling and make it easy to curl up with a good book.

A similar option is the Erik Upholstered Wing Chair from West Elm, priced around $799.

3. Include a Convenient Side Table

Every reading chair needs somewhere nearby to place a drink, book, reading glasses, or other small essentials.

A conventional side table isn't your only option, though. You can get creative by using a small stool, plant stand, or even an unexpected piece of furniture.

In this setup, a repurposed bar cart works beautifully as a compact side table. A similar option is the Cassia Rattan Bar Cart from Target, priced around $149.99.

4. Add Focused Task Lighting

Good lighting is essential when you're planning to spend time reading. There’s nothing relaxing about squinting at the pages or ending your reading session with tired eyes.

A dedicated task light makes the nook much more functional, particularly when you're reading in the evening.

The vintage brass lamp used here also adds a warm metallic accent to the space. Its aged finish gives the corner a more collected and lived-in appearance rather than making it feel overly polished.

5. Add a Supportive Throw Pillow

A decorative pillow is one of the easiest ways to introduce personality to your reading nook.

Beyond appearance, it can also provide additional support for your lower back, making the chair more comfortable during longer reading sessions.

The square washed-texture pillow used here works particularly well because its color relates to the rug while its fabric adds another layer of texture.

A similar Target option costs around $19.99.

6. Keep a Cozy Blanket Nearby

A soft throw blanket can make your reading corner feel instantly more inviting.

Drape it over the arm or back of the chair so it's always within easy reach when the temperature drops. A chunky knitted blanket with oversized tassels adds both warmth and texture to the arrangement.

A similar chunky knit throw from Target costs around $35.

7. Bring Nature Indoors With a Houseplant

Adding greenery is another simple way to make a reading corner feel more relaxing.

Houseplants can help improve the atmosphere of an indoor space, and spending time around plants can also create a stronger sense of connection with nature. That can be especially valuable when you're spending a lot of time indoors and aren't able to get outside as often as you'd like.

A Monstera deliciosa is a beautiful choice for this type of setting. The plant shown here is from Lowe's and costs around $49.99.

8. Display Artwork You Love

A reading nook should feel personal, so don't forget to include artwork that makes you happy.

The print featured in this space has followed me through several different apartments, and I still enjoy seeing it every day.

For an easy, damage-free installation, I used a Command hook to hang it. This makes it simple to change the artwork or rearrange the space later without leaving significant marks on the wall.

The artwork is the “So Much” print by Clare Elsaesser, starting at around $35.

9. Style the Side Table

Once your basic furniture is in place, take some time to decorate the side table.

This particular cart has two levels, so I used the lower shelf as an opportunity to display a few puzzles I had recently purchased.

Using the lower portion of a table or cart for books, games, puzzles, baskets, or other small objects is an easy way to add personality while making use of otherwise empty storage space.

The puzzles featured here include the Kaleido Butterflies Puzzle, priced around $24, and the Cut Flower Garden puzzle, priced around $27.

10. Bring Your Books Into the Nook

And, of course, no reading nook would be complete without books.

Take that stack of titles you've been meaning to read and move them into your newly created reading corner. Having your books within arm's reach makes it much easier to actually pick one up instead of letting the pile continue collecting dust elsewhere in the house.

The books shown here include Styled by Emily Henderson, Surf Shack, The Finer Things, and Chez Moi.

11. Create the Right Atmosphere With a Candle

A scented candle can add another layer to the relaxing atmosphere.

Choose a fragrance you enjoy and place it somewhere safe on or near the side table. The candle featured here is especially appealing because of its attractive glass container and its resemblance to a much more expensive fragrance.

The Glass Jar Candle from Target costs around $10.99.

12. Keep Your Favorite Mug Close

Few things pair better with reading than a warm drink.

Keep your favorite mug nearby so you can make a cup of tea, coffee, cocoa, or another comforting beverage before settling into your chair.

There’s something about holding a warm drink while reading that makes it much easier to slow down, relax, and forget about everything else for a while.

The large mug shown here is from Heath Ceramics and costs around $37.

13. Sit Back and Read

Once everything has been arranged, all that's left is to enjoy your new little retreat.

Settle into the chair, grab your book and favorite drink, wrap yourself in the blanket if needed, and give yourself permission to spend some uninterrupted time reading.

One additional feature isn't visible in the main setup: an ottoman or pouf can be added to provide a comfortable place to rest your feet. I eventually added one to my own reading nook, and it made the space even more comfortable.

A reading nook doesn't have to occupy an entire room. With a comfortable chair, appropriate lighting, a few personal touches, and a stack of books you've been waiting to read, even a small unused corner can become a peaceful place to escape for a little while.