11 of the Best Reading Nooks for Kids
Inspire your little ones by creating an enticing retreat in which they can discover the wonderful world of books
A love of reading often starts young, so inspire your children by carving out a cosy and enticing space in which they can read, dream and discover. From under-stairs cubbyholes to cosy teepees, take a look at these creative ideas.
Reinvent space under the stairs
There’s so much to love about this under-stairs retreat. A snug, cushion-lined den with a bright reading lamp and two bookshelves underneath makes the perfect place for daydreaming, reading and thinking. The tiny door next to it is equally appealing.
If you have an unused storage space that currently acts as a gathering ground for clutter, think about whether there would be space to create something similar.
There’s so much to love about this under-stairs retreat. A snug, cushion-lined den with a bright reading lamp and two bookshelves underneath makes the perfect place for daydreaming, reading and thinking. The tiny door next to it is equally appealing.
If you have an unused storage space that currently acts as a gathering ground for clutter, think about whether there would be space to create something similar.
Tuck in a teepee hideaway
This cosy and bright teepee would be the prefect place for a young reader to snuggle up in and be transported to a different world. The display shelves in this playroom ensure there are lots of reading choices on offer, while the soft rug and fluffy cushions create an irresistible den.
Building a DIY teepee like this one is a great rainy day activity. Simply tie five or six bamboo poles together and drape with sheets, held in place with clothes pegs.
Browse more kids’ room photos
This cosy and bright teepee would be the prefect place for a young reader to snuggle up in and be transported to a different world. The display shelves in this playroom ensure there are lots of reading choices on offer, while the soft rug and fluffy cushions create an irresistible den.
Building a DIY teepee like this one is a great rainy day activity. Simply tie five or six bamboo poles together and drape with sheets, held in place with clothes pegs.
Browse more kids’ room photos
Transform a daybed
This daybed, tucked under the eaves, would be a lovely spot to curl up on a rainy day. A handy side table for a stack of books, a traditional-style reading lamp above and plenty of cushions make this the perfect place for reading and daydreaming.
If you don’t have a daybed or window seat, a comfy chair pulled up to the window would create a similar feel.
This daybed, tucked under the eaves, would be a lovely spot to curl up on a rainy day. A handy side table for a stack of books, a traditional-style reading lamp above and plenty of cushions make this the perfect place for reading and daydreaming.
If you don’t have a daybed or window seat, a comfy chair pulled up to the window would create a similar feel.
Be inventive with space
While it would have been very easy to fill this space with more cupboards, this little window seat is a great example of creative room design. Low enough for little legs to be able to clamber up, it’s perfectly sized for someone small to sit and read. There’s even a little window cut into the wall next to the fish tank for aquatic viewing from the nook.
When planning a room from scratch, it’s worth asking an expert to help with the layout, as they can sometimes think of ideas like this that might not have occurred to the rest of us.
While it would have been very easy to fill this space with more cupboards, this little window seat is a great example of creative room design. Low enough for little legs to be able to clamber up, it’s perfectly sized for someone small to sit and read. There’s even a little window cut into the wall next to the fish tank for aquatic viewing from the nook.
When planning a room from scratch, it’s worth asking an expert to help with the layout, as they can sometimes think of ideas like this that might not have occurred to the rest of us.
Build a library wall
If you’re going to display books, why not really make a feature of them and create a floor-to-ceiling library wall? This unit adds fun and colour to the hallway, while a couple of small chairs encourage companionable reading.
You’ll need to help little ones to get books down from the higher shelves, though, so make sure all their favourite tales are stored low down.
If you’re going to display books, why not really make a feature of them and create a floor-to-ceiling library wall? This unit adds fun and colour to the hallway, while a couple of small chairs encourage companionable reading.
You’ll need to help little ones to get books down from the higher shelves, though, so make sure all their favourite tales are stored low down.
Create a wonderland
Tucked into a corner, this fairy-tale tent is the perfect place for little ones to be transported by a good book. Relatively simple to recreate at home, this could be made by suspending a sheer net from the ceiling above a bean bag or floor cushion. Stringing fairy lights along the wall will create a magical atmosphere.
See 10 of the best new kids’ rooms on Houzz
Tucked into a corner, this fairy-tale tent is the perfect place for little ones to be transported by a good book. Relatively simple to recreate at home, this could be made by suspending a sheer net from the ceiling above a bean bag or floor cushion. Stringing fairy lights along the wall will create a magical atmosphere.
See 10 of the best new kids’ rooms on Houzz
Carve out a space in the living room
To keep children close by while you work, why not carve out a reading space in the living or dining room? This simple window seat makes a very comfy perch for reading and is in full view of anyone else in the room. The drawers underneath the bench would be ideal for stashing a pile of books or games.
To keep children close by while you work, why not carve out a reading space in the living or dining room? This simple window seat makes a very comfy perch for reading and is in full view of anyone else in the room. The drawers underneath the bench would be ideal for stashing a pile of books or games.
Fashion a space for two
This bright and cheerful playroom offers plenty of spots where kids can curl up with a book. The large floor cushion, within arm’s reach of the book shelves, makes a comfy perch for little ones, while the hanging chair would be great fun for older kids to sit in and swing while they read. A comfy armchair would be a good alternative if a hanging chair isn’t an option.
This bright and cheerful playroom offers plenty of spots where kids can curl up with a book. The large floor cushion, within arm’s reach of the book shelves, makes a comfy perch for little ones, while the hanging chair would be great fun for older kids to sit in and swing while they read. A comfy armchair would be a good alternative if a hanging chair isn’t an option.
Vote for chic and minimal
This beautiful reading corner would be appealing to children and adults alike. Slim picture shelves, brightly coloured books, an angled floor lamp and a snug sheepskin throw over the back of the chair make this an enticing spot for both storyteller and listener.
This beautiful reading corner would be appealing to children and adults alike. Slim picture shelves, brightly coloured books, an angled floor lamp and a snug sheepskin throw over the back of the chair make this an enticing spot for both storyteller and listener.
Keep it simple
While many of these ideas are fun and inspiring, you don’t always need to create an elaborate space to encourage reading – a comfy spot with a good reading light and lots of cushions should do the trick. Installing a wall-mounted, flexible lamp like this one above a bed or armchair will allow kids to read easily and clearly.
Have you created a reading nook in your house? Share it with us in the Comments below.
While many of these ideas are fun and inspiring, you don’t always need to create an elaborate space to encourage reading – a comfy spot with a good reading light and lots of cushions should do the trick. Installing a wall-mounted, flexible lamp like this one above a bed or armchair will allow kids to read easily and clearly.
Have you created a reading nook in your house? Share it with us in the Comments below.
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Transforming an awkward corner into a cosy reading nook can be a great use of space in a playroom or living area. By creating a large, comfy seat in this alcove and installing plenty of shelves for books, this is the perfect spot for family story time.
Plenty of natural light floods in thanks to the large window, and the wall light takes over when the light level falls.