Bookworms know there’s nothing like curling up indoors with a good book when it’s biblical outside.
But poor weather doesn’t make reading at home the last resort. For many, the pleasure of falling into their latest page-turner is a cosy, calming pastime that can be enjoyed whatever the meteorological conditions are like beyond the front door.
If you’ve got a stack of books to work your way through, having a comfortable place to read them is a lovely feature to have in the home. Contrary to belief, you don’t need tons of space or a dedicated library to have one either. A reading nook can be fashioned in any corner, transforming an unloved space into your favourite spot in the house.
Whether you’ve already earmarked a space or you’re looking for inspiration, there are plenty of ideas to seek out online. A reading nook can be set up by a large window (it’s better for your eye health, plus there’s the bonus of creating fitted seating if you have a deep bay window), a corner of the living room or in the bedroom.
Comfortable seating is the first step, before adding adequate lighting, which you will need even if you’re positioned by a bright window - especially if you want to read after dark.
Cushions, candles and blankets add to the cosy vibe, while a side table with enough room to hold a mug of tea and a small plate of biscuits are nice extras. You can even add a small area rug to help section the space, an easy way to help divide busy rooms. Go one step further by adding a screen or room divider to partition off the nook.
If there’s space, a small cabinet, shelves or bookcase means you can keep your reading stack close to hand. Wall-mounted designs are perfect for small spaces, keeping the floor uncluttered. And of course, you’ll need a comfy armchair, loveseat or floor cushion to sit on if you can’t build a seat into your chosen corner.
Excited by the possibilities? You should be. To help create the reading nook of your dreams, we’ve curated a list of all the details, from large to small.
Shop the edit below
Cozmo 1.5 Seater Chaise Sofa
Half sofa, half bed, all love - why get a matching footstool when Cozmo's design incorporates it so well into this loveseat chaise hybrid?
The cosy design comes in two colourways and is like sinking into a cloud thanks to the feather and memory foam filling and soft fleece cushion covers.
It's a large piece at 108cm x 133cm x 75cm but if you've the space, you won’t want to sit anywhere else.
Buy now £1322.00, Cozmo
Dunelm Darwin Slub Cotton Blend Armchair
There’s nothing like flopping down after a hard day with your copy of the Evening Standard to flick through.
This roomy loveseat has more than enough space to curl up and is covered with a lovely cotton blend that will keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s available for home delivery and comes in various shades: we love the pale blue pictured. Opt for light or dark wood on the legs.
Buy now £749.00, Dunelm
Anthropologie Celestial Petite Accent Chair
A petite chair to sit in a bedroom, hallway or living room corner, the design unites a classic shape with cool astrology-themed upholstery. With a spring seat, it's as comfortable to sit in as it is lovely to look at.
Buy now £698.00, Anthropologie
Homie Reading Pillow with Wrist Support
Give your chair or sofa an upgrade with this reading pillow, designed with pockets to keep gadgets and essentials close to hand. Available in six soothing shades, the armrests boast slip pockets to tuck in small slim items like Kindles and tablets. It's filled with plush memory foam for both comfort and support. The soft cover is perfect for snuggling into.
Buy now £32.63, Amazon
Graham & Green Bobbin Natural Linen and Ash Bench
Whether you're hoping to create a reading nook or need somewhere to sit to put on shoes, this beautiful bench is a quirky option. It's crafted from Fraxinus ash wood and finished with a loose seat foam-filled cushion, wrapped in 100 per cent linen for the final flourish. The beaded legs offer a heritage look that is bound to appeal to warm, country-inspired homes.
Buy now £695.00, Graham & Green
Pooky sphynx rechargeable table lamp in white marble
Best for: elevating interiors
White marble and gold are a match made in decor heaven. Pooky has taken the palette for its rechargeable table lamp, which, while expensive at just shy of £200 for the base alone, is one of the chicest renditions we've seen on the market. Pair with the brand's signature patterned lampshades or fit with one you've already got to bring new life to old treasure.
Buy now £199.00, Pooky
Soho Home Rowan Arc Floor Lamp
Height: 214cm
The Rowan Arc floor lamp is a true modern tribute to the iconic Arco lamp from the contemporary design masters at Soho Home, from the dark Emperador marble base to the arched chrome frame and the globular, adjustable shade. An extra-large option for the most spacious of living rooms.
Buy now £2435.00, Soho Home
Yinhamnl Resin Stacked Books Lamp
Stay on theme with this table lamp, designed to look like an illuminated stack of books. Made from resin and packed with vintage appeal thanks to the stained glass effect, it gives a soft glow for cosy ambience.
Buy now £21.99, Amazon
Architectural Digest La Joie Natural Multicolour Rug
Maximalists and minimalists alike will adore the huge selection over at Ruggable which is packed with its in-house designs plus collaborations with big brands like Architectural Digest.
This arty piece is one of the many gems in the mix and takes inspiration from legends like Dali, Frida Kahlo, and Basquiat. Like all of Ruggable's designs, the rugs come in two parts: a top machine-washable layer and a thicker cushioned pad with an anti-slip finish to keep it stable. It means you can make future purchases cover only and change your interior look for less.
Safe to say, we are obsessed.
Buy now £119.00, Ruggable
HLZDH Faux Fur Sheepskin Style Rug
Measuring 50 x 80cm, this luxe-looking rug looks far more expensive than its incredibly modest price tag. It offers a quick and easy way to update your interiors and is made from artificial wool, backed with soft white suede. Lay it over your armrest for an extra layer of warmth or position it underneath for pleasing warmness underfoot.
Buy now £11.69, Amazon
John Lewis Starburst Wool Rug, Dia. 100cm, Plaster
Crafted in India, this hand-tufted wool rug is made for upping your living room ante. It comes in a fetching mustard yellow too, and is made from 100 per cent wool measuring 100cm across.
Buy now £55.25, John Lewis
Oliver Bonas Patchwork Multicolour Velvet Bedspread
Whether it's for adding an extra layer of warmth to your bed or you plan to wander around the house under it all weekend, this bedspread is a thing of beauty. The 220 x 220cm square is cased in cotton and can be machine washed, making it easy to care for.
Find more cosy blankets to curl up under here.
Buy now £165.00, Oliver Bonas
Atlantic Blankets Mint Cashmere Merino Blanket
Made from high-quality merino wool and soft cashmere, this beautiful blanket promises to make any reading nook inviting. Crafted in Ireland, the piece is breathable yet temperature-regulating, keeping you comfortable whether it’s summer or winter.
Buy now £169.00, Atlantic Blankets
The Tartan Blanket Company Cotton Cushion Cover in Coral Stripe
Add a splash of colour and texture to your nook. It's easy with a fun cushion. Full of wiggly lines, and ruffles and made from sustainable BCI cotton, the best thing about cushions is that you can swap them around the house when you tire of them in one spot.
Buy now £42.00, The Tartan Blanket Company
Oliver Bonas Parker Bobbin Purple Acacia Wood Side Table
Crafted in acacia wood and finished in lovely lavender, we're surprised to find this darling side table hasn't sold out - yet. There are three levels to curate your favourite things, plus a slim drawer to hide away more stuff. Also available in pink and green.
Buy now £175.00, Oliver Bonas
John Lewis Grayson Side Table, Dark
Fully paid-up member of the midcentury fan club? Then you’ll adore this Grayson side table from John Lewis, which offers two levels to keep essentials. Available in light wood as well as this dark version, the tripod design is especially practical for smaller rooms. It’ll also make a smart nightstand if you’re after something different for your bedside table.
Buy now £179.00, John Lewis
Anthropologie Swirling Marble End Table
Dimensions (short table): 48 x 13 x 25cm
With just about enough room to keep a cuppa or your latest novel, these slim end tables are the perfect bed or sofa-side companions. Crafted from marble and supported with brass-coloured metal, the twin designs are available in two sizes to best suit your needs.
Buy now £138.00, Anthropologie
STOREMIC Floating Shelves 38cm Shelves for wall
Dimensions: 38 x 17 x 3.5cm
For walls that’ll fade into the background and give your trinkets the limelight they deserve instead, look no further than this set of three 38cm shelves available at Amazon. Damp-proof and heat-resistant, the MDF wood shelves offer quick and easy storage that you can get up in minutes thanks to the included mounting accessories.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Dunelm Bradford Shelf Wall Light with Magnetic Bulb Holder
Dimensions: 38 x 50 x 14cm
Available in white as well as black, this floating shelf unit comes with an integrated bulb holder - so it’s a lamp too! Multifunctional design at its best. There are two levels to display your favourite ornaments and homewares.
Buy now £49.00, Dunelm
BBB Italia Sapiens Metal Bookcase
Designed by Bruno Rainaldi for BBB Italia, the floating Sapiens metal bookcase experienced a period of internet virality in 2023. A must-have accessory for cool, contemporary spaces, it’s available in aluminium, white, red and black finishes. Choose between three different sizes depending on how extensive your home library is or purchase all three for a cascading wall of floating literature.
Buy now £249.00, Design Italy
