Decorating
Decorating: 9 of the Best Reading Nooks
Imagine a couple of hours with the latest bestseller in these delightful book-reading corners…
Don’t you just love losing yourself in the pages of the latest must-read book? Be it a fictional blockbuster, an inspiring travel guide or a fascinating biography, make sure you enhance your reading experience by picking out a quiet, comfortable spot in the house where you can recline for a few, uninterrupted hours. Put up the don’t disturb sign and get stuck in. Now that’s what I call bliss…
Hunker down in a den
For me, this converted loft is the most inviting space to while away the hours with a good book. The piles of jewel-coloured cushions and string of colourful fairy lights create the cosiest ambience imaginable.
What to consider when planning a loft conversion
For me, this converted loft is the most inviting space to while away the hours with a good book. The piles of jewel-coloured cushions and string of colourful fairy lights create the cosiest ambience imaginable.
What to consider when planning a loft conversion
Stretch out in front of the fire
Position a comfortable chaise or chair with footstool in front of a roaring fire for an inviting reading space during the winter months. And when the night draws in, simply switch on your angled reading lamp and settle down for the night with your page-turner. You could be in for the long haul…
Position a comfortable chaise or chair with footstool in front of a roaring fire for an inviting reading space during the winter months. And when the night draws in, simply switch on your angled reading lamp and settle down for the night with your page-turner. You could be in for the long haul…
Build in a library
If you want a permanent spot for reading, you can’t top a well-stocked, wall-to-wall library complete with slouchy leather armchair. Bespoke shelving works best for at-home libraries, as it can maximise every last inch of space and accommodate your growing literary collection. Or why not cheat with one of the trompe l’oeil bookcase wallpapers on the market?
If you want a permanent spot for reading, you can’t top a well-stocked, wall-to-wall library complete with slouchy leather armchair. Bespoke shelving works best for at-home libraries, as it can maximise every last inch of space and accommodate your growing literary collection. Or why not cheat with one of the trompe l’oeil bookcase wallpapers on the market?
Snuggle up outdoors
OK, so we don’t all have a view like this, but the appeal of reading in the fresh air is universal. The key is comfy seating – a huge slouchy beanbag is undeniably cosy and easy to move indoors if the heavens open. For warmth on chillier days, take loads of blankets outside, or even invest in a fire pit. Hot chocolate is always warming, of course…
OK, so we don’t all have a view like this, but the appeal of reading in the fresh air is universal. The key is comfy seating – a huge slouchy beanbag is undeniably cosy and easy to move indoors if the heavens open. For warmth on chillier days, take loads of blankets outside, or even invest in a fire pit. Hot chocolate is always warming, of course…
Curl up in bed
Sometimes, there’s nothing better, or more relaxing, than reading a good book in bed. Make sure your boudoir is as cosy as possible, with soft knits and enveloping textures, plus extra pillows and good reading lights.
Sometimes, there’s nothing better, or more relaxing, than reading a good book in bed. Make sure your boudoir is as cosy as possible, with soft knits and enveloping textures, plus extra pillows and good reading lights.
Take in the view
Choose a calm, unhindered backdrop and free your mind of the daily toil – that way you can get stuck into your next blockbuster without distractions. Try turning your chair around, towards the window and away from the rest of the room, as a psychological switch-off. A little side table like this one means drinks and snacks are to hand for extended sessions.
Choose a calm, unhindered backdrop and free your mind of the daily toil – that way you can get stuck into your next blockbuster without distractions. Try turning your chair around, towards the window and away from the rest of the room, as a psychological switch-off. A little side table like this one means drinks and snacks are to hand for extended sessions.
Screen off a section
Even if you live in the most compact of spaces, you can screen off a private area for reading. Hang up simple linen curtains and pull across to create an ad hoc reading spot – away from the hubbub of the rest of the house – in seconds.
Even if you live in the most compact of spaces, you can screen off a private area for reading. Hang up simple linen curtains and pull across to create an ad hoc reading spot – away from the hubbub of the rest of the house – in seconds.
Work in a window seat
If you have the space, fit out your bedroom, kitchen or living area with a comfortable window seat – a perfect spot for settling down with a good book. Make sure there’s ample leg room for stretching out and upholster the seat in a soft yet hard-wearing fabric. The final ingredients? A pile of plump cushions and a cup of tea.
See more window seats
TELL US…
Where do you love to read your book when you have a few moments to spare? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
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Enjoy more Feel Good Home stories
If you have the space, fit out your bedroom, kitchen or living area with a comfortable window seat – a perfect spot for settling down with a good book. Make sure there’s ample leg room for stretching out and upholster the seat in a soft yet hard-wearing fabric. The final ingredients? A pile of plump cushions and a cup of tea.
See more window seats
TELL US…
Where do you love to read your book when you have a few moments to spare? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Enjoy more Feel Good Home stories
I love the incredibly serene nature of this low-slung day bed, which exudes a Zen-like calm for an afternoon’s read – with space for two if you fancy some company. Reading lights and piles of cushions at either end only add to the appeal.