A cozy reading nook is the perfect retreat for book lovers and those looking to unwind. Whether nestled in an alcove, tucked beside a window, or creatively carved out of an unused corner, these spaces are the type of place you remember forever.
“These kinds of built-ins trigger so many memories and emotions,” says New York-based architect Gil Schafer, author of A Place to Call Home. “It might be the bunk bed you had as a child, or feelings of other places you remember, like being belowdecks in a boat.”
In this article, we’ll explore various ideas to help you design the perfect reading nook that suits your style and space.
A World Away
Creating a secluded reading spot can transport you to another world, even within your own home. A bunk niche, like the one featured in this lower-level game room of an upstate New York lake house, offers the perfect blend of privacy and togetherness. The sea-blue grasscloth and crisp white millwork brighten the surrounding walls, while white-washed wood planks give the alcove its own distinct character.
To create the cozy atmosphere, use these elements:
- An articulating sconce for focused lighting
- Built-in bookshelves for easy access to reading material
- Framed prints to personalize the space
- Plush cushions for comfort
Add warm blankets and a small side table to hold a cup of tea or coffee, completing your intimate nook.
Gathering Spot Reading Nook
A reading nook doesn’t have to be a solitary space. It can also serve as a gathering spot for family and friends. In this living room, an expansive bay window with a built-in seat recalls fond childhood memories of one of the homeowners.
To make your gathering spot more functional:
- Add small, movable tables for meals or games
- Include storage underneath for blankets or board games
- Incorporate ample seating with comfortable cushions
- Provide good, natural light for reading and socializing
Add some cozy throws and decorative pillows to invite guests to linger longer and enjoy the comfortable setting.
Integrated Cozy Alcove
An integrated alcove can seamlessly blend into your existing room design while still providing a distinct reading area. This family room features a reading nook with robin’s egg blue paneling that complements the surrounding decor, including floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a fireplace.
To create an integrated alcove, use these design elements:
- A deep seat that can double as a guest bed
- A panel below open shelves for comfortable head support
- Built-in shelving for books and decorative items
- Matching or complementary color schemes
Add a patterned rug and some unique wall sconces to complete a harmonious look. This nook can also be a quiet study area.
Double Daybed
A double daybed offers a spacious reading nook option. This example, featuring two custom mattresses running toe-to-toe along a living room wall, provides ample space for multiple readers or loungers. The mismatched, reclaimed wood boards lining the wall add character and warmth to the space, making it inviting and rustic.
Key features of this double-daybed design include:
- A decorative skirt detail for a polished look
- Proximity to a heat register for added comfort
- Storage drawers for practical use and improved proportions
- Sufficient length for two people to stretch out comfortably
This type of reading nook not only serves as a cozy spot for reading but also provides extra sleeping space for overnight guests. Add a canopy or drapes to create a sense of privacy and intimacy within the larger room. Some scatter cushions and throw blankets can also increase the comfort of this nook.
How it’s Made: Double Daybed
This built-in double daybed is basically a three-cubby bench with inset drawers that glide on undermount slides. The structure sits on a raised platform and is finished with a beaded face frame and a cut-out skirt for added visual interest.
Key components of the double-daybed construction include:
- A sturdy base platform for support
- Decorative face frame and skirt details
- Inset drawers with smooth-gliding hardware
- Three separate cubby spaces for organization
You can work with a carpenter or attempt a DIY project to create a similar reading nook in your home. Customize the dimensions and finishes to match your room and personal style. Add a mattress topper for an extra layer of comfort.
Dormer Enclosure
Dormers provide a natural opportunity to create a cozy reading nook. In this top-floor guest room of Schafer’s Maine house, a new dormer accommodates an extra-deep window seat with stunning water views. The large casement windows offer fresh air and natural light, making it an ideal spot for reading or simply enjoying the scenery.
Consider the following ideas to maximize function in your nook:
- Adding task lighting for nighttime reading
- Building in storage drawers for extra bedding or books
- Incorporating thermal insulation for year-round comfort
- Installing comfortable cushions and pillows for extended seating
These additions can transform an otherwise unused space into a charming and practical reading retreat. Paint the dormer walls and window frames in soft, inviting colors to bring a more cozy atmosphere. Include blackout curtains or blinds to control light levels during different times of the day.
Bedroom Reading Recess
A bedroom recess can be the perfect spot for a cozy reading nook. In this girl’s bedroom, space was borrowed from an adjacent room to create a comfortable alcove. The nook is wrapped on three sides, and the ceiling is covered with fabric that matches the curtains and upholstered headboard, creating a cohesive and cheerful look.
To create a similar bedroom recess reading nook, do the following:
- Add plenty of pillows for comfort and style
- Build the bench slightly proud of the recess for a more spacious feel
- Incorporate built-in shelving for books and personal items
- Use fabric to soften the space and tie it to the room’s decor
Personalize with string lights or fairy lights for a whimsical touch. A small side table can hold books or a cup of hot chocolate.
Natural Niche
Sometimes, architectural features like chimneys can create natural niches perfect for reading nooks. In this bedroom, the space between two chimneys on either side of a window forms an ideal nook for a built-in bench. The nook is highlighted by trim painted the same blue as the bench seat, with matching blue on the window sashes.
To bring a natural niche reading nook, think about the following:
- Adding a comfortable seat cushion and plenty of plush pillows
- Choosing a color scheme that complements the room while making the nook stand out
- Incorporating small shelves or cubbies for book storage
- Installing adjustable lighting for reading at different times of day
By taking advantage of these natural architectural features, you can create a reading nook that feels like it was always meant to be there. Adding artwork or decorative elements can also highlight the space, making it a focal point within the room.
Nostalgic Nook
A reading nook doesn’t always require built-in features. This under-the-stairs alcove demonstrates how furniture and decor can transform a small space into a cozy retreat. Decorated by interior designer Rita Konig, this nook evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
To create your nostalgic nook:
- Add textiles like throw pillows and blankets for extra coziness
- Choose a comfortable, curved settee or armchair that fits the space
- Hang family photos or vintage prints to add personal history
- Install classic lighting fixtures for ambiance
This approach allows for more flexibility and can be easily updated or moved if needed, making it a great option for renters or those who like to change their decor frequently. Including a vintage rug or keepsakes can enhance the nostalgic feel.
Special thanks to architect Gil Schafer, author of A Place to Call Home: Tradition, Style, and Memory in the New American House (Rizzoli)
