25 Cozy Reading Nook Ideas

There are few things better than curling up with a good book and getting lost in a story.

But to do so, you need a place to read that’s quiet, comfortable, and conducive to relaxing. That’s where a reading nook comes in.

A reading nook is a special corner of the home that’s set aside specifically for reading. It’s a cozy, comfortable space that’s curated to encourage book lovers to sit down and read for hours on end.

If you’re interested in creating a reading nook in your home, there are plenty of design ideas that you can draw inspiration from.

In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite reading nooks and explain how you can create a cozy spot of your own.

1. A reading nook in your closet

If you’re lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, then you’ve got the perfect spot to create a reading nook.

This closet has been transformed into a dreamy reading space, complete with a cozy chair, side table, and a floor lamp.

A small bookcase provides storage for your favorite reads and adds a pop of color to the space.

2. A reading nook in your living room

If you don’t have a spare room to turn into a home library, you can still create a cozy reading nook in your living room.

Place a comfortable chair in the corner of the room and add a small bookcase or floating shelves nearby to store your favorite reads. A floor lamp and side table will complete the space.

3. A reading nook in your home office

If you work from home, a reading nook in your office can be a great way to take a break and relax. Even if your office is in a busy part of the house, a reading nook can be a quiet retreat when you need a break.

If you have a small office, try to find a corner to create your reading nook. If you have a larger space, a reading nook can be a great way to fill an empty corner.

4. A reading nook in your bedroom

If you have the space, a reading nook in your bedroom is the perfect way to use an empty corner. This bedroom, designed by Emily Henderson, has a built-in bench and lots of pillows to make it extra comfy. A shelf above the bench provides plenty of space to store books and display decor.

5. A reading nook in your kid’s room

This reading nook designed by Emily Henderson is a dream! It’s every little girl’s fantasy to have a cozy spot to read in their own room.

The built-in bench is perfect for a child’s room because it’s so sturdy, and it’s also a great way to add seating and storage without taking up a lot of space.

6. A reading nook under the stairs

If you have unused space under your stairs, consider turning it into a reading nook. This cozy spot by @ourvictorianitalianatehome features a built-in bench with storage and a small bookshelf. The space is completed with a vintage rug, a sconce light and a few throw pillows.

7. A reading nook by the window

If you’ve got a window with a view, consider turning it into a reading nook. This cozy corner, designed by Studio McGee, features a built-in bench, plenty of pillows, and a throw blanket for chilly days.

The open shelving unit on the wall provides a place to store books, and the gold sconces add a touch of elegance.

8. A reading nook in a bay window

This bay window reading nook designed by Sarah of Room for Tuesday is the ultimate cozy spot. The built-in bench is topped with a cushion and pillows, and the bench is flanked by two tall bookshelves.

The shelves are filled with a variety of books and decor, and they even have a small light at the top. The bookshelves are a great use of space and help to frame the window and make the nook feel even more private.

9. A reading nook with a view

If you’re lucky enough to have a bay window in your home, turn it into a cozy reading nook. Add a bench cushion and a few throw pillows to make the space extra inviting.

The best part about a window reading nook is that you’ll have a beautiful view to look at while you read.

10. A reading nook next to the fireplace

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, consider situating your reading nook right next to it. Not only will you be able to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the fire while you read, but you’ll also have plenty of built-in storage space for your books.

This reading nook designed by Studio McGee features a custom built-in shelving unit that’s perfect for displaying books and decor.

11. A reading nook with built-in bookshelves

If you’re a book lover, chances are you’ve got a lot of books. Instead of trying to find a place to put them all, consider building a reading nook with built-in shelves.

This cozy spot designed by Emily Henderson has plenty of space for books and a comfy chair to read in. The neutral color scheme makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

12. A reading nook with a bookcase

What better way to decorate a reading nook than with a bookcase? This cozy little nook features a small bookcase that is filled with books and decor. The bookcase adds a lot of charm to the space and makes it feel like a mini library.

To create a similar look, you can install a small bookcase or even a few floating shelves. Fill the shelves with your favorite books, some greenery, and a few decorative items.

13. A reading nook with a library ladder

If you have the space, a library ladder is the perfect addition to a reading nook. Not only is it a stylish touch, but it’s also practical. You can use it to access books on high shelves or storage.

This reading nook by DeVol Kitchens features a window seat with built-in bookshelves and a library ladder to access the top shelves. The ladder is also a fun touch that adds a bit of whimsy to the space.

14. A reading nook with a canopy

A canopy adds a sense of coziness and privacy to any space, and a reading nook is no exception. Style a canopy in your reading nook by hanging it from the ceiling or the wall, and drape it over the chair of your choice. You can even add string lights or a curtain to the canopy for a little extra magic.

Canopy reading nooks are perfect for kids’ rooms, but they can also work in any other space in your home. This reading nook by @thislittlehouseofours is styled with a canopy, a cozy rug, and a few pillows, and it all comes together perfectly.

15. A reading nook with a daybed

If you have the space, a daybed is the perfect addition to a reading nook. It’s a great place to curl up with a good book, and it also doubles as a guest bed.

This cozy reading nook designed by Emily Henderson features a built-in daybed with storage drawers and a wall of open shelving for books and decor. The window seat provides additional seating and a great view.

16. A reading nook with a chaise

This reading nook from Lark & Linen is perfect for lounging. A chaise is a great option for a reading nook, especially if you like to lay down while you read. A chaise is also a great piece of furniture to add to a bedroom or living room.

The gallery wall is a great way to add some personality to the space. You can create a gallery wall with family photos, art, or even your favorite book covers.

17. A reading nook with a chair and ottoman

We love the idea of a reading nook with a chair and ottoman. This set-up is more traditional and allows you to really get comfortable.

You can use the ottoman as a footrest or as a spot to place your books and favorite snacks.

18. A reading nook with a hanging chair

Swinging in a hanging chair is a great way to relax, and when combined with a good book, it’s downright heavenly.

In this reading nook by A House in the Hills, the hanging chair is hung in front of a large window, creating an inviting spot to read. A plush area rug and a few throw pillows make it even more comfortable.

19. A reading nook with a papasan chair

This reading nook from @andralovesmint is seriously giving us all the feels. The papasan chair is the perfect place to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. And the hanging chair next to it is a great way to add extra seating to a small space.

Plus, can we talk about the beautiful bookshelves? These built-ins are a book lover’s dream. The black shelves make the colorful books pop, and the sconces add an extra touch of elegance.

20. A reading nook with a bean bag chair

Lay back and relax in this bright reading nook, which has a bean bag chair surrounded by a few bookshelves. A green and white rug adds some color and pattern to the space, and a small side table is perfect for a cup of tea.

A floor lamp provides light for reading, and a small mirror is perfect for a quick check of your hair before you get back to your book.

21. A reading nook with floor cushions

If you prefer a more casual, boho vibe, a mix of floor cushions and throw pillows can create a cozy little reading nook.

This space is set up in front of a large window to give you the best natural light for reading.

22. A reading nook with a window seat

A window seat is a great way to create a reading nook, especially if you have a window with a view you’d like to take advantage of.

This window seat is complete with custom cushions and pillows, and the space is framed with built-in bookshelves and drawers. The drawers are perfect for stashing extra pillows and blankets, and the bookshelves are a great way to keep your favorite books within arm’s reach.

23. A reading nook with a built-in bench

If you have a spot in your home that’s calling out for a reading nook, consider a built-in design. This option allows you to maximize the space you have, and you can customize it to fit the style of your home.

This built-in bench is a cozy spot to curl up with a good book. The shelves on either side offer plenty of space to display your favorite reads and some decor. And the sconces are a great way to add lighting to your nook without taking up space on the shelves or the bench.

24. A reading nook with a built-in window seat

If you have a window in your home that provides a little extra space, turn it into a reading nook. This idea is perfect for a rainy day when you can open the window and hear the raindrops falling outside.

The window seat provides a place to store books, and the soft pillows and blanket make it the perfect spot to curl up with a good book.

25. A reading nook with a built-in daybed

If you’re lucky enough to have a bay window in your home, put it to good use by building a custom daybed. Add a built-in bookcase and a few cozy pillows and you’ll have the perfect spot to read a book or take a nap.

This reading nook by Kresswell Interiors is a great example of how to make the most of a bay window. The custom daybed is the perfect size for the space, and the built-in bookshelves provide plenty of storage for all of your favorite books.

Conclusion

We love the idea of a reading nook that’s tucked away under the stairs. It’s a great use of space and a great way to add a little privacy if you don’t have a separate room to devote to your reading nook.