Specialized Room Series: Reading Nooks

A cozy window seat with a cup of tea and a nice breeze, a bright canopy filled with favorite pals like a stuffed teddy bear, and a pile of giant, boho pillows in a tucked away corner. What do these have in common? They’re all possible visions for a new reading nook! People young and old and in-between love to read. They love it even more when it’s in their own perfectly-crafted unique space. So let us at trusted Columbus movers E.E. Ward help you with this small guide to creating your own reading space in your new home.

Step One: Pick Your Area

Find a space in your home that you can dedicate to having only one task: relaxing! This could be a whole room or as small as an un-used closet. Just make sure you (or your children if it’s specifically for them) can comfortably sit and lie down and change positions.

Some Ideas

• A bay window seat
• The corner of a bedroom or living room
• A screened-in porch
• Space underneath stairs
• A larger, un-used closet
• A loft

Step Two: Choose Your Furniture

You want to find a furniture arrangement that allows you to cozy up with your favorite book by yourself. So first figure out what your preference is for a reading position: sitting, reclining, lieing, or a mix of all three! If you don’t mind putting in a little refurbishment work, garage sales and Craig’s List can be great options to find gently used furniture that just needs a little TLC to be like new. Check out our Pinterest board for a collection of great DIY upcycling and other reading nook ideas.

If your reading nook space is for a child (or child at heart) consider a simple pile of large, fluffy cushions on the floor.

Step Three: Storage

What good is a reading nook if you can’t store your books there? Whether you chose a whole room or simply cordon off a corner, there are a myriad of options for shelving. You can find uniquely shaped options (we, of course, especially love this DIY Pottery Barn Look-Alike kid’s shelf made to look like a truck)

or you can paint or buy traditional shelves in any style that fits your décor.

Another option, if you don’t want a traditional shelf or want to stow away items other than books, is to use a storage ottoman.

Step Four: Decorate!

A reading nook should fit your unique personality. You can add some pizazz with:

• Wall Hangings like canvases or tapestries
• Interesting book ends to place on you shelves
• A quirky lamp or other light source

If you really want to up the ante, you can try installing a DIY canopy following these instructions:

DIY Canopy Instructions

Materials:

4-6 standard curtains, depending on how much material you want and how much you want it to bunch

Hula Hoop

Duct Tape

Scissors

12 feet of Ribbon

Command Hook or Hook Screw

Step 1: Carefully using scissors, cut hula cup (hoop?) in one place all the way through

Step 2: Slide curtains onto hoop one at a time like you would a curtain rod. Make sure the seam at the top is facing inward. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cut ribbon into 3 sections that are each 4ft long. Loop ribbon under the hoop and evenly between curtains. Join all 3 loops at the top by tying into a knot.

Step 4: Join the hoop back together via duct tape with the repaired part covered by the back curtain.

Step 5: Place the hook where you would like in the ceiling and hang your new canopy!

This is great for some added privacy to help you focus on your reading or just as a decorative twist.

Step Five: Enjoy your new reading nook!

Whether you went with a boho theme, a whimsical fairy look for your little girl or comforting neutrals, enjoy using this short guide on creating a space in your new home that’s just for spending a little “me time.”

This is the first installment of a new blog series we’ll be doing on how to create specialized rooms in your new home. Follow us for more! Up next week: Home Theaters.